It looks like the Ketchum City Council has a new convenient way to make or to get out of making decisions. All they have to do now is send out a survey, which they have just done and have stated that they will be doing it in the future.
So, now are these surveys going to be the new basis for making decisions? Who did it go to? How many did it go to? Was it sent to the entire voting population in Ketchum or to just a select few? Were the survey questions skewed? Were they accompanied with enough information to help recipients make a completely logical, informed decision, or were the questions skewed to invoke an emotional response? Do you use Highway 75 to go north of Ketchum? If so, I hope you got a copy of the survey and were able to respond to it because you are the person who counts.
The survey in question affects more than just Ketchum. It was in regards to a “gas station,” which the survey claimed was to be built on the corner of Main Street and 10th Street. In actuality, the project in question was requesting a permit to build on Highway 75 and 10th Street, which is north of Ketchum past Main Street. This gas station and convenience store could actually be of benefit to the City of Ketchum, as it would increase the taxes paid to the city, among other things.
The idea of a gas station on “Main Street” might not seem appealing at first thought. However, the CONVENIENCE of one on the north end of town, and particularly for those entering town from the north, does seem appealing – even more appealing for those traveling through town with boats and trailers.
This project is not just about the residents of Ketchum. This is also about the abundance of vehicles passing through Ketchum on Highway 75. This is about those who may need gas or a convenience store and may want to stop and shop in Ketchum. This has more to do with tourism, which keeps our economy going.
Is a small survey to a select number of people a common-sense way for the city council to base their decision making on, or is it a convenient way to get out of making a possible unpopular decision? Our elected officials always take the chance of making an occasional unpopular decision for the betterment of our community. I don’t believe a survey is necessary to do the job they are elected to do. If they are going to continue this trend, it should be unbiased, correct, and go to every mailing address in Ketchum. And even then, it should only be a small fraction of the decision making, and not a popularity contest.
Ken and Marcia Hills
Ketchum residents