The local and national media has focused on one of our fallen valley heroes, Mr. Gene Wahlstrom of Huntsville, and we want to add our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Wahlstrom family.
In arguably one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, Gene survived twenty plus years of low level/high altitude/heavy weight, precision aviating. Ironically, his life was tragically cut short by a malfunction of the aircraft. Gene was a fantastic pilot and mentor to all.
Gene and his wife Joyce were avid Harley riders, and we ran across a forum of the Patriot Guard Riders that has some very touching tributes to Gene.
We will miss you Gene. Rest in Peace.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Ogden Valley Forum Exclusive - The Powder Mountain Press Release
We secured a copy of the original Press Release from the poor, picked on Powderville petitioners, and it should generate some interesting critiques from our readers. It is relatively short, so we will post it in its entirety below (emphasis added):
Press Statement
We, the petitioners for incorporation of the Town of Powder Mountain, filed an action against Weber County in the Second District Court on August 26, 2008. We do not take this course of action lightly; in the past, we have actually been extremely slow to publicly defend our position in order to facilitate good faith negotiations. However, based upon the Weber County Commission’s actions on August 19, refusing to appoint a Town Council and Mayor, we unfortunately feel we must exercise our legal rights.
The Weber County Commission approved the Incorporation Petition on August 5, and according to the law, upon approving the incorporation petition, it is the Commission’s mandatory obligation to appoint the Town Council and Mayor from a list approved by the petitioners. We presented a list of qualified individuals to the County for the Council and Mayor. These individuals support the town and are excited to serve and represent their neighbors. We have spent countless hours getting to know the citizens who will be residents of this new Town. Every submitted person was recommended to us by a fellow Town member. By refusing to make these appointments, the Commission has demonstrated they are unwilling to facilitate the incorporation of the Town as required by law. We have become caught in an effort by the commission to protect themselves politically, so we have determined that requesting relief from the court is our only option.
We care deeply about the land under our stewardship and about the prospects of the new Town encompassing that land. We have consistently been willing to talk to all stakeholders regarding the desires of neighbors, Ogden Valley and the County. Following the petition submittal, we held dozens of town meetings, as well as small group and one-on-one home meetings. We literally called every household in the town, multiple times, offering to meet with everyone and answer their questions. Then in February, when Commissioner Craig Dearden asked us to return to the bargaining table to work on an agreement to keep the development in the County and dissolve the incorporation petition, we chose in good faith to try to work things out again, something no other incorporating town has been willing to do. We had extensive talks and spent nearly seven months and several hundred thousand dollars in staff, drafting and professional time. These discussions consistently led to unfulfilled promises and the creation of a constantly moving target by the Commission.
We have never asked for nor do we desire any special favors, just a fair and impartial panel that holds the fate of this land in their hands. We want what every single property owner in this state desires and vigorously defends, our private property rights respected. In return we have been and will continue to be good neighbors and good community and government partners. If we were not so committed to this area, and to honoring all that this resort can and should be, we would have given up long ago. It is our sincere hope to quickly move past this phase and get to the business of being a Town.
End of Press Release
Now isn't that a touching piece? It almost brings a tear to the eye of even the most calloused and insensitive.
Surely many of the items mentioned could be refuted, but we would like to hear from the Powderville Hostages - Have the Powdervillians been "good neighbors and good community and government partners?"
Dozens of Town Meetings? If I am not mistaken, "dozens" means 24 or more. Did they in fact hold 24 or more town meetings? Or maybe they are considering private meetings amongst the petitioners to be "town meetings." After all, it is a company town.
Take it away, Ogden Valley. Do you notice any credibility problems?
Press Statement
We, the petitioners for incorporation of the Town of Powder Mountain, filed an action against Weber County in the Second District Court on August 26, 2008. We do not take this course of action lightly; in the past, we have actually been extremely slow to publicly defend our position in order to facilitate good faith negotiations. However, based upon the Weber County Commission’s actions on August 19, refusing to appoint a Town Council and Mayor, we unfortunately feel we must exercise our legal rights.
The Weber County Commission approved the Incorporation Petition on August 5, and according to the law, upon approving the incorporation petition, it is the Commission’s mandatory obligation to appoint the Town Council and Mayor from a list approved by the petitioners. We presented a list of qualified individuals to the County for the Council and Mayor. These individuals support the town and are excited to serve and represent their neighbors. We have spent countless hours getting to know the citizens who will be residents of this new Town. Every submitted person was recommended to us by a fellow Town member. By refusing to make these appointments, the Commission has demonstrated they are unwilling to facilitate the incorporation of the Town as required by law. We have become caught in an effort by the commission to protect themselves politically, so we have determined that requesting relief from the court is our only option.
We care deeply about the land under our stewardship and about the prospects of the new Town encompassing that land. We have consistently been willing to talk to all stakeholders regarding the desires of neighbors, Ogden Valley and the County. Following the petition submittal, we held dozens of town meetings, as well as small group and one-on-one home meetings. We literally called every household in the town, multiple times, offering to meet with everyone and answer their questions. Then in February, when Commissioner Craig Dearden asked us to return to the bargaining table to work on an agreement to keep the development in the County and dissolve the incorporation petition, we chose in good faith to try to work things out again, something no other incorporating town has been willing to do. We had extensive talks and spent nearly seven months and several hundred thousand dollars in staff, drafting and professional time. These discussions consistently led to unfulfilled promises and the creation of a constantly moving target by the Commission.
