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Show THE PARK RECORD A-15 oints. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1998 ViewD EDITORIAL Prohibition: alive and well beyond reason Unraveling the complicated rules and regulations regula-tions imposed by Utah's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control was tough but not as tough as getting local licensees and servers to talk to Theark Record about their experiences with the DABC. In every instance, we found that restaurant and bar owners, though frustrated by the state's arcane regulations, regula-tions, were afraid to talk to the news media for fear of reprisals. Any complaint about the division, they said, would come back to haunt them in the form of tighter surveillance and possible closures. Though division director Kenneth Wvnn claims "We are in business to help keep our licensees in business" busi-ness" and Lieutenant Mitch Ineersoll, who oversees enforcement of DABC regulations, says his agents "want to help" establishments comply with the" law, that is not how their actions are viewed in Park City. Bar owners and servers who would talk to a reporter painted a picture of unattainable standards, arbitrary and secretive inspections and, in some cases, deliberate entrapment. None, however, would agree to be named in a story. Bar owners said they feared arousing the DABC's wrath. Servers said they would lose their jobs. Their stories also were colored by a sense of resignation. resig-nation. The rules, they said, were not only unfair but also impossible to enforce. A bartender who has worked in the industry for more than 30 years puts it this way: "It "s a joke. Instead of greeting people with a "Hi, how are you?" we make them jump through a million hoops... they make it so every tourist is greeted greet-ed with paranoia instead of hospitality." This particular particu-lar server, however, pleaded not to be named in a new s story for fear of being singled out for a DABC raid. Whether or not the paranoia among Park City's liquor establishments is justified, it is widespread and very tangible. Despite the warm and fuzzy comments offered by DABC officials, the department is perceived per-ceived as unreasonable, arbitrary and vindictive and that is a serious problem. The conflict is made worse by the fact that five of the DABC's six-member board are nondrinkers. And none are involved in the hospitality industry. In fact, while the DABC may proclaim "we want to help," its true mission is to impose the LDS Church's religious bias against alcohol by using a state agency. The only good news we learned while researching our series on Utah's liquor laws is that Idaho recently scrapped its state-run liquor control department. We can only hope Utah will someday see the light. Until that occurs though, it is long past time that avowed teetotalers and those ignorant of the hospitality hospital-ity industry's needs are booted from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Who is this boy to dare fight me, the Park City Council and the whole of the Philistine army? n.fmnuA - - ----- - - - JOHN KILBOURN, PARK RECORD LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Protecting our backyard Editor: So the maps are out with the new improved version of the FlagstaffBonanza FlatsEmpire Canyon proposal. For the past three-and-a-half years, the planning commission, staff, city council and some concerned citizens have requested that the developer tighten up and cluster the "pods" that make up the development. The purpose was to define areas of development devel-opment with hard edges and avoid sprawl or in planners terms, "bleeding pods." The new plan has no clearly defined edges and looks more like ink-blot paintings paint-ings with dark red centers! As the process continues, a search for alternatives ensues. Not long ago a survey was completed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Overwhelmingly, the citizenry of this community com-munity voted that the preservation of open space was the number one priority. So...let's...buy...it! GUEST EDITORIAL More community input needed by CAROLE MURNIN Citizens Allied for Responsible Growth (C.A.R.G.) Gary Weiss's latest article "Don't Blame C.A.R.G." points out some very important issues regarding the FlagstaffDalyEmpire project. We would like to thank Gary for bringing these to light and to expand upon them further. As he clearly indicates, C.A.R.G. is in a difficult position. While we are not actually actual-ly sitting at the bargaining table, we have gotten the attention of both the city council coun-cil and UPCM and have continual dialogue dia-logue with both. This, in our opinion, is the most effective way to have any influence influ-ence on this project at all. The problem, as Gary points out, is that we risk being used by both parties, as a token of public input, while the city fails to give the citizens a chance to speak out on this massive project. pro-ject. This brings out three important facts that deserve some comment: 1. We have continually stated in public, that this project, in whatever form it eventually even-tually takes, will be the sole legacy of the current city council. We are discussing global issues that we feel are important and that reflect good planning strategy (visit our web site at www.carg.org to see our principles on Flagstaff). We are extremely careful not to get into the details of numbers and exact locations. This is the job of the city and its staff. 2. At this point in the project, we are the only dissident voice being heard by the developer and the city. We have attended the sole, hastily announced hearing and every work session held on this project and there is a scary phenomenon occurring. occur-ring. Despite the fact that everyone we talk to seems opposed to massive development develop-ment in Daly Canyon, the only people who are showing up and speaking out are those with vested interests (read: builders, real estate agents, and mine company employees). 