Some may remember that this forum promoted a boycott of Powder Mountain in February, 2008, but it was late in the ski season and didn't gain much momentum. Now rumblings of a full scale, all out boycott are being proposed and we feel the timing is right with the Season Pass sale just getting underway.
Others share our conviction as illustrated in an upcoming letter to the editor of the Standard from Eden resident Dennis Maher.
We will insert an excellent clip on the issue that recently ran on the front page of the Weber County Forum:
And here's a short letter from the Std-Ex live site, calling upon Powder Mountain skiers to exert some socio-economic muscle; and to boycott Powder Mountain:• Residents oppose Powder Mountain agendaWe believe Std-Ex reader Dennis Maher makes a very good point. For those who are opposed to the Powder Mountain developer's despicable Powderville Town power grab, buying ski passes at Powder Mountain is rather like sleeping with the enemy, isn't it?
On another Powder Mountain note, you may remember the lengthy saga of Jamie Lythgoe, granddaughter of Alvin Cobabe, the Powder Mountain Founder.
To recap, Jamie was appointed to the Weber County Planning Commission mysteriously at about the same time Powder Mountain's new owners began petitioning Weber County for substantial zoning and density changes.
The issue of a conflict of interest came up repeatedly and Jamie refused to admit any conflict claiming that her family had sold nearly all of their Powder Mountain assets and the changes would have no effect on her and her family.
We urge our readers to view this October 2007 Standard Article when the issue of a conflict came to a head. Be sure to review the Bold Text.
Among other things, the article quotes minutes of a meeting with Ms. Lythgoe which states, “Commissioner Lythgoe for the record said the property was her family business, but they have sold it.”
As luck would have it, we were recently forwarded an email from Ms. Lythgoe to the Executive Director of the Ogden Valley Business Association. The email was in response to a request from the chair for local OVBA member businesses to participate in the upcoming "Powder Rush" Winter Outdoor Sports Show.
Here is Jamie's response to the request:
I will committ time and funds for Columbine Inn at powder mountain to participate. Count us in. I think it is great for this year where travelers are vacationing closer to home. I would be happy to donate a room stay for a giveaway prize if needed also.
JamieSent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with SprintSpeed
Take note that Jamie uses the pronoun "I" several times synonymous with being one in the same with the Columbine Inn. A simple Realtor or broker managing the property would likely not have the ability to so nonchalantly donate a room and "committ the time and funds." The Columbine web site touts all of Powder Mountain and boasts rentals for Ski In and Ski Out Condos.
You be the judge Ogden Valley. Conflict or no conflict.
UPDATE: July 31, 2009 11:00 am
Be sure to read Rudi's most excellent article on the topic at the Weber County Fourm.
A Boycott of Powder Mountain is just the ticket! Now is the time to get your SNOW BASIN season passes.
ReplyDeleteThis fiasco has gone on long enough. The idea that the Lythgoes and the Cobabes have no financial interest in the town incorporation is laughable.
Jamie was put on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission to guide the process for the rezone requested by Powder Mountain and when she failed so miserably, they had to file the incorporation papers.
The biggest problem for all of us in the Valley is the Weber County Commissioners failed to acknowledge her obvious conflict of interest after they appointed her and she played both sides of the street on the Powder Mountain issue..
Remember that when the elections come up for each of the Commissioners.
Earl Holding is the white knight (or maybe we have a short memory).
ReplyDeleteSnowbasin kids passes are only $225 for 7-12 year olds. Teens are $350.
Very competitive pricing and an incredible mountain with less wear and tear on the ole' GMC.
Don't make a deal with the devil, ski with Earl!!!