Focus on What Matters

Dear Sun Valley Citizens, Friends and Neighbors:

We are down to the final push in this campaign for the City Council. There are some who want the voters to forget what really matters in this election.

Focus on What Matters

A few anonymous people, others with personal agendas, and groups who continue to work toward the consolidation of Sun Valley into Ketchum want you to focus on, and would have you believe, their campaign of negative attacks, outright lies and misinformation that borders on defamation. They are doing this again at the last minute so you may not have time to check the public record to understand the level of their misstatements and misrepresentations.

They offer no constructive ideas or vision for our City. Their negativity and personal attacks do not bring good governance or better government.

On the other hand, my record shows I have always focused on the issues that really matter to keep Sun Valley strong and a great place to live and visit. I am proud to stand by my record of public service to the citizens of Sun Valley. My detailed response to the unfounded charges in the first letter is at: nilsribi.wordpress.com for everyone to see.

Here is what I believe really matters to the citizens of Sun Valley and what I have worked to provide as a member of your City Council:

The livability of Sun Valley is what makes our city so special and why we choose to make it our home.

As your Councilman, I will continue to be a leader in the focus of these priorities if re-elected:

• Keep the City of Sun Valley the best resort community in America in which to live, by providing and maintaining the appropriate infrastructure and level of essential city services to support what citizens and visitors expect;

• Keep the City of Sun Valley independent and fiscally sound, through careful financial management and support of a strong resort economy; and

• Keep an absolute commitment to open and transparent government, where government is responsive and accountable to its citizens.

I would appreciate your vote this Tuesday, November 3^rd. The polls will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at Sun Valley City Hall.

It is an honor to serve you. Thank you for your support.

Nils

Specific Answers to Spurious Anonymous Charges

Last week I responded to an anonymous letter mailed to Sun Valley voters which mischaracterized the truth and my service on the City Council for the past four years. I have prepared the following specific point by point answer to address the factual errors, and clarify the misrepresentations and distortions in that letter. You can then decide about the vitriolic conclusions the anonymous writer makes about me based on his/her mischaracterizations of the truth.

The anonymous writer claims I have “voted to give your money” away to my following “favorite special interests and charities”:

