But Woolstenhulme said he doesn't see the need for a change in the county government, even though his region often gets squashed by west-side voters. The population differences may just have to be lived with, he said, instead of opting for a bigger, more expensive government.

"We have our differences, but we're able to work together. There isn't a picket fence between us," he said. "Those people over there are happy with what they got, and we're happy with what we got."

Instead of better representation, Kamas Mayor Lewis Merchant said a bigger government would just mean unnecessary expense and micromanaging officials. Merchant said most east side leaders trust county officials to balance their needs along with development concerns in the west.

"That's just expanding government, and it's not going to change the representation any," he said.

That attitude may be why the majority of east-siders voted against the government study this November. The proposition passed, however, because of the large support from Park City and Snyderville Basin residents.

"There's always resistance to change," Richer said. "But I would like to get a few more hands on deck and have a broader perspective and representation."

Richer added that while eastern residents may still be getting adequate services, that could change if Park City's population continues to grow and edges out the eastern voice altogether.

"I very much respect and appreciate the voice from the other side of the county," he said. "It wouldn't be a good situation if we had three commissioners from the west side trying to deal with east-side issues."

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E-mail: estewart@desnews.com