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Show Viewpoints The Park Record. A-9 Wed/Thurs/Fri, May 13-15, 2020 editorial Grads are entering uncertain world but will make us proud I n a typical year, Summit County’s high school seniors would be spending the next few weeks basking in the final days of a momentous phase of their lives. They’d be taking dates to prom, savoring time with friends they’ve known since childhood and preparing to toss their caps into the sky. Alas, a typical year it is not. Rather than participating in those treasured end-of-adolescence rites, seniors, like everyone else, have had their lives upended. Schools have been closed since mid-March. Dances and athletic competitions have been canceled. The opportunity to gather with loved ones for the pomp and circumstance of commencement ceremonies has been stripped away. The seniors’ plight may seem relatively inconsequential compared to the suffering of workers who’ve lost jobs or of people who’ve fallen ill with the coronavirus. In truth, it is, and the students themselves would not argue differently. But this year’s seniors have earned the same send-off as the classes that preceded them. And the experiences they are missing out on are important, memories that can’t be replaced. guest editorial Blind trust in science espoused by Park Record is misplaced MICHAEL SMITH Park Meadows In a recent editorial, The Park Record arrogantly posits that “Mistrust of science during crisis is a contagion of its own.” Let me say that blind trust during a crisis is a feature of religion, not science. Because I am conservative, I am accused of not believing in “science” but as an engineer, my life has always involved science and due to that, I know that science is a process of continual inquiry, not an endpoint. If I may ask, as related to the COVID-19 pandemic, just which “science” are we supposed to believe? Was it when the World Health Organization told us that the virus could not be transmitted from human to human? Was it when we were told to wear masks, then not to wear masks, then to wear them again? Or was it when they said we should wear gloves until we were told that wearing gloves might not be the best idea? Was it “science” when we were told not to worry about the coronavirus because the flu was going to be worse, that we shouldn’t be racists by banning travel from infected areas, that we just should go to festivals and have fun? Was it when riding public transit was OK or when they said that we should not do any of that and it was a failure because we did not do what the “experts” said not to do earlier? Were we supposed to believe the scientific models predicting millions dead or the models that said it could be as few as 40,000 — or when we were told that the emergency rooms would be overwhelmed or when they weren’t? How about when we were told that “stay at home” orders were to flatten the curve but now that the curve is flattened, we must continue to cower as our economies, local and national, burn out in the flames of indifference and inaction? Or should we believe conflicting statements from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, Fauci, Birx and other “scientists?” That science? How about citing the “science” behind closing hair salons (where access can be controlled, and personal protective equipment consistently employed) but letting Walmart and Home Depot run wild? Where is the “science” saying not quarantining nursing homes was a good idea but closing colleges was? Where is the “science” that says hiding in our homes defeats the virus even as we are told if we exit our sanctuaries before a vaccine is developed sometime in the next two years, the infections will rebound? Where is the science that says people can survive without economic activity and jobs? As this editorial proves, the word “science” has been abused to the point it is virtually meaningless. It has achieved the same status as “racist” as it now means “people who disagree with my beliefs.” For an editorial that claims we should rely on facts and science and facts, this editorial treated science as religion and the facts were few and far between. Citing studies about what people MIGHT do is not facts and citing the horribly erroneous Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation model as a valid predictor is ludicrous given its performance against reality and rather than increasing credibility of the Record’s position, bringing in the anti-vaccination movement only cements that the true purpose of this editorial was to dishonestly propose a guilt by association for anyone who questions the Record’s definition of “science.” The real question is not whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus is more or less deadly than the flu — the real question is whether public policy based on some mythical misinterpretation of “science” will prove more deadly than the virus. guest editorial Could a National Work from Home Day be a silver lining amid the pandemic? BRIAN BYTHROW Snyderville Basin letters to the editor Stevens has requisite experience I support Malena Stevens for Summit County Council Seat C. Malena has proven herself as a dedicated, thoughtful and engaging leader in Summit County. I got to know Malena last year when we worked together on the Leadership Park City wildfire preparedness and prevention project. Throughout that important project, Malena consistently demonstrated her talent as a communicator and a problem-solver, as well as her selfless commitment to the community, volunteering to serve