Who Can Save Ketchum?

Online Forum

Meet the Candidates

Baird Gourlay:

 
(Incumbent)

Why are you running for City Council?

I’m running because I believe in service to community. To exercise our liberty is to be involved. This community has vested and developed my skill sets for managing small municipalities. I’ve educated myself in local politics and exhibited leadership. Accomplishments would include the URA, the KCDC, the YMCA and the 4th street corridor and there is more to come.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Three things: 1) I’d like to tap into our local Athletes and their sponsors who are keen to reinvigorate and co-market w/ Sun Valley Co. for the area. 2) Annex River Run with plenty of public input. 3) Continue crafting a Green Building Ordinance that gives incentives to use Local Contractors.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

The civility of our people. I’d like to work on common ground, as opposed to “divide and conquer.” We need to work together, understanding our differences and negotiating in a consolatory manor. We need to understand where we have come from and where we want to go.

What can “save” Ketchum?

We can save Ketchum. If we continue to build on our strengths as a resort community and revitalizing our brand name. Plus expand into the realm of education, i.e. institutions and new viral business incubators. Hotels will certainly help and transportation needs to be optimized.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

Bob Marley and the Wailers: “you can get it if you really want”…speaks for itself, doesn’t it.

50-something. Middlebury College ’79. Owner: “PK’s Ski & Sports” and “E=mc2” (Energy Management & Consulting Corp.). 2001-09 Ketchum City Council & 1998-2000 Ketchum P & Z. I’ve lived, worked and raised my family in Ketchum. I love this community. Eleven years of service in Ketchum politics has taught me how to work with people, officials and staff. I think we’re at a crossroads and experience is critical.

Lee Chubb:

Why are you running for City Council?

I want to bring transparency and honesty back to our government and create the conditions that will let Ketchum prosper in the long term. Our current leadership is not being honest with us, and they are not paying attention to the kind of planning that will ensure our future prosperity. They have an agenda, which is separate from the interests of the people and completely short-term. Their planning has been skewed by their need to pay off the enormous URA debt they’ve incurred, and it often honors special interests more than it honors residents. It’s time to change that.

What will be your first action after taking office?

My first action after taking office will be to set the stage for the work to come. I believe that transparent government and citizen involvement is key, so I will be advocating a major overhaul of the city’s website to make it easier for citizens to understand what’s going on and be involved with the process.

The other part of setting the stage will be learning in detail how the city works, where we are, what we need to do, and how to get there. I will use my experience in information technology to contribute in this area as well.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

That we relearn what it is to be a community and grow together. Narrow special interests have been working to pit us against each other so that they can profit, and they have shredded our social fabric. It’s time to reject the bickering and partisanship, and the short term thinking they create, and to realize that a community is created only when each party recognizes and embraces the needs of the other. This is not only good human policy, but good economic policy. A commitment to community is the first step towards planning well, working well, and ultimately being successful.

What can “save” Ketchum?

To save Ketchum we need to commit ourselves to long-term planning and the interests of the people who live here. Businesses need to recognize that the full time residents are important to the long-term economic success of Ketchum, and that the tourist economy is only part of the economic picture. Advocates of large development need to understand that compromising the interests of the full time residents will only undermine the economic prospects going forward. If we recognize the ways in which all our interests are intertwined then we can begin to work together to plan for the future.
 

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Grateful Dead, without question, both for their intertwining of vital American genres into a new form and for the community they inspired through their music and their attitudes. I learned a number of my early lessons about community at their concerts, and I learned the transformative power that joy can have on a group of disparate people. They were instrumental (no pun intended) in teaching me to appreciate complexity and to be open to exploration and change, and those are values that I have come to embrace throughout my life. I would not be the same person without them.

BA in Music from Yale University. Moved here seventeen years ago and currently develop software for Apple’s iPhone. Play and write music and am involved with art— both in its creation and in production assistance for large groups and pieces. I’m an organic vegetable gardner, and I love my dog.

Jan Hegewald:

Why are you running for City Council?

 I’m running because I want to help reinvigorate Ketchum so it becomes a place that’s economically viable for working people of all ages. I’m “about” tourism, access, transportation, and a forward-thinking view of our opportunities. If I can accomplish anything through the act of running for Council, I'd hope it would be to create awareness, and empower the younger people of Ketchum to enact positive change for our community. We'll inherit a mess, or a gem, and either way we'll have a hand in the outcome. You can do nothing, or you can work to better your community.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Approve a hostel.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

The divisive small town politics. The platforms of negativity hurt our community. We need better communication and open-mindedness. Running around, uninformed, with a chip on your shoulder is not an effective way to enact positive change for our community.

What can “save” Ketchum?

Better recognition and standing in the national resort markets. More location neutral businesses and jobs. Better transportation to, from, and within the Valley. Harnessing the "green" economy. Housing solutions. The understanding that we're all in this together and really working towards a return to vibrancy. Locking the gate will kill the community...and already is. We need to position ourselves to cultivate a renaissance.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Rolling Stones. To me, there's something timeless about their music. More blues, less pop. Gritty and soulful. The imagery is intense. It's the closest you'll ever come to hearing a photograph.

