In a significant move for local governance, Molly Miller, a resident of the Prospector neighborhood in Park City, has officially submitted her application for a midterm appointment to the Park City Council. This decision comes on the heels of her recent campaign in the City Hall election, where she finished seventh out of eight candidates in the August primary, competing for one of the four available spots on the November ballot. Miller's application marks her as the first candidate to step forward for the council's midterm vacancy, which arose from the recent election of Ryan Dickey as mayor, effective early January. Miller expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve on the council, noting that her experience running in the previous election was both rewarding and insightful. "I loved engaging with the community," she remarked in an interview on Tuesday, highlighting her commitment to addressing local issues and fostering stronger connections among residents. She believes that her prior campaign experience has equipped her with a unique understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations, which she aims to address if appointed. Central to her application is the desire to enhance representation on the council, specifically advocating for the inclusion of a second woman alongside incumbent Councilor Tana Toly. Miller emphasized that women's perspectives are crucial for balanced governance, stating, "It's important that we have diverse voices at the table." This focus on gender representation aligns with broader efforts across various governance levels to ensure inclusivity and equity in decision-making processes. Miller's candidacy rests on the foundation of three key issues she championed during her campaign: respect, action, and community. She believes these principles remain critical for addressing the challenges facing Park City today, including the need for effective communication between city officials and residents, proactive measures to enhance local infrastructure, and initiatives that foster community spirit and engagement. Her commitment to these issues, she asserts, is unwavering and central to her vision for the city. Since before her campaign, Miller has been a regular attendee at City Council meetings, which she believes has deepened her understanding of the council's inner workings and the various issues that the city faces. This engagement has allowed her to forge connections with other community members and stakeholders, further preparing her for a potential role in city governance. The vacancy Miller seeks to fill on the City Council is a result of Ryan Dickey's ascension to the mayor's office, following a closely contested election. Councilor Dickey's transition will create a midterm opening that the remaining elected officials are expected to fill by mid-January. The successful candidate will serve until early 2028, at which point they will need to contend for a full four-year term in the 2027 City Hall election to continue serving. Eligibility criteria for the appointment are clear and stringent. Applicants must maintain residency within Park City limits throughout their tenure, be registered voters in the city, have lived within city boundaries for at least 12 consecutive months, and must not have been declared mentally incompetent or have felony convictions. These requirements aim to ensure that council members are closely tied to the community they represent. The deadline for submitting applications is set for 5 p.m. on January 5, 2025, with the City Council planning to conduct open interviews of all candidates before making a final appointment decision on January 15. Interested individuals can access application forms on the municipal website, parkcity.org, or directly through a provided link. For further inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact Michelle Kellogg, the Park City recorder, via phone or email. Molly Miller’s proactive approach to seeking a council position reflects a growing trend among community members who are increasingly engaged in local governance. As the city of Park City continues to navigate its challenges and opportunities, the perspectives and contributions of committed residents like Miller could prove invaluable in shaping its future. Her candidacy not only adds a fresh voice to the Council but also underscores the importance of civic engagement in fostering a vibrant, responsive local government.