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Show . •^" 1 ",-IVA I ;V J J . L . , ; ' - ^ ; . ! " . T -•;;',. 4 ^ 1 ffet*--*.' W^^ilfew--*''^*-- - ' " " ^ " ' ._.„-i^_»_...»...,. „ . ' A-17 SAT/SUN/MON/TUES, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2008 www.parkrecorcl.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Brown or Lofft? It's an easy choice Editor: When my taxes go to support schools, roads and necessary health programs, I dont mind. When my District 53 representative sponsors a bill (HB 466) that gives ultimate control to developers who want to create their own cities, I mind. Multiple times during this campaign season, Mel Brown has claimed he didnt understand the implications of passing HB 466. Brown sponsored the bill. If he didnt read it, he is irresponsible as an elected official. If he did read it, support it, understand it and help pass it, he is a liar. Take your pick - irresponsible or liar. Neither is what I would hope for in my representative. I lived in an apartment complex that was commandeered after this bill passed. My rent went up twice in 18 months after that happened. I can't prove the rent increase was a direct result of the bill being passed, but it seems fishy since my rent hadn't increased one cent in the year before the bill's passage. Also, there are dozens of homes between the Hideout Canyon development and the apartments that are included as part of the township. I thought townships were supposed to create a sense of community. I guess Brown doesn't care about that. If he did, he may have included some kind of provision that required elections when a township was created. Instead, the developer of the land submits a list of residents he/she deems worthy to be members of the town's council. Nice form of due process, don't you think? We weren't the only ones left to fight this battle. The south side of Wasatch County is dealing with this ds well. If individuals and families wanted to create townships out of the places in which they lived, they could have found a way under previously existing laws. How else would they have done so in the last 112 years? Who was this law supposed to Help, Mel? It didnt help me or my rjeighbors, and so I can't find a reason to vote for you on Nov.<4th. ' Finding a responsible leader for the next term will be as easy as selecting Kathy Lofft when I'm standing at my touch screen on Tuesday. Thanks for making this an easy decision for me. Ryan Jensen Deer Mountain Transparency or cover-up candidate? Editor: If Commissioner Sally Elliott is really the transparency candidate, why can't she disclose five simple documents at a precise location, so that the public can judge for themselves? Certainly if she has nothing to hide, she could quickly defuse this controversy swirling around her by making these documents available! It is interesting that Commissioner Richer claims to have given a copy of the 'secret map* to KPCW, but in fact has not or provided only an incomplete copy. The five documents that the public should see are the "Secret Map;" the "Coyle Report;" full TDR accounting; appraisal of public TDR assets sold in 2006; arbitration award showing millions in losses to the County. It is her choice whether she is the transparency or cover-up candidate in this election. Greg S. Ericksen West Bountiful, Utah, and The Canyons If you are tired of politics as usual City. I'm not sure I need lessons or tion procedures are extremely secrelectures from Ms. Kirchenheiter, or tive. Even touch-screen vote counts, anyone else, about the importance of are kept secret and Utah State Election Web site fails to publicly; protecting Park City's tax dollars. Ms. Kirchenheiter apparently post statewide precinct results. hasn't taken a close look at Rep. During poll closing procedures in; Brown's record when it comes to 2006, in violation of my civilrights,a! protecting taxpayers. For example, policeman was called to evict me! ask the people in Daniels, Utah - from the poll upon the advice of; who are reportedly fundraising to Summit County Attorney's office; buy a new snowplow - or in other because I took pictures of summary; affected communities how they feel vote totals that virtually all states; about their tax dollars being spent to publicly post at the polls when polls; defend against unwanted incorpora- close. Utah statutes do permit cam-: tion attempts under HB 466, spon- eras inside polling locations but pro-; hibit public display of your OWTV sored by Rep. Brown. voted ballot. \ Ms. Kirchenheiter argues, essenUtah election officials may keep tially, that Rep. Brown should be reelected primarily because he is an virtually any election record secret incumbent. She suggests we need to by labeling it an "election return"; be pragmatic, and elect someone and Utah statutes require "election, with the experience and clout to get returns" to be secured during polling things done. So let's examine closing and then "destroyed without whether Rep. Brown - who re- opening" [unless ordered by a judge] entered the House only in 2006 - after 22 months." Utah officials vioactually has clout in the state legisla- late this statute to tally the votes but ture. At least a couple of clear exam- enforce it against the public. We ples (and there are others) suggest need to pass legislation to obtain public election