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Show LMns to IDn DMntoiP The Park Record Section A Thursday, January 27, 19943 Page A15 Right to life Editor: "Correctness" is the latest buzz word. We are directed to be polite in our use of language. Let us remember, then, that there is no such thing as being a little bit pregnant. The couple who conceive are not going to have a baby. They have a baby! According to scientists and geneticists this newly formed, one-of-a-kind, human being is alive and growing and will continue to grow toward physical maturity for about 25 years. How can we consider ourselves loving, caring and civilized if we do nothing of significance about the legalized killing of our little brothers and sisters at the most innocent and defenseless stage of their lives? We are their only voice. Why are we buying the lie that only wanted children should be allowed to go on living and the rest should die? We are arrogantly assuming that we can judge the true potential of these unique creations and are deciding that the killing of some will serve them and society. We have not moved an inch from the caves of the Neanderthals or the Colosseum of ancient Rome. We are allowing killing and calling it "freedom," "right," "choice," and "privacy." There are some serious crisis pregnancies but can we justify a killing solution, a morality of expediency? In allowing abortion for any reason, we are allowing an abomination. We are doing violence to reason. Mournfully, John O'Brien Smoking ban Editor Just came back from Aspen and I'll take Park City anytime. I hope we all can come together and make sure the natural charm of our "real . town" stays intact. ........ P -. ; Aspen,. howevedOfloes have I something on Park fto though, and it's their county dinance that ' prohibits smoking m public places, including restaurants. It's hard to imagine they're losing business . because of this policy, considering how long you have to wait to get seated. Why can't Park City or Summit County do the one thing that Aspen (Telluride too) has done right in their ski town and prohibit smoking in restaurants too? Since environmental tobacco smoke, according to the EPA, is grouped - with other carcinogens like asbestos and benzene, it seems the right thing to do and the right time to do it Sincerely, Doug Vilnius A wonderful experience Editor Magical, commanding, spellbinding, spell-binding, captivating; there are not enough adjectives to describe the outstanding performances of Heather and Robert Urich under the direction of David Steinberg. In the 10 years I have lived in Park City, I have enjoyed hundreds ., of wonderful evenings at our beloved Egyptian Theatre. I have watched many of my friends perform and I feel very committed to our community's efforts to Save Our Theater. I think we should all be extremely grateful to the Urichs and Mr. Steinbwg for showing us another dimension for Saving Our Theater. I only wish more residents of Park City could have shared in the Love Letters experience. We live in a community which is changing and growing whether we the Park Record wlcomes letters to the editor on any subject. We ask that the letters adhere to the following guidelines! They should be submitted to the Park Record offices at 1670 Bonanza Drive or received in the mall (P.O. Box 36SS, Park City, VJ 84C60) no later than 5 p Jxt. on ? Mondar before publication. The? must be signed and include address and telephone number of author. No letter will be published under an assumed name. They must taot contain libelous material. Writers are limited to one letter every 28 days. Letters must not be longer than 350 words and should, if possible, be typed. We reserve the right to edit letters if they are too long tor the space available or if they contain statements we consider unnecessarily offensive are advocates for growth or not. A wonderful by-product of our changing community was expressed on our theater's stage this weekend. Professional actors and directors performing for their community; sharing their expertise and giving of their time and energy to their community. We can all learn from the Urichs commitment to Park City. We can continue to give to our community in the manner we know how in the areas of our own expertise, be it the arts, education, sports, etc. Those of us who experienced Love Letters were greatly touched. Thank you to the Urichs and Mr. Steinberg for the many messages you gave Paik City. Sharon R. Liese Accessory apartments Editor: On Jan. 20, 1 attended the work session between the planning department and the Mayor and Council regarding the proposed "Accessory Apartments." Listening to the discussion that took place and some of the questions that were asked I came away with a very strong impression that "Accessory Apartments" in single family residential neighborhoods is a "done deal." It appeared to me that it will be just a matter of a little fine tuning and these rental units will become a fact of life for Park City. There is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers for a public discussion of this proposal. Unless there is a ground swell of significant proportions from homeowners in the single-family residential segment of our community opposing this change, you can expect to see "Accessory Apartments" coming soon to your neighborhood. Don't be too sure that your neighborhood subdivision's C.C.