Perry. Although I have only lived in Ketchum for the past five years, I have come to love all that this community has to offer. After living in NY and LA for the past 30+ years, I expected to encounter a local government that fosters a strong sense of the public good and operates with a practical approach. A community where governmental actions are driven by common sense and good foundational data, not patronage and self-interest. This would be a refreshing change from the way things often seem to work in larger, more politically driven environments. Sadly, I have been repeatedly disappointed by the way governmental decisions are made in our community. Data is often ignored, if even presented, and thoughtful discourse is rarely evident. My sincere hope is that in our next election, we can elect leadership that considers data, exercises discretion, uses common sense, and, most importantly, focuses on outcomes rather than self-serving processes.
A change to the Council-Manager Form of Government would be a step towards the good governance you describe here.
Ketchum needs professional, non-political management of the day to day running of the city along with an excellent elected mayor and council to be the policy makers.
This November we can vote for both! If you are a registered Ketchum voter, sign the petition to get the choice of the form of government on the ballot.
"Whatever we collectively decide to do as a community, let’s do it transparently. Let’s include the views of everyone, and let’s do it in a way that holds City Hall accountable for achieving our collective goals."
This is the challenge. Elections matter because they show the public how serious public officials are about doing this, versus putting through plans that are seen as lacking truly inclusive, well-organized public input--and therefore legitimacy.
In the absence of being able to talk to every single person, elected officials could hold a Civic Assembly that would randomly select a representative cross-section of residents. That way elected officials can hear from regular people who learn about an issue, bring life experience to the table and deliberate collectively, in order to help elected officials solve problems. Boulder, Colorado is holding one right now: https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-assembly
Agree that nothing should be spent on housing until we get a list of exactly who the "customers" are. If the city won't do that, could anyone else? Could we make a website for any essential worker to put in an "application" (What they need/want, their income range, etc?)
I appreciate the kind words. We cannot preserve the town in amber--it will change and evolve as its residents change and evolve. My goal is for that change to be driven by its residents, and to reduce the influence of those who want to exploit Ketchum (like the Marriott representatives).
Perry. Although I have only lived in Ketchum for the past five years, I have come to love all that this community has to offer. After living in NY and LA for the past 30+ years, I expected to encounter a local government that fosters a strong sense of the public good and operates with a practical approach. A community where governmental actions are driven by common sense and good foundational data, not patronage and self-interest. This would be a refreshing change from the way things often seem to work in larger, more politically driven environments. Sadly, I have been repeatedly disappointed by the way governmental decisions are made in our community. Data is often ignored, if even presented, and thoughtful discourse is rarely evident. My sincere hope is that in our next election, we can elect leadership that considers data, exercises discretion, uses common sense, and, most importantly, focuses on outcomes rather than self-serving processes.
JR,
A change to the Council-Manager Form of Government would be a step towards the good governance you describe here.
Ketchum needs professional, non-political management of the day to day running of the city along with an excellent elected mayor and council to be the policy makers.
This November we can vote for both! If you are a registered Ketchum voter, sign the petition to get the choice of the form of government on the ballot.
Anne Corrock
text or call: 208-721-2499
email: ketchumbettergov@gmail.com
"Whatever we collectively decide to do as a community, let’s do it transparently. Let’s include the views of everyone, and let’s do it in a way that holds City Hall accountable for achieving our collective goals."
This is the challenge. Elections matter because they show the public how serious public officials are about doing this, versus putting through plans that are seen as lacking truly inclusive, well-organized public input--and therefore legitimacy.
In the absence of being able to talk to every single person, elected officials could hold a Civic Assembly that would randomly select a representative cross-section of residents. That way elected officials can hear from regular people who learn about an issue, bring life experience to the table and deliberate collectively, in order to help elected officials solve problems. Boulder, Colorado is holding one right now: https://bouldercolorado.gov/community-assembly
For once, I agree with everything you have said with this post.
Great article!!
Agree that nothing should be spent on housing until we get a list of exactly who the "customers" are. If the city won't do that, could anyone else? Could we make a website for any essential worker to put in an "application" (What they need/want, their income range, etc?)
I was hoping that SVED would do that, but I don't think they will. I think this is something a new City Council will require the housing staff to do.
Perry you are a very fair man to see the tenacity you face and a GOOD MAN trying to keep a small mountain community like Ketchum just the Way It Is.
The tenacity of the Cartel can be defeated by the good will and most of all, the actions of its Citizens!
G☘️☘️D LUCK!
I appreciate the kind words. We cannot preserve the town in amber--it will change and evolve as its residents change and evolve. My goal is for that change to be driven by its residents, and to reduce the influence of those who want to exploit Ketchum (like the Marriott representatives).
Thank you for such careful analysis. It is hopeful to know your efforts could make a difference.