We have never asked for nor do we desire any special favors, just a fair and impartial panel that holds the fate of this land in their hands. We want what every single property owner in this state desires and vigorously defends, our private property rights respected. In return we have been and will continue to be good neighbors and good community and government partners. If we were not so committed to this area, and to honoring all that this resort can and should be, we would have given up long ago. It is our sincere hope to quickly move past this phase and get to the business of being a Town.
End of Press Release
Now isn't that a touching piece? It almost brings a tear to the eye of even the most calloused and insensitive.
Surely many of the items mentioned could be refuted, but we would like to hear from the Powderville Hostages - Have the Powdervillians been "good neighbors and good community and government partners?"
Dozens of Town Meetings? If I am not mistaken, "dozens" means 24 or more. Did they in fact hold 24 or more town meetings? Or maybe they are considering private meetings amongst the petitioners to be "town meetings." After all, it is a company town.
Take it away, Ogden Valley. Do you notice any credibility problems?
Powder Mountain Town Issue Heading To Court
We are short on time this morning, so we will link you to the Weber County Forum where Rudi has provided us with an excellent run down of the most recent events.
It is no surprise that the arrogant Powdervillian's have once again continued with their strong arm tactics to get their boys (and girls) on the town council.
It is no surprise that the arrogant Powdervillian's have once again continued with their strong arm tactics to get their boys (and girls) on the town council.
Renowned Utah Author to Speak At Ogden Valley Library
On September 10th at 7 PM at the Ogden Valley Library in
Huntsville, Stephen Trimble will present his new book, “
Bargaining for Eden: The Fight for the Last Open Spaces
In America.”
The book takes a hard look at the values that shape
developers and land use policy. It also explores the tension
between community and development in the West.
A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
Huntsville, Stephen Trimble will present his new book, “
Bargaining for Eden: The Fight for the Last Open Spaces
In America.”
The book takes a hard look at the values that shape
developers and land use policy. It also explores the tension
between community and development in the West.
A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Powder Mountain article-Counter Point!
If you read the article today on Powder Mountain in the Standard Examiner, you will find how a supposedly non biased article can be slanted to fit any view desired by excluding other points of view.
Let’s dissect this article with known facts and see how it stands up for unbiased reporting:
1. Mr. Lowther sounds like he is the only homeowner that is not wealthy that will be affected by this forced incorporation.
FACT: Mr. Lowther is in the minority number of affected homeowners that favor the forced incorporation, a majority oppose it.
2. Mr. Lowther said “I think the best way is to have the local people control what’s going on rather than people that don’t live in the Valley and have no real concern for what’s going on up here.”
FACT: NONE of the Petition Sponsors for the Powder Mountain incorporation live in Ogden Valley.
3. Jamie Lythgoe said she is uniquely qualified for the position after working with the OV planning commission. Lythgoe also said she does not foresee any problems with a conflict of interest. She said “I don’t think anyone has a hidden agenda.”
FACT: The Planning Commission Procedures regarding Conflict of Interest Part A, reads: “A Planning Commissioner to whom some private
benefits may come as the result of a Planning Commission action should not be a participant in the action.” It also states, “The private benefit may
be direct or indirect, create a material, personal gain or provide a distinct advantage to RELATIONS or to friends or to groups and associations which hold some share of a person’s loyalty.”
FACT: Does Lythgoe mean like working (as she did) on the OVPC and at the same time the Town Incorporation plans behind the scenes? A conflict is already fact in our opinion and where is the concern for the public trust anywhere to be found?
In October of 2007 Planning Commission Chairman Louis Cooper and Assistant County Attorney Chris Allred were quoted in the Standard-Examiner
that they were both under the impression that the Cobabe family had sold
all of their interests at Powder Mountain. In addition, Monette Hurtado
was quoted as saying, “ As to the specific ownership, I don’t know the details.” Ms. Hurtado also said “She did disclose that her family sold all their land.”
More Facts: The Cobabe family still owns over 200 acres up in the Powder Mountain area, yet the leaders of this County refuse to address any conflict of interest.
5. The Standard Examiner reporter today wrote “Having three people from the same family's appointees has been a concern for opponents of the town”
FACT: It is the Weber County Commissioners that have opposed the family weighted list submitted by Powder Mountain in the two Commission meetings. The eloquence of Commissioner Jan Zogmaister was apparent when she stated they “could have a family reunion and have a quorum”.
One has to wonder why today’s Standard Examiner Article omitted the fact that the Powder Mountain representatives failed to answer the Weber County Commissioner’s questions on why Powder Mountain did not include any names of individuals interviewed by the Commission and a Powder Mountain representative for town council other than signers of the petition, Cobabe family members, employees or potential employees of Powder Mountain.
