Change is heated Summit issue

A Snyderville Basin Democrat and a Woodland Republican are battling for the only Summit County Commission seat up being challenged this year.

Bob Richer, the incumbent commissioner, and Bill Miles, a retired consultant, have both said a better government system and quality of life are top issues in the November elections. But they differ in their lists of other items of concern in Summit County.

Richer, 52, thinks open-space acquisition and cost-effective services are the most important, while Miles, 61, considers planning and zoning requirements and a responsive government to be crucial.

"There are many complaints and lawsuits from the citizens of Summit County over planning, zoning and open space issues. The issue of East versus West creates more problems," said Miles, who has spent his career working in the government, both nationally and internationally. "It appears to many residents of the county that the county is being run by and for the resort community and not for the residents of the county."

On the other hand, Richer, who is seeking a second term as commissioner, said he has taken action on key programs affecting transportation, transit, water, housing and recreation.

"As chairperson of the County Commission, I have worked with my fellow commissioners to protect the mountain resort lifestyle in the Park City/Snyderville Basin area and to preserve our small-town agricultural character in north and south Summit," Richer said.

To achieve their campaign promises, both candidates say they will look to their constituents for advice.

Miles said he will push to change planning and zoning requirements so businesses are not driven into neighboring Wasatch County. He also plans to work to eliminate lawsuits and create a more responsive government that will quickly address residents' concerns.

Richer said he will receive input from residents, enact legislation and streamline government to plan for the long-term future of Summit.

The two butt heads when it comes to one of Summit County's most hotly contested ballot items: a proposed change of government.

If voters approve it, the County Commission could change from just three members to five members with a county manager. Richer voted to put the item on the ballot in April because he says it will give residents of the unincorporated Snyderville Basin more representation.

Miles, however, believes the county should attempt to fix the current system before the law is changed. He said he is not against a change of government but does not think a county manager position should be created when that manager would have no accountability to voters.

In addition to Commission Seat A, for which Richer and Miles are running, Ken Woolstenhulme, an Oakley Democrat, is seeking re-election unopposed for Commission Seat B.

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