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Show JUNE 1996 EDITORIAL Bridge Over Troubled Waters Park City residents ought to doff their caps to Mary Wintzer and Marianne Cone for their efforts to preserve Old Town — the historic district of Park City. For the past several months, these two Parkites have been working diligently to stop the approval o a ski bridge across Park Avenue at 8th Stree t. They attended Park City Planning Commission meetings and politely voiced their concerns: the ski bridge and everything that goes with it would harm the historic character of Old Town. They attended city council meetings, too, and made known their objections: In the end, the ski bridge, snowmaking, increased traffic and transient nature of a ski resort would undermine the community that lives in and supports Park City’s historic district. Wintzer and Cone did what they were supposed to do as good citizens they worked with their appointed and elected leaders. They met with them, explained things, and made a com- Although the bridge’s approval by the city council came as a surprise to Wintzer and Cone, it didn’t surprise many others, who have watched now for the past six or seven years as Mayor Brad Olch and City Manager Toby Ross have charted a course for increased tourism and development. Christopher Smart The ski industry and big business pelling case. But in the end, they did not have a chance, not even with the people they helped elect seven short months ago Welcome to Park City, ladies. Wintzer and Cone didn’t stand < chance, largely because they were going up against the big boys. They went up against the Park City Ski Area, the Marriott corporation and Pat Sweeney, to name a few. The ski bridge was part and parcel of the new resort called the Town Lift project and literally millions of dollars were riding on the decision by elected officials to approve it are, after all, the mayor's people. They helped him get elected in the first place, he has been a big ski industry and Olympic booster, and a big supporter of Park City Ski Area and tourism. That-Wintzer and Cone could convince one council person, Shauna Kerr, to vote their way is to their credit and Ms. Kerr’s, for that matter. Indeed, the mayor and city manager have an impressive record of getting city council approvals for their recommendations. It was no secret that Mayor Olch was squarely behind the ski bridge proposal. Even when the other four members of the city council were convinced that the width of the bridge should be reduced from 40 to 30 feet, the mayor was still arguing for a wider bridge. The mayor has always contended that tourism should be the main focus and concern of city government. But he has always seemed genuinely puzzled when criticized for emphasizing the tourist industry over other community concerns. Perhaps Mayor Olch just doesn’t get it. He and City Manager Ross pushed the idea of a 300-room hotel on the Carl Winter's School years ago. Above playing field six the community’s loud objections, the city council approved it and the giveaway of the public’s four-acre open space. But in the end, the developer was too embarrassed to go forward, not wanting to become the pariah of Park City. But we shouldn't expect the ski bridge to find the same fate. The developers of the Town Lift project don’t seem to be embarrassed by maximizing their profits, whether or not it comes at the expense of Park City’s historic district. @ Glee Clubs Banned by Legislature But Strange ‘Loner’s Club’ Gets OK By Rick Brough SALT LAKE CITY, June 1997 —In preparation for the 1998 Utah Legislature, the Special Interim Subcommittee on High School Clubs has convened. This is in line with the ordinance passed last winter, mandating that all proposed student associations must be reviewed and approved by the legislature. *Committee Chairman Parley P. Portley greets the first application; a Salt Lake high school has applied to start a so-called Glee Club. “I am extremely troubled,” Portley says. “First, we had gay clubs. Now we've got glee clubs. At a time when many young people are confused about their identities, we don’t need school organizations promoting the gleeful lifestyle, or promulgating the idea that people are born full of glee and can’t change.” The chairman continued: “I question whether this is a genuine request from the students or whether this is orchestrated by perky, gleeful adults seeking young recruits.” Two students represent the pro- posed club: a boy who’s a dead ringer for Andy Hardy, and a blonde cheerleader with cream-colored _ skin. “Jeepers,” says the boy. “With all due respect, sir, we're just a group of kids who get together on fun projects, like bake sales and car washes. We just like to promote school spirit and enthusiasm and pep.” “So, you admit that you promote the use of spirits in school!” the chairman exclaimed. “ And what is this pep? A code word for some sort of Bolivian cough syrup that induces an artificial high? I think we know what kind of glee you mean!” “Golly sir,” said the blonde cheerleader, turning a cartwheel. “Glee is just an old-fashioned word that refers to being happy and joyous and... ” “We've heard that before,” the chairman growled. “Don’t you shake your pom-poms at me, young lady! Application denied!” the *The next request causes a buzz in press gallery. This is the same “And just what would this organization do?” the senator demanded suspiciously “We don’t have to tell you,” Slang retorts. “We're meeting in secret party caucus.” The senator explodes. “I don't think we need to continue this charade. If you allow them to meet under a veil of secrecy, isn’t it obvious that they will promulgate and promote a lifestyle that is not shared by a majority of the American people?” “Senator,” the student interrupts. “Ts that like if a group of politicians, all belonging to the LDS Church, meet in secret?” “You're out of order, young lady,” “At a time when many young people are confused the senator shouts. “The two things are about *The final application comes from a rural high school. Students there are proposing a “Quiet Loners Club.” The club is represented by attorney Gerry Spence: “The students I represent would have traveled to Salt Lake but they don’t get out much. They keep to themselves, y'know, they’re loners. And besides, they've declared their school district as an independent country and they haven't got their Passports yet.” Spence continues: “At a time when they're especially vulnerable, young people who are growing up to be quiet loners need to make contact with youngsters, like themselves. They've already had a few meetings.” their identities, we don't need school organizations promoting the gleeful lifestyle.” group of high school students, identifying themselves as gay and lesbian teenagers, who applied to start a club last year. “I see you're back,” observes State Senator Levi Nehi. “Just what are you proposing now?” The group’s president, K.D. Slang, replies, “Well, you know how many high schools have a Model U.N.? We are proposing to start a Model Utah Legislature.” PAGE entirely different. Application denied!” 2 “Oh, really?” the chairman intones. “What did they talk about?” “Well, nobody said anything at first. Y'know, they’re kind of quiet,” Spence explained. “But they did finally get around to appointing a secretary to keep the minutes of the meetings. trouble is, he got carried away wrote a 380,000-word treatise on pernicious effects of technology.” “What?” the senator demanded. “They finally loosened up talked about disbanding the club,” cowboy lawyer noted. “After The and the and the all, if they're in a group, then they're not really loners. But if they remain loners, then they can’t really form a club.” “Makes sense,” the chairman observed. “Nevertheless,” Spence continued, “I think the kids would really like an organization where they can get together and keep to themselves. They've already paid the registration fee for a club. I’d like to present the committee with a check.” “Hmmm,” Chairman Portely said. “Tt says this is payable in gold coins to the First Central Bank of Mongo? Are you sure this check is good?” “Absolutely.” “Well, I think this kind of group could receive legislative approval,” the chairman said. “What kind of meeting space would you recommend?” “A small, enclosed building without windows. One far away from the maddening crowds on campus, if you get my drift.” @ |