6. Mr. Lowther said “ he does see many potential benefits from the development, though, such as lower taxes and acquiring green space to compensate for development.”
FACT: When was the last time anyone around a big development saw their property taxes go down? The property taxes have jumped across the Ogden Valley due to all the new development in the past 4 or 5 years. Consider what will happen if Powder Mountain puts in their so called “World Class” resort next to our Valley? Your property value may go up, but that may only help if you want to sell. If you stay put, you are probably going to share in the dubious “glory” of substantial increases in property taxes in the future.
Larry and Sharon Zini
Let’s dissect this article with known facts and see how it stands up for unbiased reporting:
1. Mr. Lowther sounds like he is the only homeowner that is not wealthy that will be affected by this forced incorporation.
FACT: Mr. Lowther is in the minority number of affected homeowners that favor the forced incorporation, a majority oppose it.
2. Mr. Lowther said “I think the best way is to have the local people control what’s going on rather than people that don’t live in the Valley and have no real concern for what’s going on up here.”
FACT: NONE of the Petition Sponsors for the Powder Mountain incorporation live in Ogden Valley.
3. Jamie Lythgoe said she is uniquely qualified for the position after working with the OV planning commission. Lythgoe also said she does not foresee any problems with a conflict of interest. She said “I don’t think anyone has a hidden agenda.”
FACT: The Planning Commission Procedures regarding Conflict of Interest Part A, reads: “A Planning Commissioner to whom some private
benefits may come as the result of a Planning Commission action should not be a participant in the action.” It also states, “The private benefit may
be direct or indirect, create a material, personal gain or provide a distinct advantage to RELATIONS or to friends or to groups and associations which hold some share of a person’s loyalty.”
FACT: Does Lythgoe mean like working (as she did) on the OVPC and at the same time the Town Incorporation plans behind the scenes? A conflict is already fact in our opinion and where is the concern for the public trust anywhere to be found?
In October of 2007 Planning Commission Chairman Louis Cooper and Assistant County Attorney Chris Allred were quoted in the Standard-Examiner
that they were both under the impression that the Cobabe family had sold
all of their interests at Powder Mountain. In addition, Monette Hurtado
was quoted as saying, “ As to the specific ownership, I don’t know the details.” Ms. Hurtado also said “She did disclose that her family sold all their land.”
More Facts: The Cobabe family still owns over 200 acres up in the Powder Mountain area, yet the leaders of this County refuse to address any conflict of interest.
5. The Standard Examiner reporter today wrote “Having three people from the same family's appointees has been a concern for opponents of the town”
FACT: It is the Weber County Commissioners that have opposed the family weighted list submitted by Powder Mountain in the two Commission meetings. The eloquence of Commissioner Jan Zogmaister was apparent when she stated they “could have a family reunion and have a quorum”.
One has to wonder why today’s Standard Examiner Article omitted the fact that the Powder Mountain representatives failed to answer the Weber County Commissioner’s questions on why Powder Mountain did not include any names of individuals interviewed by the Commission and a Powder Mountain representative for town council other than signers of the petition, Cobabe family members, employees or potential employees of Powder Mountain.
6. Mr. Lowther said “ he does see many potential benefits from the development, though, such as lower taxes and acquiring green space to compensate for development.”
FACT: When was the last time anyone around a big development saw their property taxes go down? The property taxes have jumped across the Ogden Valley due to all the new development in the past 4 or 5 years. Consider what will happen if Powder Mountain puts in their so called “World Class” resort next to our Valley? Your property value may go up, but that may only help if you want to sell. If you stay put, you are probably going to share in the dubious “glory” of substantial increases in property taxes in the future.
Larry and Sharon Zini
The Standard Takes Two Steps Forward and Twenty Steps Back and An Update on the Horse Theft
Just when the local rag, aka The Standard Examiner, had made such strides on the Powderville saga, we read this morning's piece of literary trash entitled "Proposed To Lead Powder Mountain Town."
One of our humble Powderville residents offered this heads up by email:
Has everyone seen the front page of the Standard Examiner today? There is a completely pro-Powder Mountain article. It seems as if it was written by the Exoro group themselves (PM's PR firm.) John (name changed to protect the innocent) is so angry he called up and cancelled our subscription to the paper. He says we should post a call for everyone to cancel their SE subscriptions for siding with the blatant violation of our rights. We are the ones getting screwed, not PM.
We agree with our humble reader. After the Standard Editorial board had made such great strides with two fabulous editorials, they allow staff writer Di Lewis to publish this. We guess they are taking a page out of Fox News' 'fair and balanced' book?
There are some humorous quotes that must be highlighted.
“I live right on Powder Mountain Road. I’m going to be one of the ones most affected by traffic and development, and I want to be in control of that,” said Lavar Lowther, a town council nominee. “I think the development is going to go ahead whether it’s through a town or a county, and I think the best way is to have the local people control what’s going on rather than people that don’t live in the valley and have no real concern for what’s going on up here.”
Local people who are in Powderville's hip pocket? Or members of one family? Can you say nepotism?