1. “WREP” – WREP stands for Wood River Economic Partnership. On October 18, 2007 I, along with the rest of the Council, voted to enter into a Contract for Services with WREP to conduct specific economic development work for the City, with payments based on the progress of the work. They were unable to fulfill the contract and NO money was expended.
2. “ARCH” – ARCH stands for Advocates for Real Community Housing. I have NEVER voted to give ARCH any money or enter into any Contract for Services with ARCH. However, I learned through my own review of the City’s finances in early 2008 that former Mayor Thorson gave money to ARCH in 2007 and 2006 without seeking Council approval, a violation of the City’s Community Support Grant Policy. I brought this and other violations to the attention of the City and Council as soon as they were discovered.
3. “BCHA” – BCHA stands for Blaine County Housing Authority. The City of Sun Valley is a member of BCHA by virtue of a joint-powers agreement with the other cities in the valley and Blaine County. On November 11, 2006 I, along with the rest of the Council, voted to enter into a one-year contract with BCHA to manage and sell the workforce housing units created as a result of the Elkhorn Springs development and to conduct a needs assessment, along with the other joint-powers partners. Since then, I have not voted to continue that contract or any payments.
4. “ERC” – ERC stands for Environmental Resource Center. On June 18, 2008 I voted, with a majority of the other Council members, to enter into a Contract for Services with the ERC to conduct an energy consumption analysis of all Sun Valley municipal operations for a total of $1,600. That study was presented to the Council and Mayor on February 19, 2009 and is now being implemented to save the City money. In my early 2008 investigation of former Mayor Thorson’s use of the City’s Community Support Grant fund, I found he had also given money to the ERC in 2007 without seeking Council approval, another violation of the City’s Community Support Grant Policy.
5. “KART” – KART was the original name for the local bus service, now known as Mountain Rides. It also operates under a joint-powers agreement among the cities and Blaine County. The City of Sun Valley has funded the local bus service since its inception years ago with proceeds from the local option tax. I have voted to fund KART/Mountain Rides each year I have been on the City Council under a Contract for Service. Since I have been on the Council, I have worked each year to make that Contract for Service more accountable to the citizens of Sun Valley, which in turn makes the bus service better.
6. “Sustain Blaine” – Sustain Blaine (also known as “GoBlaine!”) is a cooperative partnership of all local governments, numerous businesses, including the Sun Valley Company, and other non-governmental agencies working to develop and implement an economic development strategy for all of Blaine County, including Sun Valley. On June 19, 2008 I voted to enter into a Contract for Service with Sustain Blaine, administered by Blaine County, and then on January 15, 2009, based on good progress, I voted, along with the rest of the Council, to fund our share of the Contract to finish the strategy.
7. “48 Straight” – 48 Straight is the name of the former “The Ski Tour” which was held on Dollar Mountain in 2007 and 2008. I NEVER voted to give The Ski Tour or 48 Straight any money. On December 13, 2006 I voted, along with the rest of the Council, to transfer money from the City’s contingency fund to the Police and Fire Departments to cover their anticipated costs associated with the event since this new event had not been anticipated during the normal budgeting process. On November 15, 2007 I voted, along with the rest of the Council, to enter into a Contract for Services with The Ski Tour to provide the same in-kind Police and Fire support for the 2008 event. It should be noted that the City of Sun Valley also provides the same in-kind Police and Fire support to events put on by the Sun Valley Company, the Special Olympics, and the like, all events which generate local option taxes.
8. “Ketchum Chamber of Commerce” – The “Ketchum Chamber of Commerce” does not exist. The City of Sun Valley has entered into a Contract for Service with the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber and Visitors Bureau (SV/KCVB) for around 30 years. When I was first elected to the Council, I noticed the City of Sun Valley automatically gave the SV/KCVB 25% of the local option tax it collected. I have insisted that this practice end and we now have accountability in a Contract that is based on specific deliverables that are related to tourism marketing which benefits the value of our City.
9. “Ketchum Parks and Recreation” – Ketchum Parks and Recreation is a Department of the City of Ketchum which primarily operates Atkinson’s Park and the children’s summer and winter recreation program located there. The City of Sun Valley has historically contracted with Ketchum Parks and Recreation for these municipal services, since we do not have a parks department. I have voted, along with the rest of the Council, for the past three years to enter into a Contract for Service with Ketchum Parks and Recreation to fund approximately 10% of the Recreation Program Fund, which matches the 10-12% program participation by Sun Valley children.

From my documented record above, it is clear I have not “voted to give your money” away to my “favorite special interests and charities” as the anonymous letter writer insists you must believe. Rather, I have voted with the majority of the Council only when it was appropriate to enter into written contracts for legitimate and accountable City purposes. The anonymous letter writer has no idea to which charities I write my personal checks.

The anonymous letter writer next claims I “promoted and supported” the following three ordinances:

