In a dramatic session at Park City’s Marsac Building, elected officials appointed Molly Miller, a resident of Prospector, to the City Council on Thursday evening. This decision followed a tense discussion characterized by two rounds of split votes, highlighting divisions among council members and the community surrounding the recent political climate. Miller was chosen to fill the remaining term of nearly two years, succeeding Ryan Dickey, who recently transitioned from council member to mayor, a position he assumed after winning a tightly contested election in November. The appointment process drew a crowd of approximately 50 residents, many of whom were supporters of former mayoral candidate Jack Rubin. During the public comment section, sentiments expressed by attendees seemed to favor Rubin’s application, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension. The City Council’s split vote of 2-2 between Miller and Rubin underscored the ongoing political factions within Park City, with the tie ultimately being broken by Mayor Dickey, who cast his vote in favor of Miller. City Councilors Tana Toly and Diego Zegarra supported Miller during both rounds of voting, while Ed Parigian and Bill Ciraco backed Rubin. Their conflicting opinions reflected a broader divide within the council, as Parigian remarked on the selection process, suggesting it perpetuated a cycle of dysfunction that he claimed had characterized the council for the past four years. "This is ridiculous," he stated, expressing his disbelief at the outcome. Miller’s appointment is expected to have significant implications for the governance of Park City, as some residents speculate it may create a voting bloc among Toly, Zegarra, and Miller, potentially sidelining Parigian and Ciraco. This dynamic could alter the balance of power within the council, leading to more progressive policy initiatives as the new trio pursues their agendas. The notion of a majority bloc has raised concerns among Rubin supporters, who view the council's current trajectory as indicative of a shift away from community consensus. During the meeting, tension escalated when an audience member shouted, "Shame on you three," referencing Dickey, Toly, and Zegarra. Mayor Dickey promptly addressed the outburst, calling for decorum in the chambers and reminding attendees that such behavior was out of order. This incident exemplified the charged atmosphere surrounding the appointment process. In supporting Miller, Mayor Dickey emphasized her courage and the importance of representation from the Prospector neighborhood, stating, "It is almost unthinkable that we don’t have that." Dickey’s comments underscored a significant point: the current council lacked any representatives from Prospector, a community that has long been an integral part of Park City. Miller is expected to be sworn into office on Tuesday, marking the beginning of her tenure at a time when Park City grapples with pressing issues, including housing, development, and community engagement. Her selection caps a political season that has been tumultuous, following former Mayor Nann Worel’s decision not to seek reelection in the spring. The resulting mayoral race between Dickey and Rubin saw significant public engagement, culminating in a razor-thin victory for Dickey after a recount extended the election process for weeks. The City Council appointment process was notably fraught, with one of the candidates, John Kenworthy, withdrawing from the race early due to concerns about the negative tenor of the political environment. The political landscape in Park City has been described as one of the most strained in decades, with residents deeply engaged in discussions about the future direction of their community. As Miller steps into her role, the council will face ongoing challenges, including addressing the community’s needs and navigating the complexities of local governance amid a politically charged atmosphere. The dynamics within the council, particularly the potential for a new majority, will be closely watched by constituents who are eager to see how these changes will impact decision-making in Park City moving forward. The next few months will be critical as Miller and her fellow council members work to establish their priorities and address the pressing issues facing their community.