City overlooks a good local option
Editor:
Last year, Emerald Data Solutions began talking with staff at Park City Municipal about assisting with the City’s desire to provide greater access to council meetings. Our BoardDocs suite of services provides board management services for about 1000 local governing bodies and has successfully hosted over 100,000 public meetings. Our award-winning solutions are the fastest growing suite of board management services in the country. It was our desire to provide Park City Municipal with a custom, world-class solution at no cost. Because much of our team is local, we were excited about working closely with the City and making the solution a showcase featuring best practices for media streaming, document management and community engagement.
Emerald Data Solutions has deep roots in the community because we believe in investing in the community where we live. Company officers sit on the boards and the company has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local nonprofit organizations. We also host the largest national conference for eGovernance here in Park City each fall, further supporting local economic development. While we have headquarters in Atlanta, we have moved our entire senior staff and marketing teams to this area so that now about 30% of our national workforce lives in Utah. Our solutions are used locally by The Park City Ski School, The Park City Foundation, The Park City Education Foundation, The Peace House, The Park City School District, South Summit School District, The University of Utah and the Utah Education Network, just to name a few.
Unfortunately, our team was kept at arms length during the formal bid process and the City Council opted to contract with a different solution that was more costly and less robust. It is like the Cupertino City Council deciding to use Microsoft Surface tablets rather than Apple iPads. It is sad that the City does not do a better job partnering with local businesses.
Ari Ioannides
President, Emerald Data Solutions
Get ready to join the Live PC Give PC fun
Editor:
The 3rd Annual Live PC Give PC day of giving will take place on Nov. 8. This year’s goal is to raise $750,000 from 3,500 donors for the nearly 80 represented non-profits that benefit our community. Donate as little as $10 or as much as you like to one or many of our great local non-profits. New this year is a $2,500 prize for the small non-profit with the most donors as well as an additional $25 to the first 500 donations from new donors. Those that have participated in the past know what a beneficial, contagious and efficient way this is to give to our great community. Be sure to visit LIVEPCGIVEPC.org on November 8th and encourage all who enjoy Park City to do the same. Thanks for your support!
Dirk Beal
Live PC Give PC Task Force
“Letters Home” outreach was excellent
Dear Editor,
My name is Matthew Gustafson. I am a part of the journalism team at Treasure Mountain Junior High. Recently, the cast and crew of a show that just performed on Oct. 26, “Letters Home,” showed up to our class for a student outreach. In this letter, I would like to speak with you about the student outreach at Treasure Mountain by the cast and crew of “Letters Home.”
During the student outreach, there were many events that were enjoyable. First, some of the cast members acted out a letter that they would say at the show. After that, we began to play some games, such as ones that brought our energy up and ones that required that you listened to everything before it was your turn. Then we played a charades/freeze-frame game where the audience would close their eyes, open them a few seconds later, and see a scene that would relate to things like current events and books. What made the games interesting was that they all related to journalism and what you can do.
I would like to give some thanks to the people at the Park City Institute as well. It was the Park City Institute that provided the student outreach, and the “Letters Home” show for that matter. To the Park City Institute, thank you for the fun that I had on Oct. 25.
Matthew Gustafson
Park City
Live PC Give PC is a great community investment
Editor:
I urge everyone who lives, works and recreates in Summit County to participate in Live PC Give PC (www.livepcgivepc.org) on Friday, Nov. 8. This is a one-day online fundraiser to support 70+ invaluable local non-profit organizations that make life better for us. I am certain that we all benefit from their dedication to causes such as trails and open space, arts and culture, the environment, education, human rights, public health, children and youth, family services, disabilities, and animals.
Personally, in a typical week, I’ll go for hikes with my adopted dog, drop off glass at Recycle Utah, catch a play or a concert or an independent film, listen daily to KPCW, and read a library book. When guests come to town, they are excited to see an exhibit at the PC Museum or Kimball Art Center, go to Olympic Park, stroll through Park Silly Sunday Market, and enjoy a show at the Egyptian. All of these, and more, fun things are available due to the efforts of local non-profits.
On the flip side, life’s challenges force some residents to prioritize meeting their basic needs over just having a good time. Many of us consider socioeconomic diversity to be an important factor in keeping Summit County and Park City what they are; living here comes at a premium and it is critical that all have access to food, shelter and health care, in good times and bad. For people of all income levels, sometimes help is needed with problems of mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse. There are non-profits that guarantee these services are available as well.
