For those on the fence about signing the referendum, I want to provide a practical reason for you to sign since the referendum is truly your voice being heard.
Opponents claim that signing and passing the referendum would let the state and Dakota impose their will on the site, leaving the county and residents powerless. However, this seems a bit like fear mongering. Why?
Consider Dakota’s actions. If they were confident the state would back them, why invest so much time, money and effort to block this vote? Their actions reveal a clear fear that a public vote could jeopardize this deal and possibly miss out on significant profits.
Citizen votes matter. Overriding a democratic vote seems far more difficult for the state than dismissing community concerns as mere “loud voices.” The referendum is our tool to shift power back into the hands of local residents.
Negotiating power. Dakota has effectively exploited its negotiation leverage by using the state as a threat. Since the County Council cited “fear of state” as a major reason for voting yes, why not create our own leverage with the referendum?
There will eventually be some development at the Tech Park and I believe it will require a negotiated deal regardless if the referendum passes. Therefore, signing is in every resident’s best interest and the council’s interest too if some members didn’t sometimes act like they have been compromised. (Glen Wright, Melena Stevens, Chris Robinson seemed willing to approve the original Dakota proposal in 2021).
A negotiated deal that reduces density, or better yet, removes Dakota’s cap on the “benefit” spending would all be potential outcomes that would mean your voice gives the community a better choice.
Join me in signing the referendum, and then encourage our council to negotiate some additional concessions from Dakota.
Phillip Wright
Park City