Jamie Lythgoe, another potential council member, believes her experience and background with Powder Mountain would be an asset to the town, although it has also raised questions about a conflict of interest.
Much of the controversy surrounding Lythgoe stems from her family ties to Powder Mountain and her former position on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.
She does not foresee any problems with a conflict of interest. “I don’t think anyone has a hidden agenda.”
Hasn't her agenda already been executed? She got on the Planning commission during the rezone petition and as that avenue played out, she acted as a mole for the Powdervillians through their rezone petition. AGENDA COMPLETE!
[Alvin] Cobabe, the proposed mayor, said he wants to do what is best for the community, and the Powder Mountain resort has provided a good place for recreation. He said the resort cannot survive on only ticket sales, especially if old ski lifts are to be replaced. “I’ve liked Powder Mountain. I still like it. I like the community,” he said. “And as far as I’m concerned, I’d do what’s fair and best for all concerned. That’s the only reason I’d take the job.”
If he likes the community, why be a part of an unconstitutional process and taking of his neighbor's rights?
Although some are afraid the council will ignore viewpoints that do not support development, Lowther said he would listen to everyone. “I do have concerns about what’s going on up there,” he said. “It’s not like I’m 100 percent in their pocket. I think I can look very objectively at the issues and take into consideration the feelings of the people that are not for, or are ambivalent about, the development.”
If you are not 100 percent in their pocket, just how much are you in their pocket, Mr. Lowther?
Season tickets are now on sale and we say put your money where your mouth is. Snow Basin and Wolf Mountain both have easy access and would love to sell your family a season pass.
Regarding the Horse theft last week, be sure to read the update from Lori. If you are unable to open the link, simply scroll down to the Horse Theft post and click on the Click to Comment link.
One of our humble Powderville residents offered this heads up by email:
Has everyone seen the front page of the Standard Examiner today? There is a completely pro-Powder Mountain article. It seems as if it was written by the Exoro group themselves (PM's PR firm.) John (name changed to protect the innocent) is so angry he called up and cancelled our subscription to the paper. He says we should post a call for everyone to cancel their SE subscriptions for siding with the blatant violation of our rights. We are the ones getting screwed, not PM.
We agree with our humble reader. After the Standard Editorial board had made such great strides with two fabulous editorials, they allow staff writer Di Lewis to publish this. We guess they are taking a page out of Fox News' 'fair and balanced' book?
There are some humorous quotes that must be highlighted.
“I live right on Powder Mountain Road. I’m going to be one of the ones most affected by traffic and development, and I want to be in control of that,” said Lavar Lowther, a town council nominee. “I think the development is going to go ahead whether it’s through a town or a county, and I think the best way is to have the local people control what’s going on rather than people that don’t live in the valley and have no real concern for what’s going on up here.”
Local people who are in Powderville's hip pocket? Or members of one family? Can you say nepotism?
Jamie Lythgoe, another potential council member, believes her experience and background with Powder Mountain would be an asset to the town, although it has also raised questions about a conflict of interest.
Much of the controversy surrounding Lythgoe stems from her family ties to Powder Mountain and her former position on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission.
She does not foresee any problems with a conflict of interest. “I don’t think anyone has a hidden agenda.”
Hasn't her agenda already been executed? She got on the Planning commission during the rezone petition and as that avenue played out, she acted as a mole for the Powdervillians through their rezone petition. AGENDA COMPLETE!
[Alvin] Cobabe, the proposed mayor, said he wants to do what is best for the community, and the Powder Mountain resort has provided a good place for recreation. He said the resort cannot survive on only ticket sales, especially if old ski lifts are to be replaced. “I’ve liked Powder Mountain. I still like it. I like the community,” he said. “And as far as I’m concerned, I’d do what’s fair and best for all concerned. That’s the only reason I’d take the job.”
If he likes the community, why be a part of an unconstitutional process and taking of his neighbor's rights?
Although some are afraid the council will ignore viewpoints that do not support development, Lowther said he would listen to everyone. “I do have concerns about what’s going on up there,” he said. “It’s not like I’m 100 percent in their pocket. I think I can look very objectively at the issues and take into consideration the feelings of the people that are not for, or are ambivalent about, the development.”
If you are not 100 percent in their pocket, just how much are you in their pocket, Mr. Lowther?
Season tickets are now on sale and we say put your money where your mouth is. Snow Basin and Wolf Mountain both have easy access and would love to sell your family a season pass.
Regarding the Horse theft last week, be sure to read the update from Lori. If you are unable to open the link, simply scroll down to the Horse Theft post and click on the Click to Comment link.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Horse Theft in Ogden Valley Friday - Watch for White Ford Excursion
Updates below:
While we are awaiting more details, we are posting a heads up to Ogden Valleyites to keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity such as someone with new horses. Sadly, we received this email this morning:
There were 2 horses stolen today (Friday, August 29, 2008) around 9:00 A.M. from Lori Lewis & Mike Twitchell's home on River Dr. in Eden. The horses are a pony size sorrel gelding and a small buckskin mare. They also took all of the riding gear for these horses. An eye witness saw a 2006 or so white Ford Excursion pulling a blue 2 horse trailer at Lori & Mikes home loading the horses and pulling away.
