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Letters to the Editor, Jan. 21-23, 2015

PR

Increase bus service, charge for parking — problem solved

Editor:

Motivation to use mass transit in a car-bound society is not that hard to induce. Having just returned from Breckenridge (thank you Epic Pass), I observed that Breck ski resort, with 34 lifts, has extremely limited parking; a spot costs $20 per day. Meanwhile, free buses give easy access to just about everywhere, including up to remote mountain housing and other ski resorts. I suspect that if our ski areas charged for parking and the muni buses expanded their loops into Park Meadows, Thaynes Canyon, Solamere, etc., local traffic could be substantially reduced immediately.

When I skied Zermatt, I got on a train at the Geneva airport and off at the train station in the town of Zermatt, where everyone walked in ski boots and carried their equipment around town. No cars allowed. Cable cars and a funicular took you up the mountain. That was 33 years ago and I’ll bet the advanced European transit technology of today will give our city council members some pie in the sky ideas that will take years to achieve. Why not get people out of their cars now, with easy bus service to and from the airport and neighborhoods, and fees for unpermitted parking?

When I drove home from Breckenridge a few days ago, I was horrified to see an inversion layer hovering over Park City in the middle of a sunny afternoon. This issue cannot wait.

Beverly Hurwitz MD

Park City

* * *

Former House speaker was a ‘true trailblazer’

Editor:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Becky Lockhart, a remarkable woman who faithfully served her family, her community, and the State of Utah.

Becky was a true trailblazer in serving as Utah’s first female Speaker of the House, where she was widely admired for her legislative and leadership skills, and stood as an example to rising generations of Utah women. She was a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for many causes, always rising to meet our State’s challenges with strength and wisdom. Elaine and I send our deepest sympathies to her devoted husband, Stan, and their children.

Becky’s life will serve as a testament of service, dedication, and love.

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch

Washington, D.C.

* * *

City transportation trip should include transportation experts

Editor:

How many people going to Switzerland on the official Mountain Accord team actually have traffic engineering degrees? I hope a few of them have more expertise than suggested by Mr. Robinson’s statement that "My impression is they have many clusters of resorts and Alpine villages that are connected by rail." Why not use this European trip money to hire local experts to perform real studies and plan real methods for controlling the ever increasing problem of too many cars in Park City, Utah?

Nick Wright

Park City

* * *

Convinced on form-based code

Editor:

I’m persuaded by Michael Hathorne’s January 17th guest editorial supporting form-based code. Interestingly, Newpark is the kind of live-work-play-shop-dine-stay place form-based code could encourage but which traditional zoning virtually prohibits.

Jim Doilney

Park City

* * *

Condolences for Lockhart family

Editor:

I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Speaker Becky Lockhart. Both Stan and Becky are my friends and I’m truly brokenhearted.

"As the first woman Speaker of the Utah House, Becky made history and made Utah a better place. She will be remembered for her distinguished service to our state and dedication to her family and friends. I pray that her loved ones find peace and comfort during this challenging time."

James Evans

Utah Republican Party Chairman

* * *

Lockhart Mourned by Utah Senate Democrats

Editor:

Becky Lockhart was not only my colleague but a friend. I know I am speaking for our entire caucus when I say my heart goes out to her husband Stan, and the entire Lockhart family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time. Speaker Lockhart was an incredibly talented, bright, and dedicated legislator. She was a powerful voice for the citizens of Utah, and she will be sorely missed. All of us feel it was a pleasure to have worked with her.

Senator Gene Davis

Utah Senate Minority Leader

* * *

Governor mourns passing of Speaker Lockhart

Editor:

I have known and been a friend of the Lockhart family for 25 years and I am terribly saddened by the news of Becky’s sudden and unexpected passing.

Speaker Lockhart was a tremendous public servant who spent more than a decade and a half in the Utah House of Representatives and she made history as Utah’s first female House Speaker. While she was first and foremost a wonderful wife and mother, she was also a remarkable role model, particularly to the untold numbers of women who were inspired by her example to be involved in public service. The state of Utah is a better place because of the service and sacrifice of Stan and Becky Lockhart.

Jeanette and I join with all Utahns in expressing our deepest sympathies to the Lockhart family and we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert

Salt Lake City

* * *

Schools need to recognize and address students’ dyslexia as soon as possible

Editor:

Having seen the fairly recent "Letters to the Editor" speaking to dyslexia, I began to reminisce about the students I’ve met during the past eight years of volunteering Park City elementary schools.

Over the years, the children I’ve worked with have had a varied range of skill levels. Most of my tutoring has been with first grade students plus others. I noticed the social consequences that affected students who were not able to keep up with the rest of their classmates. Reflecting back, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these children had a learning difficulty that could have been more specifically addressed.

Screening children for signs of dyslexia or other deterrents is just one step that could help many students. Additionally, a better understanding of a student’s strengths and weaknesses would help the teachers, parents and volunteers guide them toward their strengths.

My philosophy is that all children should be on a beneficial educational and social track from the time they enter school. To me, that means addressing their abilities or disabilities in the very beginning years of schooling. Thus, I am an advocate for "early or earlier detection" of struggling readers. I am not a teacher and never have been. My children grew up outside of Utah. I volunteer in the schools because I am passionate about helping children learn to read and ensuring that they grow up feeling good about themselves.

Park City is known to have a strong school system. Let’s be sure we are helping all of our wonderful children!

Deanna Gerber

Park City

Letters

School district must lead

Park City School District is being investigated by the federal Office of Civil Rights for persistent and ongoing violations. It’s a very big deal that has a lot of our community on edge.



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