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Show Viewpoints The A-13 Park Record. Wed/Thurs/Fri, December 19-21, 2018 editorial Park City eyes opportunity as Olympic push clears hurdle I guest editorial Join Citizens’ Climate Lobby to make a world of difference EILEEN GALLAGHER Park City “The choice before us all has never been so stark. Act now with courage and resolve ... or, God forbid, ignore the irrefutable evidence, and become the generation that betrayed humanity and our responsibility to future generations.” — Frank Bainimarama, prime minister of Fiji, at the opening of the United Nations Climate Change Conference this month in Katowice, Poland Climate change is here. It is already here. And it is damaging our health and our environment. As a physician, my job is not just to treat patients but to prevent illness and promote health. I especially want to promote health and prevent the unnecessary suffering of our children and grandchildren. To do that, I need to advocate for a healthier environment. And to effect that change, I have found that involvement in politics is crucial. I have tilted at windmills by running for the state Senate. I have encouraged our youth to join the political process. I have worked on the campaigns of leaders who want to truly represent their communities. And now I am encouraging you to get involved in the care of our climate. How can you get involved? There are so many groups in a variety of areas and with different expertise working on the climate right now. It can feel overwhelming for a regular citizen with a busy schedule to decide how to join in, to engage, to take part in governance and decision-making. Practically, where does a busy person start? How can one person really make a change? First, join an effective group to amplify your voice. For climate issues, I recommend the Wasatch Back Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). CCL is a bipartisan group of citizens, with hundreds of chapters across the nation, working with state legislatures and the U.S. Congress to promote healthier climate policies. The leaders of CCL can educate you about the science and business of climate care. They can teach you to lobby. They will help you rally your fellow community members to draft legislation and meet The Park Record Staff PUBLISHER ....................... Andy Bernhard Editor ................................... Bubba Brown Staff Writers ......................Jay Hamburger Scott Iwasaki Angelique McNaughton Ben Ramsey Carolyn Webber Alder Contributing ............................. Tom Clyde Writers Jay Meehan Teri Orr Amy Roberts Tom Kelly Joe Lair Copy Editor ............................ James Hoyt Engagement Editor..Christopher Samuels Photographer .........................Tanzi Propst Office Manager ..................... Tiffany Piper Circulation Manager ............. Lacy Brundy Accounting Manager ......... Jennifer Snow ADVERTISING Classifieds/Legals ............. Jennifer Lynch Advertising Director ........... Valerie Spung Administrative Assistant . Jessica Burlacu Advertising Sales ................... Jodi Hecker Erin Donnelly Lindsay Lane Sharon Bush Production Director ..................Ben Olson Production ........................Chelsea Babbitt Patrick Schulz with your legislators. At our next CCL meeting, we will have prominent Democrats and Republicans from the Wasatch Back to listen to you and work with you. There will also be CCL leaders to train you, teach you and help you amplify your voice as you advocate for our children and grandchildren. At the federal level in 2019, CCL will be working for and promoting The Carbon Dividend Act, a bipartisan bill just introduced in Congress. Despite the current partisan rancor in our country, these legislators from both sides of the aisle have put aside differences to make positive change for the good of our nation. And here in Utah, CCL hopes to continue the success of House Concurrent Resolution 7 from earlier this year, designed to promote environmental stewardship in our state. HCR 7 was written and promoted by Utah’s high school students with the assistance of CCL, is a great example of citizen engagement and made Utah the only “red” state to have a bipartisan agreement to work on climate change at the state level. So, join us and make a difference. Work with your neighbors and CCL on the Wasatch Back to promote the health of the next generation, join a bipartisan effort and create a positive change and lasting legacy for our planet. Come to our next meeting of the Wasatch Back CCL. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Kimball Junction Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and will meet next on Dec. 20 at the Sheldon Richins Building at 1885 W. Ute Blvd. t’s getting real, folks. On Friday, the United States Olympic Committee ended months of suspense by picking Salt Lake City over Denver to bid on a future Winter Games, likely in 2030. It was not a shocking announcement but it was a significant one. It sent a seismic wave through Park City, where the legacy of the 2002 Olympics still burns bright and where residents fondly recall memories from that era. Salt Lake isn’t a lock to earn the favor of the International Olympic Committee when it awards the 2030 Games (there also seems to be a chance Salt Lake could be asked to host in 2026), but it’s hard not to get excited. The field of international cities vying for the 2030 Games hasn’t been set yet, but it’s a good bet that Salt Lake will be the favorite throughout the process, given the region’s experience and the fact organizers are pledging to put on the Games without using money from local taxpayers. If Salt Lake does, in fact, win the Games, one thing is for certain: Park City will be forever changed, as it was the first time. The 2002 Olympics ushered in an evolution for our town that continues to resonate today, nearly 17 years later. The uncertainty of how another Olympics would shape our town is, to some, a reason for pause. There is concern that bringing the world back for an encore would further fan the flames of development and exacerbate problems like traffic congestion and the affordability crisis. But there is also plenty of evidence to back the notion that the Games would instead help us make progress on the many issues Park City is facing. Local elected officials have suggested federal funding for critical transit projects would be available, for instance. And perhaps athlete housing could be built in Summit County, then converted to affordable units once the Games are over. Leveraging the Olympics in that way would take diligence and foresight from our leaders, but the opportunity would be there. That makes the prospect of another Games enticing, even beyond the allure of showcasing our town to the world for a second time. Of course, the conversation surrounding what the Games would mean for Park City would be rendered moot if the IOC doesn’t choose Salt Lake City. But while we wait for that decision — the 2030 Games would likely be awarded in 2023 — we acknowledge that the talking points espoused by Olympic officials in Utah ring true. There is no place on Earth better equipped to host the Winter Olympics. We have the facilities. We have the experience. We have the passion. And now, we’ll have the opportunity to make our pitch to the IOC. That makes Friday a day we won’t soon forget and one that, ultimately, could change Park City forever. guest editorial Hop aboard a bus during Try Transit Week BEV HARRISON Park City Here’s a big shout out to all of us to get on a bus and “Try Transit” while the campaign is up and running this week through Saturday, Dec. 22. During this time, elected officials will be riding on our buses — probably getting better at it themselves — and letting you know how happy they are that you’re riding one too. They’ll have prizes to give away at random, which will make us pretty happy, too — especially if we get ahold of a free day ski pass at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley Resort. The coffee shop and restaurant coupons sound pretty good to pick up, too. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and draw a free PC MARC pass you can put to use to help you meet your New Year’s resolution. As always I will be riding; I want to get at least one prize. Lately, I’ve been focusing on riding new routes instead of taking my regular Kimball Junction inbound/outbound trip. I am finding out there can be many challenges to riding effectively throughout the community when you are not familiar with the routes and street names. It was frustrating to ride through Prospector last week in order to get to the Park Silly Holiday Bazaar at the Marriott. It seems there are flag stops “everywhere” but they are unannounced and many are marked only by small, fairly indistinguishable signs noting scheduled stop times. Buses do not stop at flag stops unless someone is waiting there or they are requested by a rider on the bus. Since I’m not familiar with the streets throughout Prospector, I have no idea what the addresses are of all these “get on and off” stops. I do know the stops we did make took seconds. There are many businesses, trailheads and homes of friends located reasonably near flag stops. Finding them on the My Stop App is difficult; there is no map. Residents and visitors need to know more about flag stops so they can plan their travel effectively. Marking all stops, both announced and flags, with the same colored light would do much to guide riders to them. Having a light marker at bus stops is especially necessary when it’s dark. A big shout out to our community businesses and organizations that are supporting Try Transit week through their donations for rider prizes. Many of them have been showing transit support for a long time in their radio and newspaper ads, by including a reminder to ride the bus to their shop or event. Try Transit Week is a great time to take a seat on one of our amazing buses. It’s inversion season in the Salt Lake Valley — I saw it hanging around near the top of Parleys Pass a few days ago. Freaked me out. There are gas- and diesel-powered vehicles everywhere; leave yours at home every once in awhile. Know there is a lot of help available to you as you learn the transit system. The bus drivers will