If anyone remembers seeing this rig today or has seen these horses please call the Weber County Sheriff or Mike and Lori @ 330-4607.
From another message we received:
They believe it was done by someone in the valley and hope that the horses might still be in the valley. Although the CSI team was up and did fingerprints and they are investigating, the fact is that the horses could be transported somewhere very quickly.
Please contact the Weber County Sheriff''s department immediately with any information.
Blogmeister Update - 8/31/08 @ 12:15 am
We just received the following via email:
Just so you know the Weber County Sheriff "does" know who's Ford it was and who's trailer it was. They are investigating where the horses are. I talked to them personally because it was my trailer that was borrowed. Just so you don't get everyone in an uproar the Sheriff has it under control.
Blogmeister Update - 8/30/2008 @ 1:30 PM
We just received a more detailed description:
Stolen Horses!! From North River Drive, Eden, Utah!!
17 year old 13 hand sorrel gelding, white hind sock, split right ear, and a white stripe down his face.
Seven year old buckskin mare, long mane and forelock.
Witnesses observed a white Ford Excursion pulling a blue straight load horse trailer from the home on Friday morning at approximately nine or nine-thirty. The horses may still be in Ogden Valley or may have been transported via this trailer down the canyon at some point during the day on Friday.
Please call Weber County Sheriff if you have information or Adriane at 1-801-726-9442
While we are awaiting more details, we are posting a heads up to Ogden Valleyites to keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious activity such as someone with new horses. Sadly, we received this email this morning:
There were 2 horses stolen today (Friday, August 29, 2008) around 9:00 A.M. from Lori Lewis & Mike Twitchell's home on River Dr. in Eden. The horses are a pony size sorrel gelding and a small buckskin mare. They also took all of the riding gear for these horses. An eye witness saw a 2006 or so white Ford Excursion pulling a blue 2 horse trailer at Lori & Mikes home loading the horses and pulling away.
If anyone remembers seeing this rig today or has seen these horses please call the Weber County Sheriff or Mike and Lori @ 330-4607.
From another message we received:
They believe it was done by someone in the valley and hope that the horses might still be in the valley. Although the CSI team was up and did fingerprints and they are investigating, the fact is that the horses could be transported somewhere very quickly.
Please contact the Weber County Sheriff''s department immediately with any information.
Blogmeister Update - 8/31/08 @ 12:15 am
We just received the following via email:
Just so you know the Weber County Sheriff "does" know who's Ford it was and who's trailer it was. They are investigating where the horses are. I talked to them personally because it was my trailer that was borrowed. Just so you don't get everyone in an uproar the Sheriff has it under control.
Blogmeister Update - 8/30/2008 @ 1:30 PM
We just received a more detailed description:
Stolen Horses!! From North River Drive, Eden, Utah!!
17 year old 13 hand sorrel gelding, white hind sock, split right ear, and a white stripe down his face.
Seven year old buckskin mare, long mane and forelock.
Witnesses observed a white Ford Excursion pulling a blue straight load horse trailer from the home on Friday morning at approximately nine or nine-thirty. The horses may still be in Ogden Valley or may have been transported via this trailer down the canyon at some point during the day on Friday.
Please call Weber County Sheriff if you have information or Adriane at 1-801-726-9442
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Senator Bramble Goes Off On Pizza Delivery Girl
As luck would have it, after posting the Standard Masterpiece this morning in which the Editors hinted (or strongly suggested) that we should get rid of our State Legislators, we caught this story on the late news.
The ever pompous Senate Majority leader, Curtis Bramble, showed his true colors a few nights ago by going off on an innocent pizza delivery girl who informed him she could not take a check. After the tirade, the young lady made a valiant stand by blowing the whistle on this jerk and the timing could not have been better in light of the upcoming elections. She tells the story on her once quiet blog entitled "Cartoon Brick Wall," and we think the blog title may be appropriate as Bramble's reelection campaign probably hit her brick wall.
Check out the blog and comments here, as her site is heating up the blogosphere!
The ever pompous Senate Majority leader, Curtis Bramble, showed his true colors a few nights ago by going off on an innocent pizza delivery girl who informed him she could not take a check. After the tirade, the young lady made a valiant stand by blowing the whistle on this jerk and the timing could not have been better in light of the upcoming elections. She tells the story on her once quiet blog entitled "Cartoon Brick Wall," and we think the blog title may be appropriate as Bramble's reelection campaign probably hit her brick wall.
Check out the blog and comments here, as her site is heating up the blogosphere!
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Standard Examiner Steps up Again
The editorial in today's Standard Examiner is right on point once again
regarding the Powder Mountain issue with Weber County. We appreciate the
unbiased assessment provided by the editorial staff.
No one knows where this saga will go next, but the citizens of Weber
County and Ogden Valley can take heart at the fortitude recently
displayed by the Weber County Commissioners and the Standard Examiner.