Age: 30
Occupation: Designer/Bar Manager Cornerstone Bar & Grill.
Education: BA Politics/Political Theory: Whitman College.
Government experience: Executive Board Member/ Head of Leadership Development, Ketchum Community Development Corp. I've been in Ketchum for the last 20 years, 7 of those, full time.

Nina Jonas:

Why are you running for City Council?

A fourth-generation local and Ketchum business owner, I want to become involved in legislating our future and creating an economy that affords young people like me the opportunity to live, play, have families and homes in the place we love.

What will be your first action after taking office?

I will urge my fellow city council members to collaborate on establishing a specific economic development strategy in support of a diverse, year-round economy that appreciates our world-class natural and cultural values. We will utilize the 2001 Comprehensive Plan, 2006 Master Development Plan, 2009 GoBlaine! plan and our wealth of local expertise to develop the strategy.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

More full time residents invested in the community.

What can “save” Ketchum?

The people. The dedicated people who make our community attractive to visitors and new residents will “save” Ketchum. In government, we must come together, forgive the past and refrain from acrimony in moving forward to build a strong community full of possibilities for all those who want to make Ketchum their year-round home.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Bobos! Whether at Whiskeys or an end-of-season party, a Bobos performance always brought the town together, dancing in the street and generating enormous community spirit. And the lead singer’s name is BBQ Bob!

I am a fourth generation Blaine County resident and owner/operator of Rickshaw restaurant in Ketchum. I attended the London School of Economics, graduated from Smith College and have a background in corporate administration and non-profit fundraising.
 

Peter Lewis:

Why are you running for City Council?

I think it is pretty obvious to all that the Sun Valley area has been stagnating since the turn of the century while other resorts have been flourishing. This is due in large part to the Ketchum City Government turning its back on the types of businesses and projects that would make our community more economically vibrant. I would bring business experience to Ketchum City Government, which it needs. With my experience, I would try to enact policies that would bring about positive change in Ketchum.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Streamline the permitting process for projects deemed in the best interest of the community!

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Participate in the approval of a 5-star hotel that will actually get built in my lifetime.

What can “save” Ketchum?

Peter Lewis’ 4-point plan:

• Streamline the permitting process.
• Float a bond issue to bury power lines, upgrade utilities, and put sidewalks
  throughout the downtown core with snowmelt underneath.
• Hire a world-class marketing agency to develop a branding and marketing
  strategy for the entire area with Sun Valley and Hailey and pay for it with an increase in the percentage of LOT money allocated to marketing (kept in a separate account for the sole purpose of paying for the marketing, not commingled with the General Fund).
• Develop a transportation strategy for local and regional transportation
  including having full representation on the new airport board.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The SCORPIANS, because they “rock you like a hurricane!”

I graduated from the University of Southern California with a BS in Accounting. I have been in business in Ketchum since 1990 and have owned the Clarion Inn of Sun Valley since 1992. Other business experience includes real estate development, construction, cable television and high technology. I like to snowboard and play golf. I am a fitness fanatic.

Carter Ramsay:

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for City Council because I would like to build on the unique character of Ketchum and make it an affordable place and an attractive town for all people to live. With a strong vision and sound economic plan, Ketchum can be a sustainable community.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Sit down with the existing Council members and understand their drive, vision and current momentum prior to suggesting changes and initiating new paths.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Shrink Main Street to three lanes allowing for wider sidewalks, pedestrian friendly traffic and sidewalk seating for restaurants.

What can “save” Ketchum?

A strong vision, sound economic plan and collaborative effort with neighboring municipalities, regional government and entities such as Sustain Blaine.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The greatest “rock band”: The Faces. From 1969 came phenomenal acts such as The Band, Blind Faith and Steely Dan, but The Faces had the best dynamic on stage and in the studio. Most of the members then went on to larger acts such as
The Who and the Rolling Stones. Their rock was pure, emotional, original, and has been credited by many modern day bands as influential.

Carter Ramsay was born and raised in North Carolina, educated at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He earned bachelors of science and pre-med degrees from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He moved to Ketchum in 2002 and is currently proprietor and president of Ramsay Solutions, Inc., a Ketchum business that specializes in renovations of existing residential and commercial structures. He is married to Margot Rae Ramsay and together they are expecting their first child in April, 2010.

Ed Simon:

Why are you running for City Council?

Because I have found that the current city government, led by Randy Hall and Baird Gourley, to be unresponsive to Ketchum residents, irresponsible in their overall actions (financial mis-management), and have set forth policies that are not only ineffective, but ignore the basic tenets of good government and state law. There is a lack of transparency under their leadership, and it requires those of us who disagree to step up, speak out, and run for office. Consequently, there are six individual challengers seeking office, and any inexperience is far superior to the bad experience that these two elected officials have offered.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Do a complete and honest study of the City’s finances, to be followed by either an ordinance for a City-Manager form of government, or to urge citizens to do an initiative requiring an election to determine public support. In addition, I will speak out when City Council agendas do not accurately represent the agenda item, so that the City Council meetings put the public on notice of what is really being decided. There will be real debate, not preordained and calculated discussions for appearance sake only.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Opportunity. We need to get young people here first, and provide new opportunities for them to stay. If they come, some will stay and utilize their education and background for new businesses based upon the information age, and their own creativity. Although it is more difficult today than in 1975, the young are smarter, and with more tools at hand. I came here more than thirty years ago as an over-educated ski bum, and I stayed because Ketchum is as beautiful now as it was then. We must all share our good fortune with the next generation.

