In sports the only thing more reprehensible than a “poor loser” is a “poor winner.” Instead of graciously accepting the win, the poor winner continues to exploit their advantage to humiliate and discourage the loser.
Dakota Pacific continues to show they are untrustworthy and still have complete disdain for the Summit County Council and their constituents. On July 28, Summit County Manager Shayne Scott approved the administrative development agreement for their project as required under S.B. 26. On Sept. 3 the County Council repealed Ordinance 987 ,which nullified the 4-1 approval of Dakota Pacific’s project in December 2024.
Seemingly, all resistance to Dakota Pacific’s plans had been nullified. Despite over five years of strong resistance to the project, there appears to be nothing standing in the developer’s way. However, despite crushing the opposition, it was reported on Sept.18 that Dakota Pacific is continuing to pursue incorporating their own municipality. This is yet another strong arm tactic employed by Dakota Pacific.
If there is any doubt as to the purpose of this action, Dakota Pacific CEO Marc Stanworth made it clear by saying the development firm will maintain incorporation as a viable alternative to its project “until we have full confidence that our current path will not be further challenged and delayed.”
Why did the County Council decide to get in bed with these thuggish carpetbaggers? Nothing that has occurred in the last year makes the county’s decision look any better. In actuality, their coddling of Dakota Pacific looks more foolish by the day.
An old adage says, “fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” I am reminded of this by Shayne Scott’s statement in the Park Record article. Scott is quoted as saying, “I look forward to the time when the preliminary municipality is no longer a possible scenario in the Kimball Junction area.” I’m not holding my breath.
By repealing Ordinance 987 and the citizen’s referendum effort being declared moot, the path seems to be clear for mounting a legal challenge to S.B. 26. Our county representatives should be willing to take up the fight at this point but given their limp response to Dakota Pacific’s many outrageous actions in the past, I have little hope.
Vincent A. “Van” Novack
Snyderville