1. “The garbage ordinance” – I did support better recycling options for Sun Valley residents. However, it became immediately clear to me that the Ordinance originally proposed by the former Mayor and former City Administrator was not acceptable as written. I listened to the public comments through numerous public meetings and made sure changes were made to the Ordinance throughout the process. I also worked tirelessly behind the scenes to try to convince the City administration to be more receptive and proactive in regard to the citizens concerns, mostly without success. They literally ridiculed me for attempting to try to find solutions. I worked to eliminate the “mandatory” requirements of recycling and make it optional, while still including recycling with the price of your garbage collection. We were able to change the fee structure to the one the public demanded before any impact was felt by the citizens, even though the majority of residents would have actually had lower rates under the originally proposed fee structure. On February 21, 2008 I voted for the current garbage ordinance and rate fee resolution.
2. “The mass and scale ordinance” – I voted to reject the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to adopt the proposed residential mass and scale ordinance at the October 26, 2006 City Council meeting. I did so because there was serious confusion about the intent of the proposed ordinance, due to the fact that the City administration did a poor job explaining it to the public. It should be noted that existing City ordinances since the inception of Planning and Zoning have dictated the size of a house that can be built. These ordinances exist to protect your property rights from a neighbor building, for instance, a ten story, lot-line-to-lot-line, box house on the property next to yours. The existing ordinances do need some updating.
3. “The workforce housing ordinance” – It should be noted that this ordinance was adopted by the City Council BEFORE I was elected to the Council. I objected to a significant change that City Council made to this ordinance from the recommendation they received from the Planning and Zoning Commission, on which I was serving at the time. The change made by that Council was responsible for significantly increasing the fees on small additions and remodels, and had an overall effect of raising other fees. Once I was a member of the Council, it became a priority of mine to correct that ordinance change, however I was unable to get support from a majority of the Council or the former Mayor.

Regarding my vote to appeal the District Court’s decision to the Supreme Court, the City had already invested considerable resources into the case, and the City Attorney advised the cost to appeal would be small. I made it clear in my vote that there were private individuals willing to fund the appeal and it would not have cost the City any money. Therefore, it was in no way a “disregard for managing the public’s money” as the anonymous letter writer put it, but rather a very prudent one.

You can judge for yourself if I am being a “social engineer who wants to dictate your life style” or a public servant looking out for what is best for the citizens.

In the last paragraph of the anonymous letter, the writer discusses the local option tax and makes several factually incorrect and irresponsible statements:

1. The writer of the anonymous letter incorrectly misleads the reads as to the legislative intent of our local option tax (LOT) when he/she says it is to “provide property tax relief to residents.” In fact, the voters of Sun Valley expressly approved 11 uses for the LOT when they adopted the latest version in 2007. The eleven specific intended uses in the law include: administrative and legal expenses; economic development; fire protection; hospital support; land acquisition; law enforcement; municipal transportation; parks, trails and recreation; property tax relief; public information and education; and roads, buildings and grounds. The fact is the City spends the majority of its LOT receipts on roads, police and fire, all of which are impacted by tourism. All proceeds of the LOT are used for their intended purposes in the law, as we are required to do by the law. For the anonymous letter writer to boldly state that the LOT was not used for the intended purpose, as he does in his/her letter, is misleading and reckless. It gives you an example of just how irresponsible the rest of the letter truly is.
2. As a footnote to point #1 above – the anonymous letter writer must not understand that by State law the only way LOT can be used for “property tax relief” is if the LOT proceeds are collected and not spent on any of the other 10 uses (Idaho Code 50-1045). That amount is then used to replace city property taxes in the ensuing fiscal year. Therefore the anonymous letter writer’s argument that the LOT should be used to “provide property tax relief” to residents would mean he/she would like the city not to spend the proceeds on things the voters approved it for, but instead give it back to him/her as a rebate on his/her property taxes.
3. The anonymous letter writer contradicts himself/herself when he/she also suggests that virtually all the LOT should be spent fixing all the streets and roads throughout the City. It is not possible to generate enough tourist LOT revenue to completely rebuild all our streets and roads as the anonymous letter writer suggests, let alone consider using some of it for other purposes like fire and police. The prudent approach for major street and road rebuilding is through a capital improvement program, one the City has historically funded by other means. The suggestion and “urging” for a “property tax levee” (sic) has come from the City’s bond underwriter who may or may not present an idea to the City Council once a revised Capital Improvement Plan is finished. The City’s only outstanding debt, a general obligation bond being repaid with a special property tax levy will be fully repaid in 2011. Numerous factors would play into any decision the full Council would have to consider before deciding to ask the citizens to vote on any property tax levy. When questioned about possible ways to fund a Capital Improvement Program, I have mentioned the possibility of bonding, among others. The truth is I have actually urged the Council to slow down any consideration of bonding until we have a better understanding of all the variables. That is hardly urging on the Mayor and Council.