oversight. See he does not: • In a September interview on http://utahcountvotes.org or contact KPCW regarding the special legisla- kathy.dopp@gmail.com. tive session to address the state Utah poll workers and election budget deficit, Rep. Brown admitted officials are not required to record that one of his Republican col- and to publicly report voting probleagues would not tell him where lems. PBS and YouTube are asking certain "one-time" funds being used voters to record and upload their to fill holes in the budget were going voting experiences to to come from, saying that Rep. http://youtube.com/videoyourvote. Brown was not entitled to the infor- Record problems when you vote, mation. respecting others' privacy. Report any voting problems you • At a candidate event last Monday evening at North Summit High experience to the County Clerk, to School, Rep. Brown indicated that Utah's Election office, to local press, when he attempted to have a reform and to: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (which measure placed on the agenda for makes the data publicly available), 1the interim ethics committee, he was 866-My-Vote-l (which has attorneys ignored by his own colleagues, who that may help but may not publicly report), 1-888-SAVE-VOTE, and 1kept the measure off the agenda. Does this sound like someone 877-GOCNN08. Voters collaborawho has leverage with the tively describe problems on wikis http://www.votersuppression.net and Republican leadership? http://www.sourcewatch.Org/index.p Ms. Kirchenheiter further asserts that a freshman Democrat would be hp?title=Portal:Election_Protection invisible in the legislature. Consider _Wiki Rep. Christine Johnson (District 25), Avoid voting on a provisional balwho entered the House as a fresh- lot because it may not be counted, man Democrat in 2006. Despite but do request a regular paper ballot being new to office and anfrom the pollworker that you know unabashed progressive, Rep. is cast correctly. Johnson has been anything but invisible during her first term. Among Kathy Dopp other things, she sponsored and secured passage of two major pieces Park City of environmental legislation that will greatly benefit Summit County and its key industries. Ask yourself: What has Rep. Brown done for you in the past two years? I have been to numerous candidate events, and have had the opportunity to hear Rep. Brown speak on a number of occasions. I have yet to hear Rep. Brown cite a single example of a productive legEditor: I am writing in response to Lisa islative achievement from the past Kirchenheiter's letter "We can't term. Editor afford to lose Mel Brown" in the The Meet the Candidates event Rep. Brown has. however, recentSaturday, October 25. edition of The ly made claims not necessarily sup- for the Summit County Council race Park Record. I normally wouldn't ported by the record. For example, sponsored by the Park City give over my own time to answer a Rep. Brown says he favors ethics Chamber of Commerce was excelsingle letter to the editor, but I reform, yet he has not signed the lent. I learned three things - Park believe this one merits a personal Utahns' for Public Schools ethics City has an outstanding Chamber reform pledge, which 1 and many board; attending a well-run event response. Before I get to the substance, other representatives and candidates like this is vital to get first-hand understand this: Ms. Kirchenheiter have signed (see http^/www.utahns- knowledge and a feel for the candidoes not know me and has not taken forpublicschools.org/policycenter/go dates that the ads and leaflets cant any opportunity to get to know me. od-government.php). provide; and individual accountabiliShe has not approached me personI urge you to do you own home- ty to participate in such events is critally, on any occasion, to discuss my work. Visit my Web site at ical to understanding what is going background, experience or objec- www.votelofft.com to learn more on, thinking for yourself and voting. tives, or any topic including educa- about me and my campaign, and I left feeling proud of the communition, funding for education or state consider casting your vote for me on ty I live and work in and in deep tax policy. When I approached Ms. November 4th! appreciation of everyone who takes Kirchenheiter at a recent event with the time to volunteer as a Chamber my hand out in good faith, she Katherine (Kathy) Lofft board member and candidate for snubbed me. public office. Whether I agreed with Park City I don't take it personally, but I what I heard or not, there is no denybelieve this suggests Ms. ing everyones intention is to serve Kirchenheiter is not the right person the community they have grown to to represent my positions or my abilcare about and be accountable for. ity. Ms. Kirchenheiter claims that Linda Gallndo Rep. Brown is the "only thing standPark City ing between our taxpayers and the Utah legislators who are anxious to Editor increase Park City's tax burden." Utah's voting system is inaccuReally? rate, hackable, and not subjected to Unlike Rep. Brown, I live, work valid independent post-election and pay taxes on property in Park audits to check accuracy. Utah's elec- is tion http://www.thepetitionsite.eom/l/do me-our-skatepark-park-city It is really easy to sign up and only takes about 30 seconds. Editor: Editor Another way to find