Incumbent Nils Ribi and political newcomer Bob Youngman easily secured seats on the Sun Valley City Council on Tuesday, together winning about double the votes of the other three candidates combined.
Of the council's four seats, two were up for election this year, but Councilman Dave Chase did not seek re-election. Since it was an open election, the two candidates with the most votes won.
Ribi got 382 votes, retired physicist Youngman got 327, architect David Barovetto got 115, retired mechanical design engineer Milt Adam got 113, and Sun Valley Resort front desk clerk Stephen Poindexter got 13.
Barovetto attributed the voting gap between the two winners and three losers to campaign contributions.
"I and the other two ran against the well-funded political machine of the Save Sun Valley Committee," he said. "I was shocked to learn money can have that power in this small community."
The Save Sun Valley Committee had voiced support for Ribi and Youngman, but whether they supported them financially is unknown. By state law, candidates in cities of fewer than 5,000 people aren't required to submit figures for contributions received.
Ribi and Youngman said they hadn't received any money from the committee, but just from individuals. Ribi declined to say how much he received. Youngman provided some information.
"I got very few contributions, to tell you the truth," he said. "Almost all was from myself."
According to the most recent census in 2000, Sun Valley falls far short of the population mark requiring contribution reporting. The town has 1,427 residents, 958 of whom were registered this election. The city tallied 499 votes total, with 199 from absentee ballots.
High voter turnout was likely in part due to contention arising last week when anonymous letters sharply criticizing candidates were circulated among Sun Valley residents. Ribi was on the receiving end of most of the attacks.
Ribi said the turnout in his favor shows that voters are smart enough to not fall for mudslinging.
"Sun Valley voters obviously understand what matters and aren't interested in negative campaigns," he said.
Losing candidate Milt Adam also said the letters "didn't hurt (Ribi) a bit."
As for the other winner, Ribi said Youngman would be a "positive force" on the council.
"He's the kind of guy who's willing to work with people in a positive way," Ribi said.
Ribi attributed Youngman's win to a positive, issue-centered campaign, as did Youngman himself.
"I was clear on where I stood," Youngman said.
Both winners had similar platforms, which included an emphasis on protecting open space and working under a conservative fiscal policy.
Youngman acknowledged the similarities and said they both act conservatively, but differences will undoubtedly arise.
"I expect there will be times when we don't agree, and that's a good thing," Youngman said.
Losing candidate Milt Adam made the same point and said Youngman would be a good "counter balance" for Council President Ribi, who, he said, "tries to dominate meetings."
"Youngman will be there to hold back the reins, maybe," Adam said. "They will still work together well."
Candidate Stephen Poindexter couldn't be reached for comment.
Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com
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