As a volunteer for and beneficiary of numerous non-profits, I can vouch for the hard work they do and I will be donating to them and other non-profits close to my heart.
Please show your love for the Park City Community Foundation and all our local non-profits by giving what you can on November 8. In many cases, matching and challenge grants have been promised to encourage participation and make your dollars go further; we can all have a significant impact and ensure these non-profits thrive and maximize their important services.
Steve Spaulding
Park City
Alex helped make our town walkable
Editor:
I had the great experience of working with Alex in the Walkability project for Park City a few years back. We had a committee that was composed of folks from different neighborhoods, with differing visions all with a commitment to creating a vibrant, walkable community.
Alex was an integral part of the process as we poured over maps, walked all over Park City and took a bus ride to acquaint us with the project.
Alex Butwinksi kept us on track, pointed out possible solutions and generally led us to the completed project that now connects people, places and the land. He helped us to add to the vibrancy of Park City that encourages all to walk, run and bike around the town not to mention safe routes for all our school kids.
Alex is a great leader and truly a sincere champion of Park City. Please vote for Alex! You will not be disappointed with his leadership, his right to the point style and his ability to see and complete the vision. He will keep Park City on the right path.
Carol Potter
Heber City
Please help re-elect incumbents Beerman and Matsumoto
Park City is one lucky community to have so many qualified candidates running for office in this election. But, out of that great field, there are two standouts: Andy Beerman for Mayor and Cindy Matsumoto for re-election to the Park City Council.
First, why I endorse Andy Beerman for Mayor: In order for Park City to embrace the future while maintaining its well-deserved status as a world class ski town and best town in America, it need s charismatic leadership. That’s Andy Beerman. Andy has the on-the-job experience, proven leadership skills, enthusiasm, and collaborative nature necessary for the job. I have worked with Andy to regionally and proactively address our respective community’s transportation, traffic, and economic diversity challenges. Andy is a delight to work with. He is well versed on the issues, listens to all points of view, and advocates Park City’s position with intelligence and passion. Park City would be well served elect Andy Beerman as its next Mayor.
Second, why I endorse Cindy Matsumoto’s re-election to City Council: Cindy was one of the first people I met when I moved to the Park City area in 1999. Cindy is a smart, innovative problem solver. She is also funny and charming. Cindy loves her community and is deeply committed to honoring Park City’s history. But, most importantly, Cindy is great at her job as a member of the Park City Council and will continue to diligently serve the community she so loves. Please give her that opportunity.
Please get out and vote. And, vote for Andy and Cindy!
Claudia McMullin
Summit County Council.
Park City Institute is enriching local schools
Editor,
Last week the actors and actresses from “Letters Home” came to our journalism class at Treasure Mountain Junior High in Park City. My experience with them was great, and I definitely got a lot out of it. They came to our class, and also showed us how to be more beneficial about teamwork. The Student Outreach Program is a great organization that allows students participate in many different activities.
This program is the reason why the actors from “Letters Home” cast were allowed to come to our class at TMJH. They surely have gone out of their way to make more things possible for students all over Park City. I want to thank the Park City Institute for providing the Outreach program, and allowing them to come to our class and have fun with us. It was a great experience and I hope more people enjoyed it as well.
Rylie Grant
Park City
More kudos for cast from “Letters Home”
Editor:
My name is Julia. I am a student at Treasure Mountain Junior High. I am in a journalism class and write for the TMJH Park City Post online magazine. I play volleyball for Park City High School’s volleyball team. My other hobbies include tennis and skiing.
Last Thursday, the cast and crew of the Letters Home play came into class to provide student outreach. I learned so much from them through fun discussions and games. We learned about the importance of primary sources, how to relate news to your readers, and how to address all of a story’s main parts in your article. A few actors performed their letters for us, which were extremely powerful. Afterwards, we discussed how a letter’s purpose can be conveyed through writing, which is a very important skill for our journalism class. I was so touched by the letters and everything we learned by listening to them and participating in cooperation games.
I am extremely appreciative to the cast and crew of Letters Home. I learned so much that I can apply to my writing, such as writing in a relatable way. I am also grateful for the opportunity to have a glimpse into the world of military officers in Afghanistan and around the world.