The mischaracterization of the truth and my service on the Council for the past four years by this anonymous letter, written by someone who doesn’t have the decency to even put his or her own name on the letter, speaks for itself.

The distortions of the truth and taking matters completely out of context in the name of “Better Government” through mean spirited personal attacks is something for which I believe the voters of Sun Valley have no use. Clearly it is a disservice to the citizens of our fine City.

These anonymous cowards may continue to spread their vitriol and misinformation. I am proud to stand by my record of public service. It is available for all to see at anytime. I only ask that you examine the public record, not one made up by some anonymous person or persons.

Is Consolidation Really Over?

This past week I was asked by a number of constituents if the consolidation effort with Ketchum is truly over. Their sense was there still seems to be something brewing. 

There has been a continuing beat of consolidation talk in the media since Dave Chase and Charles Conn, the two spokesmen for the “One Community, One Town” (OCOT) consolidation effort, announced on April 29^th that it was “…time to move on, at least for now.” 

Editorials in both the Idaho Mountain Express and the Times-News continue to push for consolidation, the Ketchum police consolidation with Blaine County has moved to the front burner, the headline page at SunValleyOnline regarding the end of OCOT’s effort reads “…Maybe, Later”, and Ketchum’s Mayor is once again pushing to consolidate Sun Valley’s Fire Department into his. 

On the positive side, it was good that the OCOT promoters finally acknowledged their efforts were counterproductive to the communities’ interests. 

In the same tone as Messrs. Chase and Conn launched their campaign to consolidate Sun Valley into Ketchum, so did they end it. The first sentence in their “…time to move on, at least for now…” Letter to the Editor explains perfectly why they created an acrimonious process between the proponents and opponents. They state: 

“…we proposed…citizens have a conversation about the merits and disadvantages of some sort of consolidation.”

As they had done numerous times throughout their 75 day campaign, they continue to distort the truth and misrepresent the facts right up to the end, as the letter shows. As we know, they actually proposed an immediate petition drive to put a total, complete and final consolidation of both cities to an immediate vote, not have a conversation about some sort of consolidation. 

Near the end of their letter, Councilman Chase notes: 

“Until the public demands…public interest over self-interest from their elected officials, it won’t happen. Until that day Thomas Jefferson’s comment seems apt, ‘the government you elect is the government you deserve.’ ” 

The citizens of Sun Valley learned plenty about elected officials who pushed self-interest very hard over public interest during this consolidation effort. It is clear the citizens of Sun Valley want less of that kind of government representation and they certainly continue to demand that at our Council meetings and will at the next City Council election. 

Contrary to the title of that Chase and Conn Letter to the Editor as it appeared in the Idaho Mountain Express, “The merger debate that wasn’t”, there actually was a good debate concerning the merits of the merger. It just didn’t turn out the way the promoters of the consolidation thought it would. As John Adams so aptly stated, “Facts are stubborn things…” 

Another Fire Department Consolidation Effort:

I feel compelled to respond briefly to Ketchum Mayor Hall’s remarks at the May 4, 2009 Ketchum City Council meeting and in the Idaho Mountain Express concerning reviving his attempt to take over the Sun Valley Fire Department. 

Unfortunately, the Mayor of Ketchum continues to make the same erroneous statements about Sun Valley and our Fire Department as he and former Mayor Thorson did slightly over a year ago when the City of Sun Valley rejected such a consolidation effort. Like the OCOT spokesmen did when they tried to sell the City consolidation, Mayor Hall has publicly stated several factual errors about Sun Valley and our Fire Department, none of which will help lead to any constructive dialogue. This is an unfortunate way to begin such a discussion. 

There are opportunities to continue to find more efficiency in coordinating certain fire department operations like automatic aid, mutual aid and joint training. Fortunately, the fire departments already have a good operational working relationship. However, for any successful effort to take place which may expand those opportunities, it will need to be based on factual information and done in a coherent manner. I am hopeful the leadership in Ketchum is willing to work with us in an open and cooperative way.

