Friends and neighbors, what is happening within the discussion about the 5 acres? Why is there so much anger and unfair personal criticism directed at the mayor and councilors? The Bonanza Park 5-acre discussion has been underway for almost 10 years, and it has remained a public, open process wi th countless meetings and opportunities for input. It has always been intended to be a civic and cultural vision. Early on, Mayor Jack Thomas envisioned the 5-acre district as an art-infused neighborhood with shops, galleries, a theater, restaurants, open space, housing and a transit hub drawing inspiration from the Bauhaus movement. Since then, the concept has evolved as community needs, partnerships and circumstances have changed. For much of that time, the process moved forward in a relatively steady and transparent way, with ongoing public engagement and iterative planning. It is only in the wake of the most recent city elections that the conversation seems to have taken on a far more disruptive and heated tone, with a noticeable increase in hostility and personal attacks directed at elected officials. That shift is unfortunate because it risks overshadowing years of thoughtful public work and good-faith participation from many in the community. What is especially troubling is that some of the rhetoric has crossed a line. These kinds of hateful and at times baseless accusations are taking a real toll on very good people who have stepped forward to serve. The mayor and councilors are not abstract figures. They are members of this community with children, spouses and families who are now being ridiculed, gossiped about, and spoken of in unkind and unfair ways. No one should have to endure that simply for participating in public service. People can and will disagree about the outcome, but that is not a reason to turn on the individuals serving on our City Council and as mayor. Our elected officials are not acting with hidden motives or bad intent. They are our neighbors doing a difficult job, trying to balance competing needs and make decisions in the public interest. We may not always agree with them, but they deserve basic respect. It is fair to debate ideas. It is not fair to attack people. Jo Ann Askins and Terri Smith Park City The post Perspective gone astray appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less