&R.s will protect you from having a rental unit next door. That is also on the table for discussion. Sincerely,, Robert P. Karz Legislative report Editor: There has been a good deal of news about the reorganization of the Division of Wildlife Resources over the last few weeks. The Legislative Fiscal Analyst has put together an issue paper on the changes. I think the Wildlife Management Institute has made a good recommendation. An important part of the DWR issue is the shifting of control to the regions and away from Salt Lake City. Local committees of stakeholders are now being appointed. This should help in the future to bring better wildlife policy. There is a good deal of concern out there about what is going on with DWR. I think in the long run we will have a much improved wildlife program. Hopefully, through an improved board process and improved law, we can get agriculture, sportsmen, public land managers, and those interested in non-consumptive uses of wildlife to work together for the balanced use of habitat and the respect of property rights. I am also working this session on a proposal which will keep the school trust lands in the Book Cliffs open to those who would like to use the area and not just to those who can pay a big fee. I will say more about that in following reports. If you would like to contact me, please feel free to call (801)538-1035, (801)538-1035, or write to Utah State Senate, 319 State Capitol, Salt Lake City, Utah84114. Sen. Alarik Myrin Double standard Editor: ' It seems to me that certain businesses in Park City have adopted a double standard when it comes to the type of illegal behavior they will tolerate. Hopefully someone in the business community will respond to this letter and clear up the confusion. There are two "types of behavior," and the treatment associated will both, that I would like to use to illustrate my point First of all, the use of controlled substances, and secondly the homosexual lifestyle. It should be noted that both are, in fact, illegal in the state of Utah. One has been vigorously discriminated against by many of the large institutions in town. I refer to the random drug testing policies adopted by the major ski resorts and several hotels, lodges, and restaurants this past year. The other has not only bcEN tolerated but celebrated and promoted and looked forward to with great anticipation as to the amount of income these same ski resorts, hotels, lodges, and restaurants are going to generate during Winterfest '94. When company officials ones who have adopted random drug testing policies were questioned as to why they felt the need to impose this invasion of privacy on .their employees, they stated many reasons to validate their actions. However, their last line of defense was always that the use of controlled substances was, after all, illegal and they had the right to do so and the technology available to carry out this program. When these same companies, however, celebrate and promote Winterfest '94, which has been advertised as the "Premiere Gay Ski Event of '94," what are they telling their employees? Employees throughout the city, I urge you to question your employers, if they have adopted this double standard, as to why they differentiate between the two. Why do they discriminate against one type of behavior and promote another? I challenge these employers to rethink their positions. Re-evaluate your relationship with your employees. After all, they are your most valuable asset. They are your direct link with your paying customers. Don't patronize them. Don't be hypocritical in your dealings with them. Don't invoke the law for one purpose and turn your back on it for another. Regain their respect Equity is all we ask! R. Scott Urban paraphernalia Editor: The upper crust jennis clique in 1 Park City needs more tennis courts. Apparently one needs to reserve courts far in advance or rearrange an otherwise busy ' schedule in order to play at a less desirable time. Certainly this must be unbearable for west coast transplants, who are used to balmy weather and year 'round facilities, and east coast transplants, whose $40 an hour court fees plus club dues guaranteed court access at a reasonable time of day. So Park City needs a tennis bubble to alleviate this shortage. On the other side of this issue are those who live in immediate proximity to the Racquet Club, the hundred odd owners of Racquet Club condos as well as the owners of dozens of homes. Certainly they would prefer to look at aspen covered mountains rather than a bulging neoprene, nylon-like bubble. What are bubbles made out of anyway? Then mere are the vast majority of us who neither play tennis nor live near the prospective resting site of this modern day Hindenburg. How will the outcome of the bubble battle affect us? What if there is to be no bubble? Some residents of Park City may play less tennis than they desire. They may become surly and flip us the bird more often during traffic jams on highway 224. They may become disenchanted with Park City and return to the cracked courts of Los Angeles or the posh tennis clubs of New York. Perhaps Park City will be a less desirable place to live without tennis bubbles. Even worse, we might lose an event like the film festival to a resort that already has a bubble. Stars like to play tennis under bubbles! Doesn't Aspen have several bubbles already? Or if there is to be a bubble? Then a torrent of additional questions and concerns come to mind. What kind of municipal codes and specifications do we need for bubbles? Should we limit bubble colors to earth tones, (after all this is a resort), or can we allow pastels as well? Would bubbles be limited to 30,000 square feet and have the same height restrictions as commercial buildings? Could we allow limited advertising on the side of bubbles? For instance, could we show off our favorite home brew by placing a large inflatable Wasatch Beer bottle at the top of Main Street? Do we need to zone for bubbles or should the right to bubble be universal? For example, I would like to bubble my backyard during the winter months. How many bubble sports do we need here in Park City? Bubble soccer, bubble baseball or