1) How should Hailey handle the airport (relocation/expansion) issue?
2) Should the city annex the Quigley Canyon development? Why?
3) What are the top infrastructure priorities facing the city and how should they be funded?
4) What can be done to help boost the local economy?
5) What would be your first action in office?
Richard L. (Rick) Davis
Age: 62
Education: Montana Tech College.
Occupation: Client relations for a title company.
Why running: I am running for office because it is my way of giving back to the community that has given so much to my family.
Government/public service: Community service includes Hailey Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Rotary past president twice, co-founder of Blaine County Community Education (absorbed by CSI), 16 years as Hailey city councilman and four years as mayor.
1) Hailey is being held hostage by a 900-pound gorilla (FAA). We need to know the truth about what our options are so we can educate our citizens as to the costs and improved (or lack of ) reliability and safety of the airport.
2) Quigley should only be annexed if the water rights are proven to be as valuable as stated and the citizens of Hailey do not have to pay for the impact to existing services.
3) Infrastructure capital improvement needs were estimated to be about $32 million during our last capital improvement planning session. Development impact fees are being used. Grants are being considered but they also cost. Health, safety and welfare have top priority.
4) Creating new jobs is the best way of boosting the local economy. We have accomplished that with grants but that is only a temporary fix. New events coming into Hailey will also help the local businesses.
5) We have been talking the talk but now it is time to walk the walk. We have attracted a couple of new businesses to Hailey. I now need to take my economic development team on the road.
Fritz Xavier Haemmerle
Age: 52
Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, Boise State University (1984); Juris Doctor, University of Idaho (1988).
Occupation: Attorney.
Why running: I have always been involved in public service, and I strongly believe that I can make a difference for the city of Hailey.
Government/public service: 1989-1991, Blaine County deputy and chief deputy prosecuting attorney; 1991-1995 Blaine County prosecuting attorney; 1995-1999, special master, Snake River Basin Water Adjudication; Hailey City Council 2008 to present; board member of Rotarun Ski Club; member of Hailey Chamber of Commerce and member of Hailey Service Club.
1) We need to exhaust all options to relocate. We should not expand the current airport in the "hope" of attracting commercial traffic. Our economy needs an airport as Sun Valley was developed because it had transportation (train) service.
2) As councilman I am not allowed to give an opinion. The city needs to change its policies to require annexation fees that are real and related to actual costs of annexation and tighten requirements, perhaps requiring fees at the front end of developments.
3) Paying for streets in the city because some are reaching the end of their life expectancy. Woodside Boulevard may leave little money in the capital fund. The city may be forced to seek bond or increase taxes to pay for the roads.
4) The city, chamber, businesses and citizens need to market Hailey's quality of life. If quality of life is important to businesses looking for homes, Hailey is in an ideal position to compete. Hailey could be more "user friendly" to business.
5) Government needs to be responsive to its citizens. The first thing I would do is to require city staff to answer phones. The city can boost the morale of people who bring events to the city, and show appreciation for a job well done.
Mark Johnstone
Age: 58
Education: M.F.A., University of Southern California; B.A., Colorado College; other continuing education over 30 years.
Occupation: Writer, photographer, arts consultant.
Why running: I believe community service to be an important part of how things get accomplished in this country. I have either been volunteering for service or working in government since 1972.
Government/public service: From 1995-2002 was administrator of the public art program for Los Angeles, managing $2 million to $3 million annually. Worked in local, state and federal government departments in various consulting capacities, including Idaho. Chair of Hailey Arts Commission, vice-chair, Planning and Zoning.
1) Gather information, discuss the issues and listen to the people, as this will be a long process.
2) At the most recent P&Z meeting, the commission unanimously deferred making a recommendation, due to conflicting reports about available water and its value. The developer agreed to provide more information. I believe in developing "in fill," and expanding as needed.
3) Providing adequate services to the citizens—roads, water, basic utility needs (there is a single aging power line running through the city). The city should be self-sufficient, though there are other funding options out there (e.g. grants).
4) Recruit clean, small startups to relocate here with their employees, leveraging the attractive environment and ability to do business remotely across information lines. Provide incentives such as utilities or infrastructure through a U.R.A, and examine current fee structures.
5) Listen and talk to as many people as possible, including staff and residents. I am a consensus builder. If it isn't broke, you don't need to "fix" it.
Geoffrey Moore
Age: 55
Education: Majored in accounting at Palomar Collage, San Marcus, Calif.
Occupation: Retired.
Why running: Because I'm concerned with the numerous fiscally irresponsible decisions made by our elected officials. They have forgotten that they work for the citizens of Hailey. I want open and honest communication between all elected officials and people of Hailey.
Government/public service: 1994-2006 Hailey Volunteer Fire Department. Active involvement in P&Z and council meetings since 2005, participated in four ad-hoc committees,. Serving second term with Hailey P&Z. Member of Blaine County Search & Rescue.
1) Hailey and the FMAA need to give factual information regarding feasibility of relocation versus expansion. I would prefer relocation, but a sound decision cannot be made without knowing the costs to homeowners of expansion, relocation or doing nothing.
2) I respectfully decline to answer the question because it is an active pending agenda item with the Planning & Zoning Commission and as mayor I would be addressing this issue in the future.
3) Complete Woodside Boulevard project with more grants, by reducing the scope of the project or using LOT funds, or prioritize Woodside Boulevard over River Street project. Buy new fire engine with impact development fees, LOT and general funds.
4) Use waivers or deductions of development impact fees. Create a friendlier environment within the city of Hailey for builders, entrepreneurs and new business owners. Create a marketing plan for the city of Hailey. Use mailings, personal contacts, the Internet and visit trade shows.
5) Show appreciation to the Hailey city staff for the hard work they have done over the years. Meet with department heads to familiarize myself with their duties and concerns. Reach out to other cities to emphasize the importance of regional planning.