on every aspect of the The Park Record Staff PUBLISHER ....................... Andy Bernhard Editor ................................... Bubba Brown Staff Writers ......................Jay Hamburger Scott Iwasaki Alexander Cramer Ryan Kostecka Contributing ............................. Tom Clyde Writers Teri Orr Amy Roberts Tom Kelly Joe Lair project. Malena’s service as a Summit County planning commissioner and her involvement as a member of the Kimball Junction Master Plan Committee, the Newpark Design Review Committee, and the Affordable Housing Task Force give her the experience to address some of the most significant issues facing our county today — growth, traffic and affordable housing. Malena’s professional experience as the executive assistant to the Park City chief of police and victim advocate coordinator and her related experience with the Summit County Domestic Violence Coalition, the Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Summit County Behavioral Assessment Committee give her a breadth of knowledge that extends far beyond budget and management and have given her a deep understanding of how issues such as violent crime, mental illness and drug addiction can profoundly affect the lives of Summit County residents. In short, Malena has the experience and the perspective to help propel our community forward and she will have my vote on June 30. David Kottler Summit Park Copy Editor ............................ James Hoyt Engagement Editor............. Jeff Dempsey Photographer .........................Tanzi Propst Circulation Manager ............. Lacy Brundy Distribution........................... Henry Knight ADVERTISING Advertising Director ........... Valerie Spung Advertising Sales ................... Jodi Hecker Lindsay Lane Sharon Bush Director of Digital Marketing .. Tina Wismer Production Director ..................Ben Olson Production ......................... Louise Mohorn Harte has leadership we need My wife and I have been members of the Summit County community for over 40 years, one of us always involved in one organization or another. I have worked operationally around the globe and at the center of our national security. Having interacted with strong and competent leaders, it becomes apparent when the quiet Like so many of the coronavirus’ repercussions, the situation isn’t fair. Neither is the reality that the graduates will be entering the real world during a period of great uncertainty. They will be leaving home with the pandemic still raging, the global economy in distress and political tensions in America roiling. It’s understandable if the upheaval has left them (and their parents) unsettled. One thing remains clear, however: We will not be lowering our expectations for their futures. Rather, we have no doubt that our seniors will dust themselves off from the disappointments of the past few months, gird themselves against the challenges that await and forge success out of adversity. After all, that’s what they have been prepared to do — by parents, by teachers, by the communities that helped raise them. This year’s graduates may not get to revel in the rituals that mark the end of high school. And present circumstances in the world around them may be grim. Nonetheless, they are ready. To charge into the world. To tackle what is coming their way. And to make us proud, in many different ways. Its been said “Don’t waste a crisis.” While these are difficult times, it would be sad if we can’t learn a few things along the way. My heart goes out to all the small business owners, self-employed people and commission-based earners who are sweating out rent payment and equipment lease payments with no income. If you haven’t already, please be generous with giving to our local charities. As restaurants and retail shops open back up, let’s do our part by supporting them with our business. Has your relationship with your family improved or been strained in the recent months? It seems like half the people I meet (at a distance, of course) are loving the extra time at home, while the other half can’t wait to return to the office or have their kids return to school. If you are in the latter group, cherish the moments, as in the end, how you loved and were loved by your family will be far more important then how funny your work buddies thought you were. January wasn’t all that long ago: Do you remember your biggest complaints about living in Utah? For most of us it was traffic and air quality. I’m sure you’ve noticed on that rare trip to the grocery store how few cars are on the road and the clarity of the skies. For those of us that have lived here awhile, its like Utah circa 2000. They say 5% of Americans worked from home pre-crisis and about 40% could work from home post-crisis. With quality teleconferencing like Zoom and highspeed internet, many of us are finding we are more professionals come on the scene. Canice Harte is cut from the professional mold of competent leadership. After leaving the U.S. Marine Corps, Canice went on to the business world, leading business development teams for many of the well-known outdoor brands we all use every day. Fourteen years ago, Canice and his wife, Katy, moved to Summit County to make their home and raise a family. He founded and ran two successful companies, one after the other, here employing a couple dozen locals. An avid outdoor enthusiast, his idea of a nice stretch of the legs is an ultra off-road marathon or adventure race. Returning from the wilderness he immediately switches back into business mode without