Candidates criticize Park City mayor

Published: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 9:36 p.m. MDT
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PARK CITY — Primary election opponents of two-term Mayor Dana Williams are criticizing his administration for focusing too much on tourists and too little on fiscal responsibility.

Williams, who ran unopposed in 2005, in being challenged by Don Portwood, Bradley Olch and Diania Turner.

"It's time to make Park City more Utah friendly," said Portwood, a business executive who says he's probably "the most basic candidate running."

"Park City has changed a lot, but it's not changing the way we want it to change," he said.

Portwood said one of the biggest problems is traffic and that it can only be fixed if city leaders foster a better relationship with the state Legislature and the Utah Department of Transportation.

Williams, a Realtor-turned-barista, responds by pointing to dozens of programs for locals, a healthy municipal rainy-day fund and public participation levels that he says are higher than ever.

The part-time rock band member also criticized his opponents for not participating in city politics until election time rolled around.

"I have a very strong feeling that the community deserves people that participate in the process," Williams said. "I'm available, I'm approachable, I'm willing to listen, I'm willing to change my mind."

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So far, Williams has outraised and outspent his opponents by several thousand dollars.

Olch, a former three-term Park City mayor, decided to jump into the 2009 race because of what he said is a lack of city planning and lack of community involvement.

"I felt, in the last eight years, there really hasn't been a strong dialogue of issues in the community," the real estate investor said. "The community has been coasting."

Olch also criticized the Williams administration for the creation of a sustainability department. The change is simply taking the job of one person and having three or four do it, he said.

Williams says he is very proud of the new department and wants to stick around to see it get its legs.

In addition to the energy-conscious renovation of several city buildings, the sustainability department has overseen carbon-footprint studies for the city. It also oversees the purchase and management of open space in and around city limits.

Turner, a local business owner, praised Williams' sustainability efforts but said his other spending has been irresponsible. If elected, she would have all city departments audited for efficiency, she said.

"The current administration is oblivious to what was going on," Turner said. "Its easy to be a mayor when there is tons of money coming in. Unfortunately, we don't have tons of money any more."

Recent comments

Sorry that I was allowed to be interviewed for this article...Not...

Dan Portwood | Sept. 15, 2009 at 9:07 a.m.

His name is Dan Portwood, not Don Portman. Get your facts straight.

Wrong Name | Sept. 14, 2009 at 9:58 p.m.

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