The Summit County Council voted 3-1 to support the appointment of Pinebrook resident Jackie Blake to the Basin Open Space Advisory Committee. County Councilwoman Sally Elliott opposed the appointment.
“I think [Blake] is going to find herself out of her element,” Elliott said.
Elliott said Blake lacks experience in real estate and land use.
“She hasn’t been up here long enough to understand what the community’s wishes are on open space and trails,” Elliott said.
The seven-member Basin Open Space Advisory Committee makes recommendations to county officials regarding the creation, preservation and identification of open space, according to Summit County Sustainability Coordinator Ashley Koehler.
Blake’s appointment to a three-year term was supported Dec. 8 by County Councilpersons David Ure, John Hanrahan and Claudia McMullin.
“I want a fresh face,” Hanrahan said.
Blake explained that she is bright and has plenty of time and energy to devote to the committee.
“We moved here for open space,” Blake said. “For me, it’s whatever I can offer.”
She said she is currently involved in the Park City School District and Temple Har Shalom.
Voters in the Basin approved a $20 million land bond in November. About $12 million from the bond will be used for preserving open land and easements in the Basin. The other $8 million could be spent improving trails on the West Side of Summit County.
Other members of the Basin Open Space Advisory Committee include: Chairman Chris Donaldson, Vice Chairman Max Greenhalgh, Mindy Wheeler, Kevin Simon, Scott McClelland and Kathy Mears.