Larry and Sharon Zini
Ogden Valley
Blogmeister Update 8/22/08 @ 9:28 am
This is a classic Editorial and we would be remiss not to include some of its passages for all to view front and center. Of course, just click on the link above embedded within the original post to read this masterpiece in its entirety. Here are some classic quotes chosen at random:
regarding the Powder Mountain issue with Weber County. We appreciate the
unbiased assessment provided by the editorial staff.
No one knows where this saga will go next, but the citizens of Weber
County and Ogden Valley can take heart at the fortitude recently
displayed by the Weber County Commissioners and the Standard Examiner.
Larry and Sharon Zini
Ogden Valley
Blogmeister Update 8/22/08 @ 9:28 am
This is a classic Editorial and we would be remiss not to include some of its passages for all to view front and center. Of course, just click on the link above embedded within the original post to read this masterpiece in its entirety. Here are some classic quotes chosen at random:
- The utter freakishness of the town-incorporation law passed by the Legislature in 2007 continues to defy common sense in Weber County.
- Their [Commissioners] reasoning: Maybe it’s possible to put a shine on this lump of ... coal.
- ...only one Top of Utah incumbent legislator, Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, did not vote for House Bill 466 — she wasn’t present when the vote was taken. Every other member of the House and Senate in the Top of Utah voted in favor of this bill.
- ...HB 466 was such a grotesque piece of legislation, it allowed significant manipulation by petitioners/developers
- Commissioner Jan Zogmaister’s sarcasm was apropos when she remarked that if those people [Powder Mountains list for Mayor and Council] were appointed, a family reunion could constitute a quorum of city government.
- This process is a joke. The developers are taking advantage of the oneyear gift provided by a developers’- lapdog Legislature.
And the best saved for last, with our emphasis added:
- What we’d like to know about the whole affair is this: Did all the lawmakers who voted in favor of this bill get something in return from the developer lobby? Or did they vote in favor of it because they were too incompetent to understand what they were doing? Either way, are these the people voters want representing them at the Capitol?
We at the forum have said it before, but if someone in the private sector had created a mistake such as the Legislature did for us, they would be kicking sand all the way to the unemployment line.
The November elections are rapidly approaching, and we say throw the bums out!
UPDATE @ 10:05 am
Our old friend Rudi has been busy this morning. Don't miss his take where he states, "Std-Ed editorial board launches a no-holds-barred editorial barrage..."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
FROM THE POWDERVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD
Like all of our Ogden Valley friends, we salute Commissioners Dearden, Zogmaister, and Bischoff for their courageous decision to refuse to appoint a Town Council not representative of the citizens of the potential town. It’s nice to see our elected officials truly represent us!
Those of us who live in “Powderville” care about our neighborhood and all of our neighbors. We care about what the actions of the past few months could do to destroy our sense of community. To that effect, we request that a distinction be made between the petitioners and the petition sponsors.
The petitioners are the 22 individuals who signed the incorporation petition, including 8 who live in the neighborhood. Motivations of these individuals have been speculated upon ad infinitum, and none of us will ever know exactly what was going through their minds. Had the neighbors not signed the petition, it would still have been a “qualified petition”. Since the petition has now been approved by the Weber County Commission, the petitioners are no longer players in the story, except as potential mayor/council members and citizens with rights to have and express their opinions.
The petition sponsors are 3 individuals: Mark E. Arnold of Layton, Lee A. Daniels of Park City, and Edward F. Bates of Salt Lake City. None of the 3 is a resident of the “town” or a registered voter in Weber County. Kimball Wheatley’s excellent post reveals how much they pay in Weber County property taxes. The commission has refused to appoint from the very limited list(s) provided by the non-local petitions sponsors, and it is the petition sponsors and their hired guns who have publicly challenged the commissioners’ actions.
In our efforts to protect citizens’ rights to be meaningfully involved in the process, we should exercise extreme caution to respect the rights of those who disagree with us. We in the neighbourhood would appreciate it if negative comments be directed at the petition sponsors and not at our neighbors.
Thank you again for your continuing involvement and support.
A Guest Post by
Darla Van Zeben
Those of us who live in “Powderville” care about our neighborhood and all of our neighbors. We care about what the actions of the past few months could do to destroy our sense of community. To that effect, we request that a distinction be made between the petitioners and the petition sponsors.
The petitioners are the 22 individuals who signed the incorporation petition, including 8 who live in the neighborhood. Motivations of these individuals have been speculated upon ad infinitum, and none of us will ever know exactly what was going through their minds. Had the neighbors not signed the petition, it would still have been a “qualified petition”. Since the petition has now been approved by the Weber County Commission, the petitioners are no longer players in the story, except as potential mayor/council members and citizens with rights to have and express their opinions.
The petition sponsors are 3 individuals: Mark E. Arnold of Layton, Lee A. Daniels of Park City, and Edward F. Bates of Salt Lake City. None of the 3 is a resident of the “town” or a registered voter in Weber County. Kimball Wheatley’s excellent post reveals how much they pay in Weber County property taxes. The commission has refused to appoint from the very limited list(s) provided by the non-local petitions sponsors, and it is the petition sponsors and their hired guns who have publicly challenged the commissioners’ actions.
