Ten candidates, including a recent mayoral contender, vie for a key Park City Council appointment following Ryan Dickey's election as mayor.
In a competitive political landscape, ten individuals have thrown their hats into the ring for a midterm appointment to the Park City Council. This opportunity arises following the recent election of Ryan Dickey as mayor, a position he secured by a mere seven votes over his closest competitor, Jack Rubin. The new council member will serve a term that runs through early 2028 and will need to win a full term in the upcoming 2027 elections to continue in office.
Among the candidates, notable figures include Rubin, who is seeking a chance to return to political office after his narrow defeat in the mayoral race, and John Frontero, a current member of the Park City Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is a significant stepping stone for many local politicians, given its influence over growth and development matters in Park City.
The full list of candidates vying for the council seat includes Doyle Damon, John Frontero, Danny Glasser, George Goodman, Molly Miller, Matt Nagie, Jeffrey Pierce, Jack Rubin, Laura Suesser, and Jennifer Sutton. With such a diverse array of backgrounds, each candidate brings unique perspectives and priorities to the table.
The City Council, along with Mayor Dickey, is expected to conduct interviews with the candidates on Tuesday, with the possibility of making an appointment as early as January 15. As of midmorning Tuesday, the applications submitted by the candidates were not publicly available, adding an element of intrigue to the selection process.
Rubin’s candidacy is particularly noteworthy given his recent electoral defeat. He was a prominent voice for change within the municipal government, appealing to voters who sought a shift in governance. His close race against Dickey has kept him in the public eye, and his application for the council seat reflects his continued commitment to local politics.
Frontero, currently serving on the Planning Commission, has already demonstrated his engagement with local governance. His role on the commission places him in a position to influence decisions related to urban development, making him a strong candidate for the City Council. Conversely, Laura Suesser, a former Planning Commission member, brings her experience to the race as well, providing voters with a familiar face from the local government landscape.
Molly Miller and Danny Glasser both campaigned for the City Council in early 2025 but did not progress past the primary elections. Their prior experience may give them an edge in understanding the political climate and the needs of Park City residents. Matt Nagie, who is currently on the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission, has also previously run for the City Council, indicating a sustained interest in local governance.
Miller has publicly stated that her application focuses on three key issues from her previous campaign: respect, action, and community. She believes these pillars continue to resonate with residents and are crucial for addressing the challenges facing Park City. Similarly, Jennifer Sutton emphasizes “smart, sustainable growth” as a core aspect of her platform. Sutton, who has lived in Park City for approximately seven years, owns a marketing and events agency and previously operated a juice shop in the Prospector area, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and investment in the local community.
The individual selected for the council seat will join at a pivotal moment for Park City, as local government tackles pressing issues such as transportation, housing, and the preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics. These challenges require the new council member to be proactive and engaged, ensuring that the needs of residents are met while planning for the future of the city.
Dickey, who was appointed to the City Council in early 2022, turned his attention to the mayoral position after Nann Worel’s election. His journey reflects the dynamic nature of Park City’s political landscape, where positions often change hands through elections and appointments. As the new council member is appointed, they will inherit a complex set of responsibilities and opportunities to shape the future of Park City.
As the interviews approach, the community watches closely, eager to see who will take the helm in addressing the issues that matter most to Park City residents. The selection of this council member will not only influence local governance but also set the stage for the broader implications of upcoming elections and initiatives in the years to come.