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Show VIEWPOINTS A-19 www.parkrecord.com Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues, May 13-16, 2017 EDITORIAL Learn more about running for local office at a free seminar O LETTERS TO THE EDITOR UDOT’s proposed ‘wildlife overpass’ doesn’t qualify Editor: According to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) definition, the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) current proposed “wildlife”overpass at Parley’s Summit does not qualify to be defined as a wildlife overpass. According to the FHWA’s “Wildlife Crossing Structure Handbook” (FHWA-CFL/TD-11-003) UDOT’s current design does not even qualify as a mixed wildlife-human use overpass for wildlife habitat connectivity in low conservation value habitats (FHWA) because it is not engineered to carry minimal soil and vegetation. A wildlife overpass for use in areas of medium to high conservation value is at least 3 times wider, 130 feet, carrying a native soil depth of 5 to 8 feet to support 8 to 12 feet trees plus native grasses and The Park Record Staff PUBLISHER Andy Bernhard Editor Nan Chalat Noaker Staff writers Jay Hamburger Scott Iwasaki Bubba Brown Angelique McNaughton Griffin Adams Contributing writers Tom Clyde Jay Meehan Teri Orr Amy Roberts Steve Phillips Tom Kelly Joe Lair Interns Jessica Curley Emily Billow Copy Editor Frances Moody ADVERTISING Classified advertising Jennifer Lynch Office manager Tiffany Rivera Circulation manager Lacy Brundy Accounting manager Jennifer Snow Advertising director Valerie Spung Advertising sales Lori Gull Jodi Hecker Erin Donnelly Lisa Curley Digital Products Manager Mike Boyko Photographer Tanzi Propst Production director Ben Olson Production Nadia Dolzhenko Patrick Schulz Linda Sites shrubs with a 2 to 3 percent grade for drainage (FHWA). Most animals cross at night and avoid traffic noise, so some combination of earth berms, solid walls, and dense vegetation are needed on the sides of the structure. To minimally upgrade UDOT’s plan to be a mixed human-wildlife use overpass for areas with low conservation value, would require vegetated strip with 1.6 to 3.2 feet of soil with grasses and shrubs. Deer and elk, but likely not moose, would use a multiuse overpass (FHWA). UDOT could build a more suitable structure to reduce wildlife-vehicle accidents and reconnect wildlife habitat to preserve local biodiversity, watershed and climate using far less costly prefabricated cast-in-place concrete arches. UDOT’s current design is just another bridge engineered for vehicular traffic, not a wildlife overpass. The excuses given are that the alleged wildlife overpass is “better than nothing” and “we want the structure to be open to the sky for drivers.” However, there are beautiful wildlife overpasses constructed or under construction in Washington, New Jersey, Montana, Canada, Florida, and across Europe. Why not Utah too? Kathy Dopp Park City Latinos in Action leader is grateful for local support Editor: I’m in amazement and shock at the fact that my Park City High School years are coming to an end. Three years ago, I never thought it could be possible that I would be in the position that I am now. I am the Latinos in Action President, and I’m financially, academically, and socially prepared to commence my college journey at Utah State University in the fall. Growing up in Park City, while being an ELL (English Language Learner) has been difficult, but with the help of many, I’ve been able to overcome all trials. With that being said, I wouldn’t have made it this far without the love and support from various teachers, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to them. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Moffat have been the biggest blessings in my life. Not only do they play an important role in bridging the social, economic, and linguistic gap between community and school, but they nurture, challenge, and For the record ne relatively positive effect of today’s fractious political climate is that the country’s notoriously apathetic electorate is up in arms. At last, citizens are paying attention and participating. The downside, though, is that some potentially excellent leaders may be reluctant to run for office in the midst of such spirited feedback. But we hope that won’t be the case as residents begin contemplating whether to file as candidates in this year’s municipal election cycle. Locally, two seats on each of Summit County’s six town boards and the mayors’ posts are up for renewal. Why are we bringing this up so soon after last year’s unnerving campaign season? Because the filing window for November’s election opens in just two-and-a-half weeks -- and because we want to encourage a large diverse crowd of citizens to consider coming forward to lead their communities. For one thing, municipal elections are fought in a very different arena from their state and national counterparts. The nonpartisan races, especially in the county’s small-east side towns, typically draw regular folks who have little if any political experience. They are friends and neighbors who just want to protect and improve their communities. As local town councilors, they are charged with keeping support all students within the school. Mr. Jobe has become quite the mentor to me for the past three years. Not only has Mr. Jobe helped me rekindle my love for literature, but he has taught me the meaning of advocacy. Last, but not least, Mr. Mulick deserves a big thanks for all that he’s done for me, and many other students as well. Mr. Mulick, not only promotes an inclusive, safe learning environment, but he ensures that all students are respected within his classroom. Mr. Mulick knows the true meaning of equity, giving extra hour of time to students who need it, and makes himself available to any student when in need. Overall, the Park City High School staff is amazing, and to end my high school journey, I needed to express my gratitude and admiration for Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Moffat, Mr. Jobe, and Mr. Mulick, the most impactful and amazing teachers that any student would be lucky to have. Ilany Nayely Velazquez Park City High School PCHS student credits teacher for his success Editor: To my teacher Mrs. Williams: thank you for always being there for me. Ever since I was a sophomore, you knew what was best for my academic future. Even though I had just arrived in the United States, you helped me break down the social, economic, and physical barriers that played as a hindrance on my thirst for learning. With the help of Mrs. Moffat, both of you made me realize and recognize my own greatest potential, which is what and who I am now. I am a board member of Health Occupation Students of America, an active member of National Honors Society, a part of Teen Council, and an advocate of Latinos in Action. