Wednesday, April 25, 2012

In Ketchum, contenders line up

Candidates to discuss issues at political forums this week

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By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

Voters can get to know candidates for Ketchum City Council seats this week, as the city gears up for a special election May 15.

Voters will decide which of five candidates will fill two open seats, serving four-year terms. In the running are Michael David, Charles Friedman, Mickey Garcia, Julie Lynn and Jim Slanetz.

The Idaho Mountain Express will host a Pizza and Politics forum tomorrow, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Ketchum City Hall. All candidates vying for a seat on the council have stated they will attend. Candidates will present their ideas and then take questions from the public and the press.

The Ketchum Committee for Better Government—founded last year by Ketchum residents Anne Corrock and Ed Simon—is hosting a candidates' forum tonight, April 25. One or two questions from the committee will be asked to candidates, then the public can ask questions. The forum will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Ketchum City Hall.

The candidates are:

Michael David

Age: 46

Occupation: Owner/operator Sawtooth Produce Co.

Government experience: 10 years as board member and executive director of housing authorities in Blaine and Valley counties.

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA and Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Why are you running for office? "I care deeply about our community, the community where I am raising my family. I want Ketchum to be economically and socially vibrant. My goal is to give a voice to the citizens and stakeholders on all the issues we face."

Charles Friedman

Age: 35

Occupation: Small business and commercial lender

Government experience: Currently serving on the Ketchum City Council, Ketchum URA and Ketchum CDC.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in English literature, Colgate University; completed Level I of charted financial analyst program.

Why are you running for office? "I'm running for City Council because this is my home and I've chosen to pursue my career here. I want to encourage smart growth for Ketchum, transparency from the government and involvement from all segments of the community."

Mickey Garcia

Age: 69

Occupations: Retired forester, wildland firefighter, electrical contractor, work camp director, correctional officer.

Government experience: U.S. Air Force, Vietnam veteran, U.S. Forest Service, BLM, California Division of Forestry, Governor's Office, state of California.

Education: Bachelor of Science in forest resource management, University of Montana. Various technical schools in electronic and electrical control technology.

Why are you running for office? "I run because it is my duty and my right to run as a U.S. citizen and a veteran."

Julie Lynn

Age: 54

Occupation: Homemaker, Girl Scout leader, and freelance writer/photographer.

Government experience: Active duty in the Army and work as a journalist and media representative at the Infantry Training Center at Fort Benning, Ga., and at the 7th Army Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. While in college, also served in public affairs for the Oregon National Guard.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Oregon; Department of Defense School of Journalism.

Why are you running for office? "I'm excited about helping the city become more a friendly place, fine tuning the new comprehensive plan and implementing the downtown master plan. With my media experience, I can help keep voters in the loop, something the city needs."

Jim Slanetz

Age: 47

Occupation: Owner/operator of The Board Bin.

Government experience: "Basically, I'm an outsider."

Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science, University of New Hampshire.

Why are you running for office? "As the father of two boys, I want to make our community as vibrant and sustainable as possible. I believe that by bringing people and community-minded organizations together we can make Ketchum a unique and special place."

Rebecca Meany: rmeany@mtexpress.com

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