In our efforts to protect citizens’ rights to be meaningfully involved in the process, we should exercise extreme caution to respect the rights of those who disagree with us. We in the neighbourhood would appreciate it if negative comments be directed at the petition sponsors and not at our neighbors.
Thank you again for your continuing involvement and support.
A Guest Post by
Darla Van Zeben
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The PERPS of Powderville Act III
Guest Post by Kimbal Wheatley
In Act I (January), the investors who bought Powder Mountain Resort decided to create a town and force some of our neighbors in Eden to be part of it. Because the town would have a puppet government explicitly designed to bypass the laws, rules and regulations all of the rest of us have agreed to live by, the good people of Ogden Valley refer to it as Powderville, a “company town” where conflict-of-interest is the norm, robber barons are in charge and the residents are unimportant . It is hard to find a printable name for the people perpetrating this hard-to-believe scenario, so I have come to simply call them the PERPS, although lately I have seen a name I may like better…Powdervillans…kind of rolls off the tongue.
This all started when the PERPS bought a resort zoned for a reasonable 1180 housing units and proposed 2500 instead. When the Planning Commission balked for health, safety and welfare reasons, the PERPS moved to form the town of Powderville to bypass Weber County planning and zoning processes and ordinances. But they could only execute their scheme by trampling on the voting rights of Powderville town citizens which, as you can imagine, caused a bit of an uproar…enough that Powderville residents are threatening disruptive action and the Utah legislature immediately reversed the flawed law that allowed it to happen.
In Act II (July), the County Commissioners asked the PERPS to delay forming the town and instead to work with them to reach some sort of compromise they were sure could be mutually beneficial. The PERP idea of compromise was to present an absurdly one-side Development Agreement the Commissioners simply couldn’t stomach. It might have been some of the whereas clauses extolling the virtues of the PERPS and their development plans…or maybe it was the part about exempting them from all county development and building rules…or maybe it was the bit about raising property taxes to finance the infrastructure instead of using their own money. Whatever, the commissioners did the right thing, saying “no, go ahead and form your town.”
By the way, the idea of raising property taxes to finance the extensive road and utilities structure for the town is particularly interesting since the PERPS don’t pay much property taxes on their 7200 acres ski resort…not even as much as just one house in the town. I diverge…
Back to the story – Act III (August) is where the commissioners select [click here to continue]
In Act I (January), the investors who bought Powder Mountain Resort decided to create a town and force some of our neighbors in Eden to be part of it. Because the town would have a puppet government explicitly designed to bypass the laws, rules and regulations all of the rest of us have agreed to live by, the good people of Ogden Valley refer to it as Powderville, a “company town” where conflict-of-interest is the norm, robber barons are in charge and the residents are unimportant . It is hard to find a printable name for the people perpetrating this hard-to-believe scenario, so I have come to simply call them the PERPS, although lately I have seen a name I may like better…Powdervillans…kind of rolls off the tongue.
This all started when the PERPS bought a resort zoned for a reasonable 1180 housing units and proposed 2500 instead. When the Planning Commission balked for health, safety and welfare reasons, the PERPS moved to form the town of Powderville to bypass Weber County planning and zoning processes and ordinances. But they could only execute their scheme by trampling on the voting rights of Powderville town citizens which, as you can imagine, caused a bit of an uproar…enough that Powderville residents are threatening disruptive action and the Utah legislature immediately reversed the flawed law that allowed it to happen.
In Act II (July), the County Commissioners asked the PERPS to delay forming the town and instead to work with them to reach some sort of compromise they were sure could be mutually beneficial. The PERP idea of compromise was to present an absurdly one-side Development Agreement the Commissioners simply couldn’t stomach. It might have been some of the whereas clauses extolling the virtues of the PERPS and their development plans…or maybe it was the part about exempting them from all county development and building rules…or maybe it was the bit about raising property taxes to finance the infrastructure instead of using their own money. Whatever, the commissioners did the right thing, saying “no, go ahead and form your town.”
By the way, the idea of raising property taxes to finance the extensive road and utilities structure for the town is particularly interesting since the PERPS don’t pay much property taxes on their 7200 acres ski resort…not even as much as just one house in the town. I diverge…
Back to the story – Act III (August) is where the commissioners select [click here to continue]
Weber County Commission refuses to act on Powder Mountain list! -- Ogden Valley Exclusive - audio of today's meeting.
UPDATES Below
In what must have been a stunning move to Powder Mountain, the Weber County Commission refused to act today on the Powder Mountain petition to name the Powderville town council and mayor.
To say that the Weber County Commissioners were a little put out by the revised list of names submitted by Powder Mountain would be putting it mildly.
Powder Mountain refused to include any names other than their original selection plus 3 spouses and two new individuals on the town council list presented to the Commissioners. Interviews of numerous other qualified residents were jointly conducted by the Commissioners and a representative from Powder Mountain. The two new individuals' names were not previously submitted to the commissioners nor were they interviewed. A good question is why don't all of Powder Mountain's selected candidates for the town council have to go through the same interview process as other candidates?