3. We have been strongly pushing the city to solicit public comment. This project is NOT the same as was discussed a year ago and the citizens deserve the right to have time to understand the details and to comment on it. We find it abhorrent that, at present, the city's idea of process seems to be, to discuss the entire project in work session (no public comment), then draft an annexation agreement and then accept public comment once the deal is essential-; ly made. This hardly seems like the way to have the concerns of the citizenry reflected reflect-ed in the final agreement. It is important for this town to realize that, unless the parcel is bought outright from UPCM, something is going to be built in Daly Canyon. It is naive to think that the city can reject this annexation and the entire project will just go away. UPCM has stated many times, it is not a matter of "if but "how" the project will evolve. There is a strong sentiment that the project pro-ject should happen within the city limits and we agree provided that it truly is a good plan. The problem, as we see it, is the city seems reluctant to give you, the citizens, citi-zens, a voice on what that plan should be. The time, unfortunately, to speak out is NOW and it apparently will require each person taking the initiative to call or write to the city council personally. C.A.R.G. does not speak for everyone nor do we claim to, but anybody is welcome to give us input or join us at our meetings (again, visit our web page). We will continue our dialogue with both the city and the developer, but until more of the citizens show up and tell our elected officials what we want to see in Daly Canyon, we are the only voice they will hear. GUEST EDITORIAL Recycling is a sexy thing to do by KEN SHEEHAN Recycling is proof of re-incarnation. Six weeks after an aluminum can hits bottom bot-tom in a recycling bin, it is back on a shelf. It is estimated only two percent of Summit Sum-mit County recyclable materials, including includ-ing aluminum, tin, glass and cardboard, are recycled. This is a deplorably low rate when compared to Salt Lake City, the state of Utah, and nearly every state in the nation. The state of Utah recycles at a rate of 18 percent, low on a national scale where the average runs at nearly 30 percent. Summit County's close to zero rate of two percent is far enough below national standards to raise ire and eyebrows statewide. With coming international scrutiny from the near future 2002 Olympics, eyebrows around the world will raise, while opinions of our fair state will justifiably lower. Recycle Utah (RU), Summit County's non-profit recycling center, is trying to turn the tables with a goal of changing one of the worst recycling counties in the entire nation into the best. Mary Morrison, Morri-son, executive director of Recycle Utah, is always trying new ways of involving the community in recycling, but attempts have fallen short of expectations. Recycling is a great service, and Morrison Morri-son wants people to know it. In a recent article, she was quoted as saying, "Our problem is that recycling isn't sexy." I think she has hit on a great idea. Perhaps the solution is to establish recycling as the sexiest activity in Summit County. Maybe then county residents will support it. The current reality is bleak. Without a larger interest from the community, recycling recy-cling will not succeed in Summit County. Unfortunately, recycling is met with skepticism. skep-ticism. Some parties believe glass and other materials taken by RU don't go anywhere any-where but a landfill, which is false. All materials that enter a RU bin are recycled. recy-cled. Many individuals shrug recycling off as someone else's responsibility, and who wants to touch trash anyway? Maybe selling the idea of recycling with a sexy campaign is the way to go. You know, "Recycle this can, and receive a coupon good for one kiss from the person of your choice." Action based on the merit of recycling itself seems to arouse little response from Summit County residents. resi-dents. This attitude seems to be supported by the two-percent rate of recycling in the county. If you would like to help keep Summit County and Park City clean please give Recycle Utah a call. Residential and business busi-ness memberships, along with a newsletter newslet-ter and free stuff for signing up, are always available. Mary Morrison and RU can be contacted contact-ed at 435649-9698. The main facility is located off of Kearns Blvd. at 1951 Woodbine Wood-bine Way (next to Anderson Lumber). There is word around city hall that we may be seeing a $30 million bond floated to purchase open space. What a fantastic legacy for both elected officials and the community! There are also methods by which private individuals could receive substantial tax advantages by participating with the city in the purchase. Over the past several years the city has spent millions of our tax dollars acquiring open space. Although I abhor the "behind closed doors" policy by which land is purchased (there are many communities that have citizen input on the purchase of land), the intent is sincere. Of any property worth protecting this would be the gem... even better than the Osguthorpe farm which still has very limited public use. It's time for us to put up or shut up. If you think that the protection of our backyard back-yard is important, contact your city coun cil, or City Manager Toby Ross. Thank you. Dana Williams C.A.R.G. A happy ending Editor: A few weeks ago, I wrote a letter to tell the story of Megan, the shy little cat who was dumped at the shelter when her family fami-ly moved. Today. I write with the wonderful wonder-ful news that Megan has found a loving home. Megan was so lucky that Nancy Rosen read of her unfortunate plight and came to her rescue. With kind, understanding hearts, Nancv and her family took Megan GUEST EDITORIAL A cautionary tale of two cities by BARBARA FONTAINE "In any country where talent and virtue produce no