Upcoming elections will have a significant impact on our community. Please take time to get the facts. Phyllis Shafran believes that "the mayor has only two real duties—the budget and managing/overseeing the city staff." She is sadly mistaken. Randy and the current council have many more accomplishments than that. Here are just a few.
Providing opportunities for families and young people:
· The $8.8 million dollar grant now being used to build affordable rental properties that will make it easier for young people and families moving to the valley to get their footing.
· Making community housing a priority.
Doing what is possible to help retain businesses and assist struggling businesses:
· Spending many hours negotiating with Scott to stay in Ketchum.
· Helping to provide low-interest business loans for businesses affected by the Castle Rock Fire and our challenged economy.
· Updating current marketing programs from the Chamber while looking to the future for collaborations with Sun Valley Co., future hoteliers and Sustain Blaine.
· Working to get north valley representation on the FMAA board responsible for our new airport—a major critical link to our future economy.
· Making hotel development a crucial part of Ketchum's future to create a secure and sustainable economy.
Adding additional assets:
· Providing the seed money to develop the Ketchum CDC.
· Creating an urban renewal agency that will provide the community with an estimated $40 million-plus over the next 20 years to be used for future city improvements and additional community housing.
There are many more things Randy, Baird and sitting council members want to accomplish going forward. As a busy but informed citizen and business owner in Ketchum, please join me in voting for Randy Hall and Baird Gourlay to continue our progress.
Robin Reiners
Ketchum