the site is to I am Gary Shumway and I am Google "dome our skatepark park I'd like to thank The Canyons resort for buying my market steer at campaigning for your Summit city". There are currently about 400 the Summit County Fair this year. County Council, Seat "D." I am signatures and we need 1,000. If you Many hours went into training and offering you a choice this November could make an announcement, that conditioning my steer for the fair. 4th. You have a choice of continuing would be greatly appreciated. For nearly nine months I fed him politics as usual or you can elect a morning and night so he could grow member of the Constitution Party James Thornburg into the desired size. As fair time who will actually represent you, not grew nearer, I also had to teach him just the party. I can guarantee that Park City to lead like a horse and behave statement since I am also the Summit County chair of the around crowds and loud noises. All my hard work was rewarded Constitution Party. With no political when The Canyons bought my steer. debts to repay, with no close ties to This money will mostly go to my col- any specific industry, special interest lege education, so it is greatly appre- group, or political entity, I can represent all the citizens of Summit ciated. County. I have three master's degrees and Cooper Feild have attended the University of Editor: Peoa Utah and Utah State University. It seems what we are all looking Back in 1847 my great-great-grand- for in a candidate these days is a litfather, Charles Shumway, was one of tle compassion, a lot of integrity and the first pioneers in this area. I am a someone who isnt a career politihusband, father, and grandfather cian. I'm honored to support John and, with my wife, live in the Jeremy Hanrahan for County Council Ranch area. I am the owner of because he is all of this and more. Ernest Hill Publishing and am a conI've had the opportunity to work tract computer programmer. I have with John in a variety of groups. Editor A letter to the editor in this paper written two books, published scien- Whether it's trying to breathe life recently described the wrong candi- tific papers, and maintain several into our local political party or put date for County Council as our Web sites including my campaign on a school spelling bee, John's comwould-be queen. In my view, it is web site, www.voteshumway.org and mon sense and calmness are always Sally Elliott who aspires to be queen www.tellshumway.com. I ran as a present and often what pulls every(or, perhaps, empress) of Summit Libertarian in 2006 for your state one together. As a doctor, John is a County and, based on her statements representative. Politically, I would problem-solver. I know John will and conduct, I think voters should be feel comfortable in either the look at every county issue with the Libertarian or Constitution Party or same depth he does in making a wary. even as a Ron Paul Republican, or diagnosis on any patient. Founding At a recent County Commission possibly a blue dog Democrat. and running non-profits have also meeting, Ms. Elliott voiced her disapproval of private trail systems in I ask you to vote for me if you given him to the ability to work with a limited budget and know where subdivisions like Pinebrook, Moose agree: best to use scarce resources. John is Hollow, and Glenwild. She would' apparently like all private trails to be 1. that our existing two-party system always the listener at the table and, made public and residents should be does not give us the choice in candi- most importantly, the moral compass concerned that, if elected, she might dates that we need for healthy with a sense of humor mixed in. He find a way to accomplish that end. debates and informed decision-mak- is the one who cuts though the rhetoric to get things done. His life expeShe recognizes that citizens enjoy ing. riences and character are truly differprivate property rights, but seems to find their exercise a dreadful incon- 2. that you want a council member ent from any other candidate on the venience. She is the commissioner who will listen to you and not have ballot - Democrat or Republican who most often suggests an inappro- conflicting agendas and will not have and I know he will represent everypriate use of government power and to recluse themselves from doing the one of us on our new five-member council. who has to be reminded that the laws county's business. and Constitution must be followed. Please join me in voting for John She is the commfesiofler who makes • ( 3. there should be growth in ,the inappropriate statements that must county limited by "available, Hanrahan for County Council, seat later be withdrawn or explained resources, both natural and county- C on November 4th. away and the one who most often provided, and the desire to maintain interrupts presentations at commis- our standard of life, mountain Tania Knauer sion meetings with asides or her own lifestyle, and agrarian heritage. Park City monarchial conversations. Steer-raising experience pays off Choose him for what he is and what he's not Another candidate for county queen It also would appear that Ms. Elliott recently tried to get her good and loyal friend Anita Lewis appointed interim county manager. Ms. Elliott voted against appointment of Brian Bellamy to that post, but the creation of a job