be happy to answer your questions; so will community officials. Call the transit department. Use the My Stop App. Ask other riders. Ask your kids. Read the signs. When you get good at it, I can attest to it being a “feels good experience” in more ways than one. letters to the editor Save a cultural treasure Editor: Early in my career as an independent performing artist, I was fortunate enough to be booked by Teri Orr at the Park City Institute. The Institute took a chance on me; I was relatively unknown and performing challenging material: a bilingual song cycle called “Mestiza,” which sought to explore the shared experience of those with mixed blood navigating an often confusing path through conflicting cultures. The week of the concert I was given the unforgettable opportunity to perform outreach activities at local schools — discussing with young people the importance of including art and music in their lives and sharing my passion for the beauty of the Spanish language. Letters Policy The Park Record welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. We ask that the letters adhere to the following guidelines. They must include the home (street) address and telephone number of the author. No letter will be published under an assumed name. Letters must not contain libelous material. Letters should be no longer than about 300 words (about 600 words for guest editorials) and should, if possible, be typed. We reserve the right to edit letters if they are too long or if they contain statements that are unnecessarily offensive or obscene. Writers are limited to one letter every seven days. Letters thanking event sponsors can list no more than 6 individuals and/or businesses. Send your letter to: editor@parkrecord.com This was nearly 20 years ago and throughout the ensuing years, Teri and the Institute have never waned in their deep commitment to music, art, culture and social justice; offering world-class programming often without charge to thousands of children in underserved communities. Many have had their lives enriched forever after experiencing the transformative power of the arts for the very first time. I was saddened to learn today that the future of the Institute is now in peril. I am writing to let you know that although I live far from Park City I will pledge to donate what I can to support The Park City Institute. You can too: by purchasing tickets, making a donation in any amount, underwriting a performance or simply spreading the word among neighbors that there is still time to save this unique cultural treasure. I can’t think of a better Christmas gift for us to give each other. To donate, go to www.parkcityinstitute.org/ donate. Perla Batalla Ojai, California New lease on life Editor: The Park City Institute is big part of what makes Park City an oasis of culture and the arts. Not just global efforts like TED and TEDx events, but the incredible arts/entertainment, culture, news and information it brings in year in and year out. It’s become a pillar of life in Park City and is part of what makes life here so amazing. It would be a crying shame to turn back the clock at a time when we need it more than in any recent decade. It’s up to us as full and parttime residents to support the Institute and endow it with funding that would allow it not just to survive, but thrive. It will only take a few hundred of us, $1,000 each, to give the Institute a new lease on life. The loss of the Deer Valley venue seems to have had a massive impact. It’s extraordinary that Teri and her incredible dedicated staff have been able to pivot to the park and build a venue where none existed. This year’s talent exceeded my wildest expectations. Let’s get it together and make it happen. Jack Abbott Park City The Park record Pulse Here’s a sampling of the conversation readers are having on our Facebook page. To visit the page, go to Facebook.com/parkrecord/. I live in Summit Park at the bottom and I’d like to let everyone know the moose have been using the bridge! I’ve seen 3 moose since yesterday. … My living room windows face the north side of the highway and I am an avid wildlife watcher, I have never seen wildlife over there prior to the bridge opening. Today I even saw a young bull moose and 3 elk over there.” Sam Swendler, on article titled “UDOT completes Utah’s largest wildlife crossing at Parley’s Summit” Anyone complaining about this is living in the wrong town.” Tim McMasters, on article titled “USOC selects Salt Lake as Winter Olympics bid city” All the folks cheering this might want to think about it a little more, what outcome are you hoping for? Money damages to the state and county? That will be paid for by the public through higher prescription drug prices.” Steve Hancock, on article titled “Utah lawsuits filed against Big Pharma may be consolidated into Summit County’s case” I am so hopeful that this bridge will work! If so, it will be a great solution to keeping wildlife and humans alive and living together in harmony.” Laurel Ross, on article titled “UDOT completes Utah’s largest wildlife crossing at Parley’s Summit” The Park Record attained permission to publish these comments. |