Word on the Street

The Mayor's Missive | December 31, 2025

THANK YOU—A FOND FAREWELL

It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve as Mayor of Ketchum for the past eight years. I am grateful beyond words for an experience that has been one of the great highlights of my life. After writing 190 missives, this is my final farewell and a chance to sign off with a few “thank yous.”

THANKS TO COURTNEY AND AMANDA

First and foremost, my heartfelt gratitude goes to Courtney and Amanda. They have served alongside me on the council for all eight years. As they too step away from public life, their extraordinary contributions to this town deserve to be celebrated. Their dedication, their hard work, and their thoughtful decision-making have left a lasting, positive imprint on our community.

THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL CITY STAFF—THE UNSUNG HEROES

Over the last eight years, we’ve built an outstanding city team: professional, passionate, and committed to making life better for residents and visitors alike. Whether they have been here for decades or joined us recently, they embody a supportive, service-focused culture. It has been an honor to work with them.

THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY

Thank you for your votes, your support, your engagement, and your willingness to speak up and get involved. Serving you has been a privilege. Public service sometimes comes with tough moments, including personal criticism from a vocal minority. But I have never let that overshadow the overwhelmingly positive, respectful, and thoughtful conversations I’ve had with so many of you. I’ve always tried to treat every person with respect and dignity, to meet with anyone who asked, and to conduct myself with civility devoid of profanity. Our town’s core values—respect and kindness—shine far more brightly than any negativity. Thank you to our passionate, caring, engaged community. It has been an honor to serve you.

GOOD LUCK, MAYOR PETE AND COUNCILMEN RANDY AND MATTHEW

New energy and new ideas are vital to a healthy city government. Pete Prekeges brings deep community roots and the trust of the voters. Randy Hall offers invaluable experience and historical perspective. Matthew McGraw brings strong planning experience and a real understanding of the housing challenges facing younger workers. Together, they offer a powerful combination of insight and commitment. I am confident they will serve with honesty, respect, and courage. Their success will be Ketchum’s success, and I know we all wish them the very best as they begin their service. I will be swearing them into office at 4 PM on Monday, January 5. Please feel free to join me at City Hall to celebrate the new administration.

Ketchum Strong—Ketchum Forever!

Cheers,

Neil

To read the rest of Issue No. 190 of the Word on the Street, click here.