Park City, Utah - An eclectic and diverse group of candidates is vying for a midterm appointment to the Park City Council, following the recent ascension of Ryan Dickey to the mayor’s office. The council is set to conduct interviews with the candidates on Tuesday, January 15, and a decision is expected shortly thereafter. This appointment comes at a critical time for Park City, as the community grapples with a spectrum of pressing issues, including housing affordability, responsible development, and environmental sustainability. The candidates bring varied backgrounds and perspectives, each addressing the unique challenges facing the city. Doyle Damron, a candidate with experience in construction oversight, emphasizes responsible development. He advocates for a transparent approach to growth, stating, "Growth should be managed with fairness and clarity, not arbitrarily and not in a way that shuts the door on others." Damron's focus on housing issues highlights the need for clear communication from the City regarding the long-term implications of major decisions that affect the community. John Frontero, a member of the Park City Planning Commission, echoes similar sentiments regarding community engagement. With a background in finance, he stresses the importance of protecting open spaces and enhancing public transit options. Frontero believes that the unique attributes of Park City, such as its mountain views and access to trails, should be carefully balanced with measured growth. He asserts, "We must strike a balance of protecting our open space while allowing measured growth within the confines of our development rules." Danny Glasser, who previously ran for a City Council seat, emphasizes the need for collaboration among stakeholders. He highlights the importance of reconciling long-term planning with economic realities, stating, "We must continue building trust through clear, consistent council collaboration internally and proactive communication with our citizens externally." Glasser proposes a formal community impact review framework for major policy and development decisions, aiming to align community interests with the city’s growth agenda. George Goodman, another candidate, highlights the challenges faced by long-term residents, particularly working families. He points out that rising housing costs and increased taxes are altering the community's demographics, making it difficult for families to thrive in Park City. Goodman prioritizes housing that supports working families and emphasizes the need for responsible land use, stating, "Decisions should ensure that the city remains accessible to people at different life stages and income levels, not just those who can afford it today." Molly Miller, who also ran unsuccessfully for a council seat, underscores the importance of female representation in local governance. She advocates for a more collaborative approach to leadership, arguing that communities benefit when women serve. Miller emphasizes the need to address housing issues vigorously, stating, "We must staunch the flow to restore the vibrancy established by nurturing a whole community." Matt Nagie, a transportation engineer, brings a technical perspective to the race. He advocates for improved bicycle infrastructure in Park City, stating that successful transportation planning must prioritize safety for families. Nagie believes that the city should make significant strides in creating protected bike routes to encourage cycling as a viable means of transportation. Jeffrey Pierce, a semi-retired small business owner, focuses on enhancing Park City's technology infrastructure. He notes that reliable internet connectivity is essential for residents and businesses alike. Pierce is also concerned about traffic congestion in Old Town and sees opportunities for improvement through innovative solutions, suggesting partnerships with tech providers to boost connectivity. Jack Rubin, who recently ran for mayor, emphasizes community engagement as a cornerstone of effective governance. He advocates for a holistic approach to growth, urging the council to consider the cumulative impacts of development decisions rather than addressing issues in isolation. Rubin calls for safeguarding open space and preserving the community’s character amid growth pressures. Laura Suesser, a former chair of the Park City Planning Commission, argues for the necessity of legal expertise on the council. She expresses concerns about balancing the tourism economy with residential quality of life and proposes pilot programs to enhance public transportation options. Lastly, Jennifer Sutton, a marketing professional, stresses the importance of fostering a diverse community as Park City prepares for significant changes related to upcoming events like the 2034 Olympics. She calls for intentional actions to ensure that all residents benefit from the city’s growth, suggesting innovative ideas such as a “Park City resident passport” to encourage local spending among full-time residents. As the city council prepares to make its decision, the candidates' diverse backgrounds and perspectives highlight the complexities of governance in a community facing rapid change. Each candidate offers a unique lens through which to evaluate the future of Park City, making the upcoming appointment a pivotal moment for the council and its constituents. The discussions initiated by these candidates will likely shape the direction of the city as it navigates the challenges of housing, growth, and community engagement in the years ahead.