You can read my April 11, 2008 blog with data and an explanation on why the City of Sun Valley rejected Mayors Thorson and Hall’s previous attempt to consolidate the two fire departments at this link.

So the answer to my constituent friends was not a simple one. We never heard from the 10-15 nameless “citizens, non-profit and business leaders, current and former elected officials and second homeowners” who formed OCOT. We don’t know if these unidentified people have thrown in the towel, only that their two spokesmen have…sort of…  

I am extremely proud of the positive and transparent way the citizens of Sun Valley came together throughout the consolidation process. As citizens and elected officials, we have reaffirmed our commitment to our community and clarified our community values.  Contrary to some of the negative things a couple of our Council members say about our City, we can be extremely proud of our City’s strong financial position, low debt ratio, reasonable tax rates, high bond rating, highly efficient and lean staff, balanced budget, good working relationship with the City’s major employer, and the extremely responsive, high level of service the City provides its taxpayers and citizens. 

We set the bar high during this consolidation process by responding to misinformation and personal attacks with only factual information, something you insisted upon from the beginning.

I will continue to update my website and blog with current information on additional consolidation efforts. If you would like to receive automatic updates to my sites by email, you can subscribe at this link.

Great thanks for all your input, comments and support throughout this effort.

Sun Valley Elkhorn Association Opposes Consolidation

The Board of Directors of the Sun Valley Elkhorn Association (SVEA), representing over 1,600 properties in the City of Sun Valley, voted unanimously that the proposed consolidation with Ketchum would have a negative impact on its property owners and the residents and taxpayers of Sun Valley.

The SVEA issued this letter to its members on Friday, April 17, 2009:

