For the week of  Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2001

Enough of the platitudes

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In the current vernacular of a nation rolling up its sleeves for the nasty and prolonged war on terrorism, President Bush’s challenge — "it’s time for action, not words" — has a useful local application.

Nothing could be more fitting for Wood River Valley candidates running for council seats in Ketchum, Sun Valley and Hailey, where being merely in favor of something is far different than spelling out for voters how to achieve what he or she is "for."

Surely, candidates for election or re-election are familiar with pressing issues, including affordable housing and public transit, that have been on the valley’s agenda for years.

Both are becoming increasingly critical to the valley’s economic well being.

As housing prices soar faster than pay scales, workers vital to the valley’s daily life are unable to find affordable housing close to their jobs.

As the downtown area of Ketchum becomes more densely built and parking becomes more precious, workers commuting from Hailey and Bellevue, and thus choking drive time traffic flow, need ways to leave their vehicles at home. Reliable, regular public transit meets that criteria admirably.

Candidates need to outline strategies for achieving specific goals. Too many elected officials react to problems rather than lead with ideas that attack problems before they develop.

That’s the premiere quality of any leader — thinking ahead, developing ideas and then sharing them with the community.

The alternative is the elected official who mumbles promises, repeats platitudes and waits for a crisis to develop before acting.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.