What can “save” Ketchum?

Ketchum doesn’t need saving, but it needs help now. The incumbents in this election have put all of their eggs in one economic basket—hotels. Hotels won’t be a panacea for what ails us, part of which is the national economic recession. We need to reinvigorate our economic base and expand beyond tourism, real estate and the construction industries.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Rolling Stones, and if you need to ask why, you are under forty.

Originally came to Sun Valley to ski bum for the winter after finishing law school. Winnings from a TV quiz show enabled me to extend my stay to the summer. Thereafter became professional ski bum and practicing attorney for the past 30 years. Prior Mayor of Ketchum, City Councilman, Chairman Ketchum Housing Commission, and extensive training in Ketchum’s Political School of Hard Knocks.

CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR

Mickey Garcia:

Why are you running for mayor?

It is my civic duty considering the breadth and depth of my experience.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Reduce the mayor's salary from 36 thousand dollars per annum to 17 thousand dollars per annum, same as a council member's salary and run the city more like a council/manager form of government.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Three thousand more young people living and working in the north Valley. And increase altitude to nine thousand feet above sea level.

What can “save” Ketchum?

Three thousand more young people living and working in the north valley.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

Royal Society Jazz Orchestra: Because I like melody and rhythm from the Jazz Age (1920s) better than loud noise.

Mick Garcia, a man for all seasons, was born March 2, 1943. He has a B.S. in Forest Resource Management from the University of Montana. His Government Experience includes: Vietnam Vet, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army Contractor, U.S. Forest Service, B.L.M, California Governors’ Office, California Division of Forestry, California Youth Authority, California Dept. of Corrections. Retired licensed Journeyman Electrician, Instrument Technician & Electrical Contractor. Retired wildland fire fighter, Full Time Ketchum resident since 1985, seasonal resident since 1972.

Mayor Randy Hall:

(Incumbent)

Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for Mayor in order to continue the positive momentum we've created over the past four years, which is to position the city to thrive in the new economy. We need to market our lifestyle, increase tourism, and invest in housing, infrastructure, alternative energy and transportation to increase economic vitality and social vibrancy.

What will be your first action after taking office?

Encourage and foster a healthy partnership with Sun Valley Company, specifically guiding a successful negotiation between applicant and council for River Run Annexation and the proposed resort development on this site. This is a crucial project that will have a significant impact on our town–economically, physically and socially

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Vibrancy: We need to increase the number of visitors from all demographics, youth in particular. More visitors means more dollars for our local businesses, more revenue for essential city services, more jobs from increased economic vitality. Most of us first came to Ketchum as a visitor and fell in love with the area and its quality of life. As we attract additional visitors, many will be inspired to locate here with their families, to work here, to get involved in their community. This creates a vibrant, thriving community.
 

What can “save” Ketchum?

We can! By working together, we will continue to implement the policies of the last four years, which position us for a thriving and sustainable long-term future. Specifically, we continue to partner with hotel projects to help them commence construction and get underway. It’s critical to replace the 300-plus lost hotel beds and attract new visitors with millions of new marketing dollars. We must also continue to invest in our community through the Urban Renewal Agency and the volunteer driven Community Development Corporation which works to enhance our way of life in key areas: transportation, housing, town design, economic development and energy solutions.
 

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Rolling Stones. Because they’ve given us five decades of great music and they’re multi-generational.

Randy Hall is the Mayor of Ketchum as well as an Emergency Room Paramedic at St. Luke’s Wood River. Randy spent eight years as City Council President before becoming Mayor. He has lived in Ketchum for 30 years. He is married with a 10-month-old baby girl.

Phyllis Shafran:

Why are you running for mayor?

I have been a citizen of Ketchum for twenty-seven years. In the past two years, I have become more and more concerned about the lack of fiscal responsibility demonstrated by the current mayor and city council. I feel it is my civic duty as an experienced money manager to help stop the further reckless financial decisions, which are currently hurting our community and preventing the city from progress. I would be honored to represent the City of Ketchum as its mayor.

What will be your first action after taking office?

I would do a thorough assessment of the city’s finances, determine the money owed to the city, work with those in debt to the city to determine a feasible way to repay their debt, and get a handle on Ketchum’s real budgetary needs. I will also meet with all department heads and their employees to introduce myself.

If there were just one thing you could change about Ketchum, what would it be?

Make Main Street more inviting than what the current row of bank buildings offer.

What can “save” Ketchum?

The mayor and city council need to help, not hinder the hotel developers to re-energize Ketchum. We also need to restore our own police force.

What is the greatest rock band of all time, and why?

The Grateful Dead–because they were.

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA. Took accounting classes at UCLA and worked in the motion picture industry as a production accountant before moving to Ketchum.

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