Julia Case
Park City
Don’t base mayoral vote on outward appearances
Editor:
I’m not a Park City resident but I care very much about our community. This mayoral election has two distinct characters. When I see Andy I see a super hero type. He’s tall and good looking and very articulate. Jack, well, he’s soft spoken and working out in the gym doesn’t seem to be a pastime. But this isn’t the movies and I don’t think we need a super hero. We need a deep thinker and someone who truly wants to preserve and protect what we have.
I come from South Florida and have watched the good lookin’ young super hero quickly enhance and beautify all that was worth keeping until I no longer saw the beauty in my town (but all the new people and tourists did). I think Andy makes a very good council member and cares deeply about Park City. When it comes to being a Mayor I don’t feel like he is the one. I don’t want to move again and try to find a home that isn’t a tourist trap. I believe our son will love Park City and remain here when he grows up if the people in office keep our children in mind and not the tourists. I believe Jack is the right person to be the Mayor of Park City.
Andrea Arel
Summit Park
Incumbents are fine but change is good
Editor:
Last week I attended the candidates’ discussion at the Egyptian Theatre for our town’s mayoral and city council positions, and I was impressed with the candidates’ answers and ideas during the discussions. I attended because I wanted to know more about the main issues and I also have a friend running for city council, Tim Henney.
During the debates I asked myself why our town needs Tim on the council. The incumbents’ all made good, solid points about why they should stay and the town seems to be running fine, so why change anything? I do feel change is good, not only for our own personal well-being, but also for our own government. It gives a fresh, new perspective on our goals and the culture of our town.
Tim has the skill set to be a very concise and level-headed thinker. He doesn’t allow emotional issues to break down the need for logical thinking. He is passionate about Park City, and can help keep our authentic town a vibrant community. Let’s bring in new perspective, let’s stay unique. Support Tim Henney.
Steven Bowling
Park City
Mary Wintzer and Jack Thomas deserve your vote
Editor:
I am supporting Mary Wintzer for Park City Council and Jack Thomas for Mayor. Both candidates know Park City well, have worked in Park City for many years, and care deeply about the quality of life in our community. We are at a crossroads where important choices are going to be made that will impact the future of our town. Park City is in danger of becoming crowded and overgrown, and of losing its unique small town character. This does not mean we cannot remain a world-class resort and a place where people love to visit. However, we need to maintain a healthy balance between small town and tourist town. With careful and creative planning we can achieve this. I believe Mary and Jack can do this effectively. If you see Mary or Jack, talk with them about the important issues concerning Park City. They will listen and they will give you honest answers. Please vote for Jack and Mary on November 5. Jo Scott
Jo Scott
Park City
A vote for Tim Henney is a vote for leadership
Before you vote next week, I want share with Park City that Tim Henney is an outstanding choice for City Council, basically because Tim Henney really cares. He cares about this town, he cares about its people and he cares about the environment. When Tim gets involved in anything, whether it be an athletic adventure, sharing his thoughts on a radio hour, or just being a special friend, he puts his heart and soul into that endeavor. He is committed to this town in its entirety: the arts, the politics, the trails, the economic viability, but most of all, he is committed to the unique essence of Park City.
Tim Henney is concerned about all the different people who make up Park City, ranging from the employees, to the employers, and from the businesses, to the residents who simply call Park City their home . He has no vested interests and would take on the job of City Council with incredible dedication, with a new perspective, and a willingness to address all of the current as well as the future needs of this community.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5. As a 30-year resident of this town and long-term employee, I sincerely believe that Tim Henney would be an exceptional council member who would competently and sensitively lead us into tomorrow and effectively tackle all of the challenges that the future unfolds.
Joan Thompson
Park City
Support from those who know what it takes to be mayor
Editor:
We support Andy Beerman for Park City Mayor because he has the right temperament for the job. As Mayors, we know that just talking about ideas is not enough; you have to work with people from a range of backgrounds, and Andy’s experience as a business owner and councilperson have shown him to be someone who understands how to reach consensus.
A good mayor needs to be able to see beyond their city’s physical boundaries and partner effectively with their regional and state colleagues. Andy’s work on the Wasatch Summit planning process in particular has shown us that he knows what he is doing, and he can get results through collaborative decision making. We would both be honored to work with Andy as Mayor for Park City.
Mayor Ralph Becker
Salt Lake City
Mayor Ben McAdams
Salt Lake County