In the very astute editorial Feb. 5 about our local economy, the Mountain Express reminded our community again how important it is to regain control of our own economic destiny.
We have fallen behind our resort competitors; we need to change the way we reach out to potential and actual visitors; we need to provide more business opportunities; and we need to make our community more accessible to both distant and nearby visitors. With the forward planning of groups like Sustain Blaine, Wood River Economic Partnership, the Sun Valley Co., and the many organizations that are trying to plan for our economic future, our community can re-establish its image as the premier resort destination it once was.
As we look to the future, we should all join in supporting the planned relocation of the airport so we can attract more airlines and provide easier access and reliability for our visitors and for our local businesses. Additionally, the redevelopment of the present airport land in Hailey for economic, educational and cultural purposes will lead to an expanded and diversified valley economy, and provide the economic boost that can help return our community to its deserved prosperity.
We can't continue to oppose every effort to overcome the very real limitations of our valley in terms of visitor accommodations and visitor access. That dog just won't hunt! We don't want to continually be compared to communities that are struggling for survival. Let's become the model that other communities look to because we succeeded.
Len Harlig
Blaine County