To: All Sun Valley Elkhorn Association Members From: Sun Valley Elkhorn Association Board of Directors Date: April 17, 2009 Regarding: Potential Consolidation of Sun Valley and Ketchum Dear Elkhorn Owners: Most of you are likely aware of the discussion in the community regarding a potential merger of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Your SVEA Board of Directors recently hosted a meeting of the Elkhorn Sub-Association Presidents to better understand the issues and impact, and determine how to best communicate these to the Elkhorn membership. Your SVEA Board does not usually take a stand on political issues. In this case however, we unanimously concur that such a consolidation would have a negative impact on SVEA property owners and the residents and taxpayers of Sun Valley. We urge you NOT to sign any petitions regarding this matter. It will only be put to a formal vote if the required number of signatures is obtained. Despite taking this position, your board continues to believe it may be beneficial to look at some services to see if there are potential areas where working together would make sense. For example, some time ago Ketchum and Sun Valley jointly purchased a ‘ladder’ fire truck and share the use and maintenance. This was done without sacrificing service or changing the structure of governance. Our finding that consolidation would have a very negative impact on Elkhorn and Sun Valley is based on the following: Financial Stability: The city of Sun Valley is fiscally sound with a very high bond rating. If the consolidation occurs all of Sun Valley’s money, including the $2.4 million in cash reserves, would go to Ketchum. Claims by the proponents that operational savings would be realized have not been substantiated. Voter Influence: Ketchum voters outnumber Sun Valley voters 2:1. The issues and priorities of the two cities are not the same, and Elkhorn interests would not be protected. The Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan and city ordinances would become obsolete and all or part of our 1800 acres of open space is potentially at risk if under Ketchum control. “Sun Valley” Name: As per state law, if the consolidation election passes, the larger city’s name will prevail. It would require state legislative approval to change it. We urge you to seriously consider this issue, and communicate the impact to your friends, neighbors and associates. Signed, SVEA Board of Directors FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Is the Consolidation referring only to Emergency Services such as Fire and Police? No. The proposed consolidation is not limited to fire and police services but would consolidate the two cities in totality. What is the process for bringing the issue to a vote? The proponents will need to gather signatures from registered voters in each of the two cities. If enough signatures are obtained, the issue will be placed on the ballot. Who gets to vote? A separate election would be held for each City and people registered to vote in Sun Valley or Ketchum would vote in their city. If the proposed consolidation reaches the ballot/voting stage and is passed, what happens to the City of Sun Valley? Pursuant to Idaho statue, if the consolidation election is successful, the clerk of each city prepares a certified abstract and delivers it to the county clerk who then files both with the secretary of state. The consolidation is effective upon the filing of the abstracts by the secretary of state. At that time Sun Valley automatically becomes “Ketchum”. Their mayor, city council and all other personnel would take over all Sun Valley operations, and all of the cash reserves the City of Sun Valley has would be immediately transferred to Ketchum. What would be the name of the consolidated cities? Again, Idaho law states that the consolidated cities keep the name of the largest city – Ketchum. Ketchum may request a name change at some future time through the Idaho State Legislature, though the request may or may not be granted. What happens to Sun Valley’s Ordinances’, the Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan, and Sun Valley’s elected officials, etc? Basically, all that is Sun Valley would no longer exist. Ketchum would assume control of all aspects of city government. What elected officials would control the former City of Sun Valley? Once the consolidation was effective, a special election for officers (mayor and council) would be held. This election would take place within 60-90 days of the consolidation and would complete the process. As noted below, Ketchum voters would control the outcome of that election. What is the current ratio of Ketchum to Sun Valley registered voters? The ratio of voters is two Ketchum voters to every Sun Valley voter. How would the loss of Sun Valley’s elected officials affect SVEA property owners? Only 30% of SVEA owners reside full time in Blaine County. In order to protect the interests of the remaining 70% of us who likely do not have a vote in Sun Valley policies, the SVEA Board of Directors and staff closely monitor Sun Valley City issues that impact the Elkhorn membership. We have been very effective with controversial issues in the past, as the Elkhorn community makes up the largest portion of the City of Sun Valley voters. If Sun Valley is consolidated with Ketchum that situation would drastically change due to the higher ratio of Ketchum voters. What are other risks specific to SVEA property owners? SVEA owns over 1800 acres of open space that is reasonably protected by the Master Declaration. However, the current Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan also identifies this land and provides an additional layer of protection for this valuable asset. As noted above, the Sun Valley Comprehensive Plan would disappear with a consolidation. Where can I find other sources of information on the consolidation issue? Save Sun Valley PO Box 331 Sun Valley, ID 83353 www.savesunvalley.com One Community, One Town www.onetown.wordpress.com   Contact Us   Telephone 208-622-7420          Fax 208-622-3215 Email svea@cox-internet.com Website www.elkhorn-assoc.org

City of Sun Valley Rejects Consolidation with Ketchum

At the Sun Valley City Council meeting today, we considered Resolution 2009-10 – Declaring the City of Sun Valley’s Position to Remain an Independent City. 

The Resolution was adopted on a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Briscoe, me and Mayor Willich voting in favor. Council members Chase and Lamb opposed the Resolution. 

A copy of the full Resolution is available by clicking here. 

I made the following remarks to the promoters of the consolidation of Sun Valley by Ketchum just prior to the vote on the Resolution: 

It is time for you, the promoters of this consolidation effort, to lay down your arms. 

There will be no tax savings for Sun Valley taxpayers. There will be no improvement in city services for Sun Valley citizens. These are the two principal criteria I have always considered in any consolidation effort. 

You initiated this consolidation effort. You are now damaging the good name of Sun Valley in the eyes of the world and are creating ill-will with local businesses. You have created a massive division in our community. 

I do care that Ketchum is successful and that it survives. They are important neighbors. However it is not our City’s responsibility to take care of their financial problems. 

You must either put up a petition today or be done with it. 

It is truly time to move on and focus on the productive matters of our City which deserve our full attention. I am grateful for all the support everyone has shown for our wonderful community. Thank you for being a part of this great democracy. It is an honor to serve you.