having missed a beat. For the last seven years, Canice has contributed his expertise to the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission while supporting numerous other community and youth sports initiatives. Canice joined the Park City Rotary Club, rising in short order to be our local president and assistant governor for Utah Rotary. A couple of years ago some of us came together to found Friends of Summit County Search and Rescue, a nonprofit organization solely focused on supporting the health, safety and well-being of our volunteer team and those it serves. At the first mention of this new organization, Canice stepped up to help in any way possible. He is amazingly effective as a board member and representing us in the wilderness with the team. Everyday we see examples of how local and county governments are the foundation upon which our nation is built and sustained. These positions are not learning laboratories or resume builders. They are where operational leaders make the tough decisions and accept the responsibilities that will enable our survival. productive at home than at the office. No more wasted commute time, primping and ironing shirts. While we had assumed our clients needed to see us in person, we’re finding many are just as happy getting business updates or even listening to new sales pitches online. Many of my colleagues are saying two to three days in the office vs. working at home would be the ideal mix going forward. So, here is my proposal (and you heard it here first): As Americans we love to celebrate momentous occasions marked by a holiday. The Fourth of July for Independence Day, Memorial Day for us vets. Given the depth of this current crisis, how about National Work from Home Day? Once per year would be nice, but not all that impactful. Monthly? Better. How about one day a week? Now you are talking some real change. Two days a week, you’d be a real trend setter. I have a friend who works as a software engineer for a public company. During the financial crisis of 2008, his company closed all regional offices except for the headquarters and had all employees work from home. Not only have they saved the office expenses, but he and other employees love working from home. So, while not for everyone, a National Work from Home initiative could do more to alleviate traffic and air pollution than virtually any green proposal we’ve seen. Best yet, it’s a cost saver vs. one more added expense to your annual tax bill! Now go use those savings to take your family to one of our finest Park City restaurants and buy a new shirt on Main Street — I’m sure your spouse would appreciate a fresh look! Canice is a professional leader and valued team member. Years of selfless service and experience, competent skills and the physical endurance most of us can only envy defines the leadership Summit County needs in these very difficult times. Kevin McCarthy Park City We need Stevens’ strong voice I am voting for Malena Stevens for Summit County Council. I hope you will too! Certainly we are in challenging times related to the coronavirus pandemic. Our community safety, economic uncertainty and a managed approach to growth are critical issues moving forward. We need to continue with a strong Summit County Council. Malena’s background in government budgeting, social services and mental health will serve us well. She is the executive assistant to the Park City chief of police. Malena has a front-row seat to our community. Her work as a victim advocate coordinator gives her insight and thoughtfulness to our community. Malena has served and volunteered on countless boards — Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, Newpark design review, affordable housing task force, Summit County Domestic Violence Coalition, Leadership Class 25, women in leadership ... to name a few. Malena is hard working, dedicated and very bright. She’s a good listener and digs in to find solutions. Malena is already involved in so many pressing issues to our community, let’s give her a seat on the council to serve us well. Summit County Council needs her strong voice and commitment to our community. Please vote for Malena for Summit County Council. Marion Boland Park City Stevens is right choice Malena Stevens is the right choice for the Summit County Council. Her longstanding experience and leadership in both government and nonprofits makes her uniquely qualified to be our next councilmember. She has served two terms on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, including as chairperson. During this time, she has demonstrated a high level of collaboration while working through many challenging development projects. We have always found her willing to listen to individual concerns, while being fair-minded to all persons involved. Leaders with these types of skills are especially needed now, during these times of change and uncertainty. Malena has demonstrated the ability to lead projects from start to finish, while adapting to the inevitable changes that occur. She coordinated the hugely popular Utah Lecture Series, which saw strong attendance and engagement — especially among our seniors. She has been a member or led such diverse organizations as the affordable housing task force, domestic violence coalition, suicide prevention coalition, and Park City municipal women in leadership. We encourage everyone to learn more about Malena Stevens’ numerous contributions to our community, and to support her candidacy for the Summit County Council. Douglas and Rebecca Wood Park Meadows |