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Show Political Action Committee advocates stable economy by RICK BROUGH Record staff writer The newly-formed Park City Political Action Committee at an Aug. 22 town meeting called on citizens and city council candidates to support development of stable year-round business in Park City. Committee member Randy Fields, a Park City businessman, told the crowd, of nearly 100 people in the Egyptian Theatre the present city government has focused too much on developing Park City as a tourist town. "We are headed for absolute ruin if we have a town of 4,000 absolutely committed to building an infrastructure infra-structure for 25,000 visitors," he said. But he said it is the people who are at fault for not telling the city what they want. In a position statement, the committee said the community can achieve stability by encouraging "small and medium, clean, hightech high-tech and low-tech businesses." The committee goals drew expressions expres-sions of support from local businessmen business-men and council candidates. Incumbent City Councilman Bill Coleman, who is running for re-election, said the PAC's philosophy philos-ophy was indisputable. "Believe me, I am with you, whether you want me or not," he said. But resident Charles Latterner said it wasn't enough for candidates to support the general idea of a healthy economy. "I would like to , see what they would do to implement it," he said. , Latterner has since declared his candidacy for the council. Other observers wondered what effect high-tech business development develop-ment would have on the city. Tom Ross asked if employees only will be able to afford a residence in Heber. "What happens to the seasonal (employees) and old people who don't nave enough money to go "' along on this ship?" The committee's paper called on government agencies to search out and invite desirable businesses to the area and cooperate with them to plan rational growth. Legislation also should protect business and residents resi-dents from adverse impacts of the resort industry, according to the statement. 5 With proper incentives, it says I nearby development will want to be Lannexed into the city. I The. PAC also called for further development of schools at all grade levels and expansion of adult education. ft i I The PAC is headed by a five-member steering committee that includes Fields-leader of a business combine that includes Mrs. Fields Cookies and David R. Evans, a member of the Mormon Church. Both men jokingly referred to themselves as part of the "cookie-Mormon conspiracy." Other committee members are businessmen Bill MaWhinney and Mike Troup and City Planning Commissioner Ray Robinson. Bill Mammen, a former member of the PAC, said he resigned from the organization after deciding to run for mayor. In response to a question, Fields said the PAC presently was not endorsing candidates, but would endorse any candidate who supported support-ed its goals. "We may endorse one or may endorse them all. But we will hold them accountable. We will hold their feet to the fire," he added. Most comments from the PAC came from Fields, who said the town should define goals and principles of action. He said the city council is "terribly well-intentioned" but doesn't know what the citizenry wants. He said a plan to attract high-tech industries doesn't mean the town will seek large "Silicon Valley" industries, but rather businesses with 10 to 100 employees. The Park City area is too small for large high-tech, he said. "We are talking about 2,000 to 3,000 people (here). That's less than one half-day shift at Apple. We have the perfect place for software development." The needs of employees won't be forgotten, he said. When Fields was an adviser for Vail, Colo., he recalled, he told the city it must make housing provisions for workers. work-ers. "It has to be a well-rounded community," he said. That would include continuing tourism. "I hope it will always be a ski resort." Members of the audience echoed support for a broader economic base. Ron Lyle said the town always has relied on a single industry first mining, then tourism. First Security Bank Vice President Joe Porter said he has seen the effects of Park City's seasonal economy. "I've often heard people say, 'I make a lot of money in the winter, but I starve in the summer.' First Security assets go from $18 million in summer to $45 million in the '"winter, ' ' Porter said. Joel Kellman, a lawyer dealing in venture capital, said many communi ties pursue nign-iecn aim aumc succeed. "I do not think it is a panacea, or is easy, but when it works, it's terrific." However, mayoral candidate Steve Dering said year-round business will not solve all of the town's problems. The city should work on improving summer tourism. "We should look at building a significant meeting convention center, with state participation." partici-pation." Randall Rogers questioned the PAC's support for annexing nearby areas. He said studies have shown taking in already-built suburbs is counterproductive. Regarding industry, indus-try, he said successful high-tech areas are built around one or more universities. And the substantial land areas for such development would be in the county, not the city, he contended. Fields replied Park City has no choice but to pursue business, saying the present real estate slump is just the beginning of a severe economic downturn. He predicted, "No one for love or money will make loans (to Park City). Property is about to be not too expensive." And the studies, he added, are what led Park City to its present problem. The money spent for them should have been used to build an economic base. The meeting also included these comments: City Councilman Al Horrigan said the city's Comprehensive Plan proposes to meet the same goals the PAC is seeking. He also encouraged citizens to show up at council meetings. Mammen said he was the author of the PAC's position paper. It was his last action before leaving the group. He pledged to conduct the mayor's office the same way he will run the campaign. His campaign activities will include holding household meetings with citizens, he said. Mammen also said not everything about Park City's seasonal economy is vorrisome. Part of the town's charm, he said, comes from businesses that close down during part of the year. PAC member Troup, who moderated moder-ated the meeting, said the organization organiza-tion will act as a watchdog, attending city council and Park City School Board meetings. It will meet every week during the election campaign and every month thereafter. He invited citizens to join the general committee of the PAC, which will meet quarterly. The PAC hopes eventually to v self-destruct, he said, when its goals are accomplished. |