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Show ELECTION CITY EDITOR: Jay Hamburger A-3 The Park Record Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, November 1-4, 2008 2008 649-90I4 ext.l I I LOOKING FOR A GREAT LOCAL'S SPECIAL? citynews@parkrecord.com Governor: connect the ski resorts Huntsman won't yet commit taxpayer money, though By JAY HAMBURGER Of the Record staff Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. mentions connecting the mountain resorts of the Wasatch as he talks about tourism and traffic, a long-held idea of some who say such a connection would provide local skiers and visitors a skiing experience unrivaled in North America. // „ . bly upset regular backcountry users. Huntsman talks of recordbreaking tourism numbers in recent years, and he says he wants Utah to eventually draw between 24 million and 25 million visitors annually. He sees widening summertime tourism as being important to his goal, "People are just now waking up to the fact we have worldclass mountain biking," he says, adding he hopes Utah attracts additional special events, which "speaks right to travel and tourism." He says the state government . ,. , Huntsman, a « People are just now waking up to whoPiUsbsLekiang the fact we have world-class does ection, mountain biking," vide not prodetails about the idea, which long ago - Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. had been dubbed an ^ H ^ ^ H ^ M H M 'interconnect.' He says, however, he is not yet spends between $17 million and prepared to support spending $18 million promoting tourism, taxpayer money on a connection. up significantly from before. The supporters of a connecMeanwhile, Huntsman says an tion envision the three Park on-the-snow connection between City-area resorts someday link- the ski resorts could reduce trafing to the four resorts in the fic in addition to" being a draw for Cottonwood Canyons. skiers and snowboarders. They say such a connection Park City's entryways, which would resemble European skiing are both state highways, draw and turn Utah into a more attrac- frequent complaints about traftive skiing destination. fic. Environmentalists, though, If the resorts were connected would likely be suspicious of a on the slopes, the thinking goes, connection, and it would proba- COME TO THE GRUB STEAK! 3 Course Prix Fixe Dinner. Complimentary corkage. $27.75 COURTESY OF JON M. HUNTSMAN JR. Offered Daily Jon M. Huntsman Jr. fewer people would drive between them. Huntsman says improvements to bicycle paths in addition to rpadwork are preferred options when considering upgrades to state highways. He speaks about a commitment to the environment by stressing cleaner-burning fuels, often called renewable energies, and he says the state has aggressive energy-efficiency goals. Huntsman mentions work he's done with Park City Mayor Dana Williams on environmental issues and says climate change is a critical issue in Utah because rainfall and snowfall could be impacted. Huntsman says he expects the federal government will continue to address immigration issues, but he labels immigration a human issue. Prospector Square Corner of Gold Dust and Side-winder 649-8O6O • www.grubsteakrestaurant.com CD INI INI E C T w i t h community. Challenger: Utah is a bargain Springmeyer says state could draw more foreign tourists By JAY HAMBURGER Of the Record staff money touting the state as a destination. More promotion is needed in Europe, he says, especially with the strength of foreign currencies. "We're a bargain. The way the dollar's valued against the euro, we're at a 30 percent discount," Springmeyer says, describing that Japanese and Australian tourists should also be wooed to Utah. Springmeyer says additional marketing is needed to attract people to Utah during the slower times of the year, but he has not set a figure for how much more If Bob Springmeyer pulls an upset on Election Day, he could celebrate his inauguration with a ski run or a bobsled run down the track at the Utah Olympic We're a bargain. The way the dolPark. lar's valued against the euro, we're Springmeyer, a Democrat at a 30 percent discount," bidding to u n s e a t - Bob Springmeyer Republican Jon M. Huntsman Democratic challenger Jr., says he is^^^^^^m well-versed in the winter-sports money should be spent on industry that dominates Park tourism funding. When speaking about immiCity's tourism-heavy economy. A gration, Springmeyer says "comformer ski instructor at Park City Mountain Resort and a onetime passion" should be Utah's underski patroller long ago in Park lying philosophy. He talks about City, Springmeyer says he isvetoing legislation that he considaware that Park City and sur- ers out of step with his immigrarounding Summit County depend tion ideas. He talks about trying to secure heavily on tourism. federal funding for road upgrades "I understand how you make in the Park City area, with your living," he says, adding, "I understand who your clients are." Springmeyer saying Washington As he discusses the state could assist with expanding road tourism industry, with Park City capacity at Park City's Kimball being a major player, Junction and Quinn's Junction Springmeyer says Utah leaders entryways. Easy driving access to Park should more effectively spend WWW.PARKRECORD.COM COURTESY OF BOB SPRINGMEYER Bob Springmeyer City has long been a tourism selling point. "I think it's the jewel of the recreation industry," he says about Park City. Springmeyer is 65 years old, lives in Salt Lake City and owns a research firm that studies the economy and markets for the public and private sectors. He has never held elected office, but has served in not-for-profit positions. Meanwhile, he says he favors expanded clean-energy programs and wants ethics reform at the Statehouse. "I've already promised to ride my bicycle to the inauguration," he says. Get Out and Vote November 4!!!! For Park City School Board Positions d for storeS 5uSt services of scale. . Lit>ranes • Transit . Sewer The Park City Education Association Endorses and Asks That You Support Gerd Holmsen-Aguilar and Mo Hickey Paid For by The Park City Education Association • . V our agriculture that need ^ |