The article reminded her of another she had read in 2000 in the San Francisco Chronicle that “painted a really sad picture of the Bitterroot Valley” by focusing on the “uber-wealth of the Stock Farm versus the poverty of the valley floor. A piece of me thought that we still have the struggles between the haves and have nots here.

“While it did kind of paint one side, it’s true that people are attracted to this place,” she said. “If you read it and don’t live here, you might think you can come and build a million-dollar business, but it can be hard to make it unless you have the right idea.”

Kemp also serves on the Hamilton City Council. Both the downtown association and council are focusing efforts of attracting new light industry to the area that could provide good paying jobs.

The hospital’s CEO, John Bishop, said the amenities of the town and natural beauty of the surrounding area has allowed the hospital to attract highly skilled medical professionals.

“The Bitterroot Valley is a relatively safe place to live, parents feel comfortable letting their children ride their bikes to school and play in the park,” Bishop said. “Families have access to cultural experiences for the young and young at heart. It is a community filled with people that care, and care about each other.