As we get past the holidays and living through Vail Resort’s incompetence, I want to highlight a significant development concerning Dakota Pacific. Seven local residents have filed a referendum to challenge the recently approved Dakota Pacific Real Estate development.Having lived in many cities and towns, I am continually impressed by our community’s dedication. I commend these individuals, along with any behind-the-scenes contributors, for submitting the referendum within the required five-day period following the vote. Their actions exemplify the professional, organized, and persistent efforts demonstrated throughout the Dakota saga by volunteer citizen groups like Friends for Responsible Development, as well as all residents who have exercised their rights through letters, editorials and public hearings. The “Build What You Bought” slogan stands out as a particularly world-class message.I also respect those willing to serve as local public council members or supervisors — a role that often seems thankless, demanding extensive hours beyond compensation and frequently attracting criticism. Serving as a Summit County councilor in Utah, a pro-development state, likely also involves significant and real pressure from state authorities. However, after listening to the final vote, I found the arguments presented by Mr. Robinson, Ms. Hanson, and Mr. Harte underwhelming, jumbled and definitely long-winded!  Trying to sell the community on the baseless merits seems like a fool’s errand. Rather, in light of Dakota’s incorporation request, the council members would have better served the community by being concise and saying that under the circumstances this is the best deal we can get” or even more succinctly: “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Ultimately, there is no fairer way to resolve Dakota’s petition for a land use change in Kimball Junction than by allowing the will of the people to decide. This approach embodies the essence of American democracy and hopefully Dakota’s incorporation request can be beaten down like previous efforts. Hail to the people to keep up the fight! Phillip Wright Summit CountyThe post Hail to the people! appeared first on Park Record.