at least a bubble over the swings and slides in City Park are possibilities. Finally, we probably need to address the more encompassing question of what to do about the needs of Park City residents for other urban paraphernalia like go-cart tracks, batting machines and miniature golf courses. Daniel Hoffmann Aid and comfort Editor. On Saturday, Jan 8, I had a spectacular fall on the ice at the Factory Outlet Stores. I was almost instantly surrounded by kind and compassionate people offering comfort and the use of their jackets, etc. Their help and concern made a huge difference in my morale while I waited for the ambulance. When the EMTs arrived, they showed a combination of professionalism and compassion that was a wonder to behold. Thank you all. Fortunately, no permanent injuries, and I hope to be skiing before the end of the season. Yours truly, Frank Bacon Formal support Editor Many of our supporters and friends of the national Ability Center (formerly Park City Handicapped Sports) started out the new year in our honor. On New Year's Day over 20 skiers donned tuxedos and black ties, and skied for the benefit of the National Ability Center. Vince Donile, at Mid-Mountain Lodge provided lunch for everyone wearing a tux. Park City Ski Area graciously donated lift tickets. We thank them for their valuable donations and support. The generosity of our friends and supporters in Park City allows us to continue to provide sports and "recreational programs to people with disabilities. Thanks again Park City for all you do to support us. Wishing all of you the very best in 1994. Wannest regards, Meeche White Executive Director School controversy Editor This letter is in regard to the article which appeared in the Jan. 20 issue of the Park Record about Dr. Stewart Ludwig, the child psychologist. Why in the world would the Park City School Board allow a doctor to serve the children of Park City who allegedly sexually abused a female patient? Doesn't Park City want the best for its children? How did a man who surrendered his license and whose insurance company paid a large fee to the patient as settlement, ever get the job for our kids? My two granddaughters both attend Park City schools and I know I do not want a man who has had these problems in contact with these children. In addition, Dr. Ludwig apparently said he did not tell the Park City School Board about his "case" as it was an old one, settled long before he began working with the schools. How can this be true? Your newspaper reported that he had just surrendered his license in California on Dec. 20, 1993. That was one month ago, not a long time ago. It was after Dr. Ludwig began working with our kids. I think Dr. Ludwig intentionally misled the school board. That makes him much more suspect in my opinion. We cannot afford to have a man such as this working in our schools. I think the school board needs to suspend him at least until they can complete an investigation of what happened in California. Let's keep our children safe. Sincerely, Bonnie Barr Parental involvement Editor On Jan. 19, the fourth graders were accompanied by 17 parents when they visited the Utah Pioneer . Memorial Museum, the State Capitol and the Tabernacle. The emphasis at each location was its historical significance to the state of Utah. The students and teachers were very grateful to a parent, who helped make it possible for them to go into the senate gallery and be recognized by the Senators. The field trip was part of the "Living Utah" curriculum that has been designed and is being implemented by the PPES fourth grade teachers. The parent involvement is vital to the success of this program and the teachers would like to express a genuine thank you for donating their time and energy to the students. Martha Crook, principal Parley's Park Elementary An Olympic request Editor: Each week, I read the Park Record and I am always amazed by the large number of fund-raisers and the incredible generosity of the people of Park City who consistently come to the aid of others less fortunate or who find themselves in special circumstances. It is the latter category in which my family finds itself, and I would like to take this opportunity to share our story with the Park City community in case there are businesses or benefactors willing or able to assist our Olympic effort. Two years ago, I accepted a teaching position at Parley's Park Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher so that I could help support our four sons and their athletic efforts in nordic combined skiing. Our youngest son and I spent the year in Park City while my husband and three other sons remained in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Last fall, my husband and our two youngest sons moved to Park City, while our two older sons remained in Steamboat Springs to continue training with the U.S. coaches. Our family made the decision several years ago, after it became apparent that we not only shared a common interest but were blessed with tremendous talent in the sport of nordic jumping and crosscountry, cross-country, that we would consider it a "family" sport. We agreed to support and encourage each of our sons in every way possible and make all necessary sacrifices to allow them the opportunity to develop, excel and strive to achieve their dreams which include being an Olympian. Currently, we find ourselves with one son on the U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team, one who is trying desperately to become a part of that team, one whom we are shuttling every other weekend back to Steamboat to train and who has qualified for Junior Olympics this March, and one son training in Park City at Bear Hollow. All this requires a great deal of financial support, as you can imagine. This Friday, the