advancement, money will be the national God. " Denis Diderot . (1713-1784) I can only guess how Monfanans spend their winters. The small-windowed buildings build-ings and Ivan Doig's poignant descriptions descrip-tions of the cold and the wind make me think that they have plenty of waking time for brainstorming and planning and committee meetings. They have no Jazz or Nordstrom to pull them out of their cozy indoors, and skiing doesn't seem to be the main attraction. Unlike Park City, they do not share their cities with wealthy tourists. "Helena Pride" is the theme of the red-coated movers and shakers in the capital city. They have preserved their early settlement along Last Chance Gulch and take great pride in the trolley tour of the stately mansions of yore. The art museum was filled with Montana artists, and the library a bustling gathering gather-ing place despite its need for rehabbing. They have bought up open space in the form of new parking places where buildings build-ings have been torn down and a whole mountain with trails and a fire tower on top turned into a city park. Their fund-raising fund-raising is slow and steady. It's worth the wait for progress. They would tell you, "It's our town." "Missoula we like it here" shouts out at you from bumper stickers and polo shirts. Their farmers market has evolved over 27 years under the leadership of a dedicated volunteer. There, twice a week in the warmer months, the citizens meet and catch up with each others, news. Many of the vendors were Hmong, from Laos, who told me they had learned English Eng-lish from a program made up of volunteers. volun-teers. Another volunteer with a vision spurred the building of an enchanting carousel. When the cost of antique horses turned out to be too expensive, a carving school was begun and local folks carved their own horses. Under the leadership of Dan Kemmis, author of "The Good City and the Good Life," land was bought up along the river to create a charming promenade with benches and sculptures for children to climb on. The library needs new carpeting, but taking Ben Franklin's advice about keeping your suit of clothes "just one more year," they are patient and know the time will come for all good things in Missoula. The locals water their own hanging flower baskets. They would tell you, "It's our town." Talent and virtue have many forms: leadership, followers, vision, creativity, patience, perseverance, pride, caring, sharing. We have these things in Park City. Are we building our community with our talents and virtues? Money need not be our God. Park City Offices Emergency 911 Building Inspection 615-5100 Bus Information 615-5350 Business Licensing 615-5220 Cemetery Admin. 61 5-5630 Circuit Court 615-5210 City Attorney 615-5025 City Council 615-5007 City Engineer 615-5075 City Manager 61 5-5007 City Recorder 615-5007 Community Development 615-5055 Events & Facilities 61 5-51 50 Finance 615-5220 Garage 615-5300 Golf Course Pro Shop 649-8701 Human Resources 615-5240 Leisure Services 615-5400 Library 615-5600 Mayor 615-5010 Miner's Hospital Community Center Olympic Services Parking Parks Administration Parks Reservations Planning Police Dispatch Administration Investigation Records Public Affairs Public Works Administration Racquet Club Recreation Santy Auditorium Snow Removal Streets Water Maintenance Water Billing 615-5150 615-5700 645-PARK 615-5630 615-5630 615-5060 615-5500 615-5505 615-5500 615-5506 615-5200 615-5300 615-5400 615-5400 615-5150 615-5300 615-5300 615-5320 615-5223 For numbers not listed above, call 615-5000. Guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of The Park Record ONLINE QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Last week's question: Do you think Utah should have a lottery? Yes: 100 No0 This week's question: Do you think polygamists should be prosecuted? Cast your vote by logging on to www.parkcityonline.com Then read the results in The Park Record on Wednesday, August 19 in, not knowing how this cat with the sad past would react. Happily, after only a week, Megan is already staking her claim on her new family's fam-ily's laps and beds. How thankful we all should be to live in a community where people like Nancy reside and come forward to help. I know I am not alone in wishing all the members of the Rosen family the best of luck. Friends of Animals is a terrific organization. organi-zation. If you can help as a foster home, with the weekly adoption duties, in the education effort, fund-raising, or with a check, I encourage you to do so. Not only is it great fun but it really helps in the karma department! Contact FOA at 649-5441. 649-5441. Sincerelv, Ruth Ann Grose Short and to the point Editor: We have a new school on Kilby Road and a new speed limit of 25 mph. The old speed limit was 40 mph and that's how most people still drive. Please slow down before you hurt a child; you'll wish you had. Sincerelv, Kelley 0. Holtman Pinebrook resident E-mail your letter to the editor at: ncnoaker medianewsgroup.com The Park Record welcomes letters to the editor edi-tor on any subject. We ask that the letters adhere to the following guidelinesThey should include the address and telephone number of author. No letter will be published under an assumed name. They must not contain libelous material. Writers are limited to one letter every 28 days. Letters must not be longer than 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters if they are too long or if they contain statements we consider unnecessarily offensive or obscene. 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POSTMASTER: Send address chances to Tlie Park Rtxvnl. Box 3688. Park City. Utah 841)60. Entered as second class matter. May 25. 1977 at the post office in Park City. Utah 84060. under the Act of March 3. 1897. Subscription rates are $32 inside Summit County. $60 outside Summit County. Utah. Subscriptions are transferable: $5 cancellation fee. Phone (801) 649-9014. 649-9014. Published every Wednesday and Saturday. |