Sun Valley City Council Meeting the Week of 4/13/09

We have one City Council meeting in Sun Valley the week of April 13^th.

On Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 4:00 pm we have our regular monthly Council meeting. Along with other normal business, the principal items of consideration this month include:

• Update on the McHanville/South Gateway planning effort.
• Consideration and approval of Resolution regarding City Consolidation.
• Final Reading on Ordinance #414 to modify Exterior Lighting Regulations.
• Establishment of Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Calendar.
• Consideration and approval of additional Council Policies and Procedures.

To see the full Agenda and Council Packet for the 4-16-09 meeting, click here.

You can also listen to this or any other Council meeting live, or later on the internet at this link.

You can always see the full Council schedule and additional information at my website.

Sun Valley Consolidation Update

This morning, Mayor Willich, Sun Valley Company General Manager Wally Huffman and I were in Boise to testify before the Senate State Affairs Committee on Senate Bill 1157, a bill to modify the state’s consolidation laws. 

Senate Bill 1157 was brought before the Committee by Substitute for Senator Stennett, Jon Thorson of Ketchum with the help of Representative Wendy Jaquet. The Bill was intended to modify the consolidation laws regarding name changes for consolidated cities. 

Mayor Willich and I both pointed out to the Senators that the proposed bill, as drafted by Substitute Senator Thorson, had confusing language issues and posed possible conflicts with an existing Idaho law that provides citizens full due process regarding changing city names. Mayor Willich, Mr. Huffman and I also discussed in detail issues related to the use of the name “Sun Valley” by cities other than Sun Valley. 

Speaking in favor of Senate Bill 1157 as drafted were Representative Jaquet, Substitute Senator Thorson and Sun Valley Council member Joan Lamb. 

The Senate State Affairs Committee agreed with Mayor Willich, Mr. Huffman and me and voted 5-3 not to send the Bill to the floor of the Senate.

Position Statement on City Consolidation

Dear Fellow Sun Valley Citizens: 

This consolidation, proposed under poorly written Idaho consolidation laws which have never been used, entirely favors the larger city of Ketchum. It is being promoted mainly by Ketchum individuals and their close business associates who are focused on improving Ketchum’s downtown and marketing the area. In reality the process is much more like an unsolicited annexation of Sun Valley, than a consolidation or merger of equal cities. 

I am strongly opposed to this annexation of Sun Valley by Ketchum for a variety of reasons which I explain in greater detail on my website. The principal reason is this annexation provides practically no benefit to the voters, residents and taxpayers of Sun Valley. The promoters are not being straightforward with us in how they are selling their proposition. They are carefully distorting a number of facts in an attempt to make their case. We cannot rely on bad data and flawed reasoning when deciding the ultimate fate of Sun Valley. 

The citizens and taxpayers of Sun Valley will not benefit from lower property tax payments and it is very likely the quality of city services we currently receive will decrease through staffing cuts proposed by the promoters. Our citizens will also lose the direct relationship they have with their elected representatives who live in their neighborhoods. Our citizens and taxpayers have expressed a willingness to continue to pay the small extra price to receive the superior level of service their local government provides them. They have told me they want their government close to them so they can control it. 

As the Declaration of Independence so aptly reminds us: “…Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes…“ 

It is an honor to serve you. Great thanks. 

Nils 

Your comments and thoughts regarding this proposed consolidation are important to the elected officials of Sun Valley. Please send them directly to: 

City of Sun Valley
Attn: Mayor and City Council
P.O. Box 416
Sun Valley, ID 83353

Where I Stand on Consolidation of Services

Consolidation of city services is always a hot topic. Currently there is quite a bit of discussion in the community about consolidation of this, that and everything else. Occasionally my name shows up in that conversation. I prefer to tell you myself where I stand on consolidation issues instead of letting someone else tell you how I feel.

First and foremost, you elected me to look after the best interests of the taxpayers and residents of Sun Valley. I take that responsibility very seriously.

