We are all vested in the health and vitality of the valley's future. Over the past decade, we have seen an exodus of young people moving out of town with very few to replace them. If we hope for economic sustainability, this is a problem. We need to make positive changes to the town, instead of surviving on the status quo. Allowing a limited number of food carts in the new town square is a small but important step in reviving this destination-town we all love.
The food cart discussion is not an argument for or against established restaurants, but many want to make it that. Many studies have shown, as cited by Danielle Travers at the April 19 City Council meeting, that food carts increase the overall economic earnings of their areas. They don't hurt existing businesses—they help. Discarding these findings would be negligent.
We are not an island, but we'd like to think so. Ketchum was not impervious to the national recession. When the bottom fell out of the real estate market nationally, we suffered too. Now, as most economists will tell you, the country is on the rebound. Macro trends can, in fact, be applied to our community, and now is a crucial time to take progressive steps to sustain our economy: Improve the energy in town, support entrepreneurial startups, listen to what young people are asking for.
Nobody thinks that food carts alone will save Ketchum. But people want the food carts--not to replace restaurants but to add reasons to go out into town. I understand the fear of the restaurateurs. They fear a future they don't know. Our community needs to look confidently ahead. When young residents leave, so goes their spending power. And that is far more detrimental to the health of our restaurants than four food carts. I urge the City Council and community to support progress.
Chatham Baker
Ketchum