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to strive further out of my comfort zone. Justin Meneses Park City High School an eye on growth and development within their incorporated boundaries and making sure new subdivisions and commercial projects don’t outpace existing infrastructure. They watch the budget, organize celebrations and, yes, take flak for situations both within and outside of their control. It is not an easy task, but to make it a little less daunting, Park City Municipal Corp and The Park Record are sponsoring a free seminar on how to decide whether you might find it rewarding. Speakers include past and current city council members, a former mayor, a past planning commissioner, city and county election officials, Park City’s attorney and a public relations specialist. The panelists will offer advice on how to campaign and what it is like to be an elected official. They will also talk about other ways to become more involved with local government, including volunteering on a wide array of boards and commissions. If you are tired of taking a back seat when it comes to making decisions for your community this event is for you. It takes place Wednesday, May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Miners Hospital. The filing window for the 2017 municipal elections is June 1-7. Prospective candidates from Park City, Coalville, Henefer, Kamas, Oakley and Francis are all invited to attend. PTA volunteers make teachers feel appreciated Editor: May 1-5 was Teacher Appreciation Week all over the country. The PTA members at Parley’s Park Elementary went above and beyond, once again in making all of our teachers and staff feel extremely appreciated! Delicious meals were provided daily, all of our favorite treats and ice cold drinks were waiting for us in the teacher’s lunchroom, and we even had a chance to sign up for a free massage! As busy and hectic as this time of the year can get, you would never know it with these ladies around to make things so nice for us. A big shout out goes to Susan Vandenberg , Angie Brown, Sara Sergent, Kellie Hatcher, Erin Grady, Christa Graff, and all of the other generous parents who sent flowers, cards, and sweet gifts of appreciation this week! We have the best PTA in the world! Jennifer Shane, 4th grade teacher Parley’s Park Elementary School Nuzzles says thanks to chefs who helped support the cause Editor: Nuzzles & Co. would like to thank all who participated in the 4th annual Chef Wars hosted by Seth Adams of the Riverhorse and directed by Claire Desilets. Over 150 people enjoyed a delicious buffet while watching three celebrity chefs create two dishes from secret ingredients judged by an expert foodie panel. The winner, Shawn Armstrong of the Montage Deer Valley had tough competition from Chef Tim of Deer Valley and Chef Michael of the Waldorf Astoria. Television personality, Jennifer Hardman, emceed the hotly contested auction for sous-chefs and ‘kitchen helpers’ as the crowd cheered. All proceeds went to Nuz- Asked at Atticus Coffee, Books and Teahouse zles & Co.’s continuing efforts to save animals and families in need. Wendy Lavitt, Vice President Nuzzles & Co. Park City Fate of Bears Ears should be decided by its rightful owner Editor: When it comes to Bears Ears, we talk about the wrong things. Folks on the right argue the monument designation is a ‘land grab,’ the Federal government stepping in and throwing their weight around. Folks on the left say the State government wants to sell and lease the land to the extraction industry, instead of leaving it pristine for Americans to enjoy. Both sides are missing the point. We call it ‘Bears Ears’, but that is not what it is called. Bears Ears is a translation. The land is Hoon’Naqvut. It is Shash Jáa, Kwiyagatu Nukavachi, and Ansh An Lashokdiwe. There are precious resources in its soil and irreplaceable beauty in its spires and canyons, but they aren’t ours to exploit or to enjoy. Bears Ears is Native American land. When we visit, it must be as guests. The arguments -- from both sides -have served to silence Native American voices. Whether or not I favor the preservation of Bear’s Ears is irrelevant. We must seek out the voices of those who have lived and worshipped there for generations, and recognize that white activism on this topic is entirely subservient to the will of those Nations. Senator Hatch deserves criticism for claiming to know what is best for Native peoples. Secretary Zinke deserves criticism for not meeting with Native leaders. Those of us who fight for preservation of the land must be vigilant we do not make the same mistake, and must seek to be Bears Ears’ servants, not its masters. Joseph Silverzweig, Esq. President, Wasatch County Young Democrats Photos by Tanzi Propst What steps do you think the city should take to limit the use of plastic bags? Should they be doing more than a ban? Fabien Tehrani Santa Monica, California “There’s a plastic bag ban where I’m from...Just no plastic bags, or you get charged a fee. We don’t see it as a problem.” Jessie VanderBoon Park City “The bag ban that they have in place is a great first step.” Mike Szczesny Park City “I think the ban is a good first step. It’d be harder to do more for a first step, but I’d like to eventually see them go further.” Katie Holyfield Park City “I’m all about it. I think [the ban is] awesome...[It] kind of forces people’s hand at recycling.” Cassady Clark Heber I think it’s a fine first step, but I think making sure everyone knows why it’s the first step is important. We need everyone on board. See these photos and more by following The Park Record on Facebook.com/parkrecord and instagram.com/parkrecord |