We’ve seen politics in Park City devolve to a place that’s unhealthy for our community and not reflective of who we say we are. Disagreement and advocacy have been framed as disrespect. The courage to challenge legacy operations and push for fair, consistent local governance has been framed as negative.
While our municipal elections are nonpartisan, two groups seem to have emerged. They aren’t red or blue.
One group leads with personal attacks, misinformation and claims about what is said or how it’s said in council meetings. They promote falsehoods and slander. They offer snide remarks in forums, in public comment, and on the record. Their strategy to win appears to also include attacking the character of hard-working, dedicated community members in an attempt to sway your vote.
In stark contrast, the other group highlights personal accomplishments and speaks to issues, while offering their vision for the future of Park City, standing on their own merits. They refuse to engage in trading blows, no matter how ugly or overt attacks become. This is the group I am proud to identify with.
On the campaign trail, a common question has been, “What is really going on?”
Truth is, I’m not sure. It feels like those preaching inclusivity are the ones attempting to slam the gate shut. Division is denounced yet promoted in their actions. And those alleging dysfunction and a lack of progress are the ones actually stalling projects when majority council direction or community feedback doesn’t align with their agenda. The mixed messaging and inconsistent actions are perplexing.
Has there been staff turnover? Yes, as expected in times of change. Does it align with the narrative suggesting a toxic culture where discrimination thrives? Absolutely not. In fact, the leadership team continues to consist of more women than men, including more recent hires.
City Hall is well positioned with a new organizational foundation for success, albeit a fragile one. We will benefit from top-level leadership that not only takes a stand, that respects our form of government and the diverse opinions of five elected councilors who are meant to set policy while representing all of us. Shaping policy is neither the role of a single elected official nor city attorneys, as is commonplace today.
Let’s continue improving organizational efficiency, return public process to public view (where it belongs), and be supportive of healthy debate. Let’s get back to being one community and end artificial division, all of us practicing what we preach and interested in nothing more than the greater good.
Change isn’t easy, yet organizational and process evolution are critical to positioning your government to continue serving you better.
This election matters. Our future is at stake. Practice truth. Practice transparency. Celebrate progress. VoteRubell.com
Jeremy Rubell
Park City