I am always open to consider issues that can save our taxpayers money without diminishing the level of City service you expect. I have and continue to support those areas of consolidation of services, both locally and regionally, that make fiscal and practical sense to the taxpayers of Sun Valley. 

On the particular issue of the day, police consolidation, there is some unfortunate and ill-considered information circulating, in the form of opinion rather than fact, put out there by some with agendas to protect. Some of that may not represent the best interests of Sun Valley taxpayers, or reflect how to immediately solve the problems our local economy is facing. It appears two unrelated issues (police consolidation and tourism marketing) are quite possibly being mixed together to obfuscate an ultimate goal (complete consolidation of both cities). If we ever get to the point of officially discussing some sort of consolidation, I want to make sure we look at the issues on a factual basis, not just on emotions or hearsay, and certainly not for political expediency. We must be careful to analyze the facts and ramifications of such potential actions in a responsible and professional manner. Approaching very serious issues like these in a knee-jerk manner to serve some short-term self-interest makes no sense. These are permanent decisions that are virtually impossible to reverse once made. If a decision is reached through a faulty process, it could end up costing the taxpayers of Sun Valley much more than it does now with no improvement in the level of service. That is money that could otherwise be used to take care of critical infrastructure and help with economic development. 

That situation almost happened with the proposed Fire Department consolidation with Ketchum which was attempted last year and earlier this year by some of the same individuals involved in the current discussion. Had that consolidation gone through, it would have created a significant immediate economic burden for Sun Valley taxpayers without any improvement in service to our citizens. Those supporting that consolidation avoided discussing the financial facts and their impacts. Instead, they could only resort to suppressing factual information that did not support their position and bad-mouthing the fine people who work for our Fire Department. We cannot let that happen again if we are to have a truly open and honest evaluation of any consolidation proposal. Those responsible for making consolidation decisions who favor a preconceived outcome and are unwilling to consider all the facts do no one any service in the long run.

I hold myself accountable for my own words when I campaigned for the City Council. Here is what I said about consolidation of services back on October 29, 2005 on my blog in response to a question from the Chamber of Commerce: 

“Concerning the proximity and potential cost savings, I was asked if I would consider consolidation of any Sun Valley and Ketchum city services. Each City has unique requirements, situations and an identity. In most cases, previous studies have indicated that outright consolidation would not be cost-effective. Several joint cooperative relationships exist including EMT and ambulance service, police, fire, consolidated dispatch and KART. As our circumstances change with the growth expected in Sun Valley, we should continually evaluate consolidation and joint relationship possibilities for the benefit of each community. We should also be keenly aware of opportunities for consolidation as they arise, such as regional transportation.

I fully support the consolidation effort currently being pursued to bring KART and the Peak Bus under one regional transportation authority throughout the valley. It will also make sense to try to bring the resort’s transportation system under this authority. The regional authority will have the ability to tap into Federal funds to purchase rolling stock at very affordable rates. This will also help us work toward a fully integrated transportation system that could link to a potential new airport.”

Click here for my full October 29, 2005 blog post

Further, on April 11^th of this year, while discussing the Fire Department consolidation, I described how I would evaluate that issue:

“The decision for me on fire consolidation will boil down to what is best for the taxpayers and residents of the City of Sun Valley:

• Will consolidation improve the level of service we receive in the city, or
• Will consolidation save the taxpayers of Sun Valley money?

I have set that threshold high because, from my personal experience living in the city for 20 years, and from conducting a thorough financial analysis of the consolidation report, if a decision is made to consolidate, it is clear we cannot go back to what we have now.”

Click here for my full April 11, 2008 blog post

There you have it, directly from the horse’s mouth. That is how I have looked at consolidation issues in the past and how I will continue to look at any type of consolidation in the future. And that is where I stand, the same place I have always stood. 

I have always found this 238 year old quote by John Adams to be quite applicable when faced with making important City decisions: 

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” 

            John Adams, December 1770 

It is an honor to serve you, the people of Sun Valley.