Having served this community as a Park City Municipal employee, nonprofit volunteer, and member of the Summit County Council, I’ve seen first hand how much leadership matters. Being in the work — whether as an elected official like Ryan Dickey and Tana Toly, or as a nonprofit leader like Diego Zagara — builds the understanding and relationships that make effective leadership possible. That experience matters.
One of the narratives floating around this election is that City Hall is broken and in need of an overhaul. That has not been my experience. Are there issues, like in any organization? Of course. But Park City Municipal is staffed by caring, competent people who are deeply committed to serving this community well. To suggest otherwise is not only inaccurate, but unproductive. These are the people who allow our way of life to continue, who do the work to keep our community functioning. Calling for an overhaul is less about problem-solving and more about tearing people down to serve a campaign message.
The truth is, Park City is a remarkable place. We do have challenges — traffic, cost of living, housing pressures — but we also have an incredible quality of life. But most people who live here could live anywhere, and they choose to stay in Park City because they love it.
That’s why I support Ryan Dickey for mayor, and Tana Toly and Diego Zagara for City Council. Ryan and Tana have spent the past four years listening to residents, making tough decisions over the dais, and building respectful relationships that keep this community moving forward.
Diego brings the same spirit through his work at the Park City Community Foundation. I’ve worked with him on issues ranging from behavioral health to early childhood to workforce housing. He is one of the hardest-working people I know — curious, respectful, and deeply capable.
Relationships are not “special interests.” They are how we get things done. Do you agree 100% with everyone you have a relationship with? I don’t either. But when there is respect, communication, and consistency, you can move forward together even amid disagreement and strong opinions. That’s exactly how Ryan, Tana and Diego lead.
I encourage Park City voters to support these experienced, respectful leaders — people who honor our history, acknowledge our challenges, and are committed to building our future together.
Malena Stevens
Pinebrook