Park City Council members have asked, several times for dissenting opinions regarding the council’s efforts toward social equity. They’re finally getting what they want. Melissa Allison has more:
On several occasions, the council has asked to hear from the community who don’t agree with their decision or efforts toward social equity.
Assistant Matt Dias said it’s always important to hear from as many points of view when making decisions.
“Dissent is the way that we make input-based decisions," Dias said. "So, I think people at times have questioned the strategic approach, have questioned the tactics that we’re using, whether or not it should be the city in this role, should it be the county in the role? And that’s why we’re engaging I think, in this further listening tour, so we understand it better.”
Dias said the city is responding to the community’s response from six months ago telling them to do more.
“So, we banded together and this is our approach to sort of, have this community dialogue and have people join together and its not always pretty," Dias said. "I mean, when you’re doing these things out in public, as you’re learning as you go, it’s not always pretty and it can sometimes look a little messy and we think that that’s, that’s helpful, we think that’s productive and we appreciate the input.”
Dias said just defining social equity is difficult and the challenges don’t end there.
“Typically, municipal governments have had a career in infrastructure and recreational programs and library," Dias said. "I mean, these kind of social services or social networks, are little bit harder for people to understand and put their hands around. And so, I think that’s been the biggest kind of challenge is, explaining to people what our goals are, how we intend to accomplish them. And I think that by and large, its been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited that we’re even creating this awareness. I mean, even the public information campaign around this has been exceptional, in my opinion.”
Council is scheduled to discuss their listening tour at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday.
I’m Melissa Allison, KPCW News.