Commissioner Bischoff said he was "Offended" by the new PM list after all their discussions and interviews. Commissioner Zogmaister said that the petitioners could have a "family reunion and probably have a quorum" if they used the list submitted by Powder Mountain. Commissioner Dearden said that every attempt was made to work with Powder Mountain to help make the list more representative of the town's people, yet Powder Mountain came back with the same list that also added three husband and wife pairs.
The Weber County Commissioners repeatedly asked the Powder Mountain representatives what criteria was used by Powder Mountain to exclude all other qualified candidates from consideration and the three Muses (see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil) had no logical response. Their refusal to explain the Powder Mountain reasoning seemed to increase the frustration of the Weber County Commissioners.
Commissioner Bischoff stated "It may be time for a Judge to decide the issue". The three Weber County Commissioners decided not to act on the Town Council petition but told the Powder Mountain representative that they would be willing to meet with Powder Mountain to discuss the list and all the qualified candidates.
We think the Weber County Commissioners deserve our thanks for standing up to Powder Mountain on this town council issue.
In other business, the Weber County Commission appointed Gary Alllen to replace the resigned Jamie Lythgoe on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission. Gary has served on the OVPC during the previous several years.
Go to the VCRD Website www.vcrdutah.org for a complete list of OVPC members and contact numbers.
Blogmeister update: In an Ogden Valley Forum Tuesday night exclusive, we offer a recording of this morning's landmark decision of the County Commission to take no action at all. We applaud them for taking the stand. The recording is not perfect and subject to some background noise, as we could not fit our Denon Audio system inside the chamber, but you can certainly crank up the volume and hear it unfold. We have included only the Powder Mountain agenda item, which took the last 25 minutes of the meeting. Hearing Powderville's project manager, Brooke Hontz, tap dance is well worth your time as she was definitely out of her league this morning. The commissioner's questions get interesting at the 11 minute mark if you wish to fast forward.
In a second audio clip, Eden Resident and GEM Committee Chairman Steve Clarke asks a poignant question of our Commission and legal staff. (6 minutes)
Lastly, be sure to read Kristen Moulton's Tribune article, and as always, check out the discussion on Rudi's award winning Weber County Forum.
What say ye Ogden Valley citizen's?
In what must have been a stunning move to Powder Mountain, the Weber County Commission refused to act today on the Powder Mountain petition to name the Powderville town council and mayor.
To say that the Weber County Commissioners were a little put out by the revised list of names submitted by Powder Mountain would be putting it mildly.
Powder Mountain refused to include any names other than their original selection plus 3 spouses and two new individuals on the town council list presented to the Commissioners. Interviews of numerous other qualified residents were jointly conducted by the Commissioners and a representative from Powder Mountain. The two new individuals' names were not previously submitted to the commissioners nor were they interviewed. A good question is why don't all of Powder Mountain's selected candidates for the town council have to go through the same interview process as other candidates?
Commissioner Bischoff said he was "Offended" by the new PM list after all their discussions and interviews. Commissioner Zogmaister said that the petitioners could have a "family reunion and probably have a quorum" if they used the list submitted by Powder Mountain. Commissioner Dearden said that every attempt was made to work with Powder Mountain to help make the list more representative of the town's people, yet Powder Mountain came back with the same list that also added three husband and wife pairs.
The Weber County Commissioners repeatedly asked the Powder Mountain representatives what criteria was used by Powder Mountain to exclude all other qualified candidates from consideration and the three Muses (see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil) had no logical response. Their refusal to explain the Powder Mountain reasoning seemed to increase the frustration of the Weber County Commissioners.
Commissioner Bischoff stated "It may be time for a Judge to decide the issue". The three Weber County Commissioners decided not to act on the Town Council petition but told the Powder Mountain representative that they would be willing to meet with Powder Mountain to discuss the list and all the qualified candidates.
We think the Weber County Commissioners deserve our thanks for standing up to Powder Mountain on this town council issue.
In other business, the Weber County Commission appointed Gary Alllen to replace the resigned Jamie Lythgoe on the Ogden Valley Planning Commission. Gary has served on the OVPC during the previous several years.
Go to the VCRD Website www.vcrdutah.org for a complete list of OVPC members and contact numbers.
Blogmeister update: In an Ogden Valley Forum Tuesday night exclusive, we offer a recording of this morning's landmark decision of the County Commission to take no action at all. We applaud them for taking the stand. The recording is not perfect and subject to some background noise, as we could not fit our Denon Audio system inside the chamber, but you can certainly crank up the volume and hear it unfold. We have included only the Powder Mountain agenda item, which took the last 25 minutes of the meeting. Hearing Powderville's project manager, Brooke Hontz, tap dance is well worth your time as she was definitely out of her league this morning. The commissioner's questions get interesting at the 11 minute mark if you wish to fast forward.
In a second audio clip, Eden Resident and GEM Committee Chairman Steve Clarke asks a poignant question of our Commission and legal staff. (6 minutes)
Lastly, be sure to read Kristen Moulton's Tribune article, and as always, check out the discussion on Rudi's award winning Weber County Forum.
What say ye Ogden Valley citizen's?
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