for Ms. Lewis as assistant county manager looked to me like a consolation prize offered by the other two commissioners. In my view, however, that appointment was not legal. It was not identified as interim - which is all it could be - and should have been filled by the manager through the normal personnel process. I have written to the County Attorney expressing my concerns about it. I fully anticipate that Ms. Elliott will try to punish me for doing so. Its happened before. We need a County Council with balance between the political parties as well as the areas of the county and with no single individual who thinks she deserves to be in charge. If elected, Sally Elliott will use her experience and influence as an argument to be elected chair, and will then do her best to transform the chair into a throne. Bill Miles is a competent, humble man who seeks only to serve as a member of the new Council. He deserves your vote. Bruce Margolius Kamas 4. that government must be more open and efficient with meetings open to the public in the evenings when you can actually attend them. 5. that we need a council member who will communicate with the citizens and have a web site (www.tellshumway.com) available as a public on-line forum and polling place. 6. we must have a smooth transition to our new form of government and have a council who are able to select the best county manager candidate. In short, I am a viable third-party candidate offering you a choice. Please consider voting for Gary Shumway this November 4th. I am not asking you to change parties, just your vote. Gary Shumway Constitution Party candidate for Summit County Council, Seat "D" Skatepark needs a dome Editor: My name is James Thomburg and I am a senior at PCHS. I must admit I never watch the news or PCTV but I was hoping you guys could make an announcement about the petition going on to dome the skatepark. The website for the peti- What has Brown done for you? Community service is no small commitment Report any voting problems you see GUEST EDITORIAL These candidates have the tools to help make us a model county By Alexander Lofft, Park City As an established advocate of renewable power generation, I see our energy future tied directly to our personal health, our environmental health, our region's economic competitiveness and our longterm county-wide sustainability. Pursuing sustainability is not really a choice if we intend to pass along a healthy and vibrant community to our heirs. How we get there is. With this election, we have the opportunity to affirmatively put in place a truly talented and experienced County Council that would share the ability to think strategically and see the likely long-term effects of actions we take now. In John Hanrahan, we have an articulate and tireless health advocate who has :K built and run a large international health organization under tight budgetary constraints. His affiliation with the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment gives him immediate access to the best community-oriented health science to help guide our new council in its deliberations on growth and resource management. In Claudia McMullin, we have a proven and stalwart defender of smart growth principals who, as an attorney, knows the latitude and limitations of existing planning code and proposed changes. She will take this to the Council in helping guide our county's growth and development to maximize the efficient use of our area resources and existing infrastructure while minimizing our longterm impacts. In Chris Robinson, we have embodied in one remarkable person a balance of a proven commissioner who can help us in development and conservation who can our transition to this new form of governbring the best principles and practices of ment with the relationships and institueach side to the other. He is also a valu- tional knowledge to accelerate the new able link between east and west, rancher Council members along their respective and urbanite, Utah heritage and globallearning curves on the apparati of county ism. His ranch government and is, host to new their delivery of anemometers to test the viability With this election, we have the services. She has been instrumenof wind as a local energy opportunity to affirmatively put in tal in getting airresource and a place a truly talented and experi- quality monitors potential addiin place and in tional revenue enced County Council that would coordinating the source to our c o u n t y ' s farmers and share the ability to think strategiinvolvement in ranchers. cally and see the likely long-term wind testing. And in Sally effects of actions we take now." Each of them Elliott we have understands sus- tainability from these unique points of view, and together, I believe they can help lead us to being a model county for the state and the country as we take on these big and critically interlinked challenges of energy, environment, health and economic viability. Please join me in casting votes for each of these high-quality people! Alexander Lofft is a board member of Recycle Utah, member of the Environmental Issues Committee of the Board of Realtors, Utah s first commercial EcoBroker® and founder of LessCoal.com which ran a successful petition to scrap three new coal-hred power plants in the region. He remains involved in renewable eoergy solutions. |