U.S. Olympic Nordic Combined Team will be announced in Steamboat Springs. We are ecstatic to learn that our son Todd will be a member of the team. Naturally, we would love to head to Lillehammer as a family in order to celebrate and support Todd's Olympic experience. However, at this point it appears unlikely that any of us will be able to accompany our son to the Olympics due to a genuine lack of funds. If there are any guardian angels or fairy godmothers out there that can help our family in any way, please contact us at 649-0330 and leave a message. It would be an understatement to say we would be eternally grateful it would make our family dream come true. Sincerely, Jeanne Lodwick Film Fest fiasco Editor:' I admit, I felt vindicated when Ann Druen wrote you (Jan. 13) about the mishandling of the Sundance Film Festival ticket sales. I know many others were as disgruntled with it as she and I were. I now would like to address Gwen Lonn, who wrote in response to Ms. Druen (Jan 20): That the tickets went on sale (for locals) two days earlier than advertised was indeed a boon to area residents; apparently, by your word, this information was disseminated through KPCW and the Park Record. However, I rarely have occasion to listen to KPCW and saw nothing about it in the paper to advise me of such a boon (my fault, I guess). However, I luckily picked up a schedule early and was advised of it by the pink printing on the cover. I must object though, to your calling this fact an "accusation;" with that, you set ihc defensive tone of your letter (Please remember, it is not in youi job description to defend the actions or policies of your employer you seem to have overlooked this.) The next paragraph began with an admittance of the fact that there was not enough time allowed for the first day of sales. Well, why wasn't this rush planned for, if Sundance had indeed advertised so ardently for the earlier date? You rather sarcastically offered to start at 6 a.m. next year. You'd better make good on that (did you check with Sundance officials before making that statement?), or expect lines forming outside Images of Nature at that hour next year. Your suggestion that a third person should be hired to answer questions and post sold-oul shows was excellent. (I hope it was not also sarcastically given.) Sundance officials should agree to that, because while I had signed up on one waiting list (that disastrous Saturday at Images), a half-hour later, I found to my dismay thai there were two lists circulating and duplicate numbers had been assigned to over a dozen people. When I brought this to your attention, you simply said, "We can't deal with that right now." I don't know who was the first 61 to sign up, but one of them and all the rest past him had to be reassigned to 75 and beyond. Such disorganization was appalling! I reorganized both lists and sacrificed my 65 position to be 79, in order to let you people save face, somewhat (no appreciation expected, none given). An extra person employed would surely thwart such rampant inefficiency. At that point, with an houi lefi of sales, I watched as j(i ( somewhere in there) boi ghi 1 15 tickets to each of many n...,s, and heard "sold-out" announcements issued once certain blocks of tickets were purchased by him. (His purchase did take a considerable amount of time. May I also add that whether it takes two hours or 40 minutes, it's too much time for three ticket sales.) Thai brings up one point Ms. Druen made which you did not address. Sundance should set limits on the number of tickets sold tor individual screenings. I believe it is imperative that one person should not be allowed to buy more than three tickets at once to a screening. I may be jeopardizing my own best hopes for my friends here, but it's only fair; what about just one of us who wants just one ticket, but someone before us has just bought all twenty left? At that point, I left in despair and disgust. What chance does 79 have? (In all fairness, aft of us later numbers had left in despair by the time they got to them, but they did call for us.) While I agree with your statement that it's "a better choice" to view films other than premieres (which will show later in theaters or on video anyway), you presume to preach this to the general public. How can you tell what everyone wants? Maybe they enjoy being the first to view certain films; maybe they relish the celebrity and ambiance involved in "Opening Night," who knows? It is not up to you to tell them what's best for them. When I saw you two over-stressed over-stressed workers at Images on Jan. 8, my heart went out to you. I've been in similar circumstances. Maybe you had to deal with many demanding customers and your "sweetness and light" had burnea out. You were under unreasonable demands from controlling outsiders and you had to pass the rules on. That does not, however, excuse a curt attitude and inefficiency, which I and several others received in response to pure empathy with polite questions. Your lettei unfortunately reinforced that attitude (apologies to the one who didn't write it). Well, now you stand accused of undue impoliteness (next paragraph), as well as of defending Sundance's faulty practices. You should never have tried such a defense. Why in blazes doesn't Sundance go computer? In finale, thanks for the depressing advice (albeit reprinted) that we should show up an hour and a half early to those films we may have been deprived tickets to, dufi to Sundance's disorganization. Too bad if we can't get there so early because we've been detained by another film. And for those of us who couldn't get those tickets, and will be unable to catch them later because we don't have" cablc.thanks for telling us we're "indeed a loser." Sincerely, Adrian L. Stevens , |