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WSU's Millner opposes Ogden's rebirth
By BOB GEIGERIn response to Weber State University Provost Michael Vaughan's positive Top of Utah Voices column ("Pausing to consider how others see Junction City," Aug. 29), I reviewed the type of media coverage noted by him, and the first article found was a May 16, 2005, USA Today article, "Snowbasin revives proposal for Ogden-To-Ski Resort Tram." The next article was a New York Times article, published in September 2006. Both articles focused on Chris Petersen's ownership of Malan's Basin. A Wall Street Journal article from March 3, 2007, said, "Perhaps even more critical to the future of the town is that these companies could become allies ... (for) ... the gondola ... ."
A New York Times piece published June 22, 2007, covered many of the high-adventure points that Mayor Godfrey has championed, including a gondola to Petersen's Malan's Basin. The article noted the skepticism of Dan Schroeder, a professor at WSU: "Nothing about this makes sense from a common sense perspective." A March 2008 New York Times article, "Packed Powder as a Corporate Amenity," noted the gondola, too.
What was WSU doing during this surge in Ogden's reputation? On Sept. 27, 2005, shortly after the USA Today article, the Standard-Examiner published an article headlined: "Gondola opponents band together." The only opponent quoted in the article was a WSU professor. On Oct. 3, 2005, the Weber Area Council of Governments voted on a "Resolution for the gondola system." WSU professors attended the meeting to voice disdain. Professor Gene Sessions proclaimed, "The deafening sounds that you hear from President (Ann) Millner is because she has said to me and others repeatedly that WSU is not interested in being part of this project ... ." The local officials voted 15-2 in favor of the resolution, and discussion began within Ogden regarding President Millner's lack of objectivity or control over her professors.
Just days later, a guest commentary by President Millner was published in the Standard-Examiner. In it, she wrote: "We've had preliminary discussions with Chris Petersen and are committed to continuing those conversations ... ." After all, it is important for a university president to at least appear objective.
Then on Nov. 11, 2006, Jim Wood, director of the Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the University of Utah, announced in the Standard-Examiner that a study of WSU land use was being undertaken by his bureau at Weber State University's request. On Dec. 14, 2006, as part of his bureau's analysis, Jim Wood sent an e-mail to Michael Vaughan regarding WSU's inflated estimates of its future east bench land use as a way to block Chris Petersen. Jim Wood wrote, "since your future expansion requires 25 acres, we choose to use that estimate ... , the reason for using 25 acres is tied to your future expansion needs.
Using replacement estimates considerably beyond your needs, 50 acres, may raise issues of study credibility and obstructionism ... ." Jim Wood commented on WSU's inflated land value estimates as an additional block to Chris Petersen: "... a $40 million replacement figure is very high given the land's estimated market value of $10 million, which is probably close to the appraised value ... ." Michael Vaughan forwarded Jim Wood's e-mail to President Millner and Norm Tarbox noting, "Just in case you needed something to get your blood pressure up I now have more serious doubts about our ability to work with the University of Utah ... ."
While this was happening, the business community tried to engage WSU, including the business department. Professor Caldwell asked his students to consider the economic impact of a gondola. Shortly after his engagement with Ogden businesses, Professor Caldwell withdrew, noting his ability to attain tenure was threatened by WSU leadership. I have e-mails substantiating Caldwell's claims.
Newly arrived business presidents and CEOs wanted to meet with President Millner. After several months of no interest by WSU, the business leaders paid WSU $2,500 for a meeting. When they asked Millner about the topic most important to them -- the gondola -- her response was, "I like Ogden just the way it is."
When Vaughan recognizes the wonderful press enjoyed by Ogden, one must wonder if this is just another public display by Millner to curb the now fully rooted understanding that she has opposed Ogden's rebirth from the start. When Vaughan writes, "take a moment to ... enjoy the city's ... well-deserved praise," please remember, President Millner liked Ogden just the way it was before all the praise -- boarded-up windows and all.
Millner hasn't engaged Ogden in cooperative, objective dialogue about the things that generated the current praise for our city.
Geiger is chairman of Lift Ogden, and chief operating officer of Ogden-based Descente North America.
Add Your Comment
READ A BOOK, I am not sure I agree that the President's behind-doors tactics were common knowledge. It is true there was no sign that she was for it. I think the real discussion here should be the University's relationship with the City. In ten years, there will be no building on the mountainsides; we know it. That is games on the university's part to block the gondola. But what about the college considering the Deseret Gym or other buildings IN TOWN for university expansion? If the University needs to grow as they are in Davis County, they should also consider building sites in the City. Ann Millner's treatment of the gondola will probably be seen again when eventually the University will have to use City land in town for growth. With Ann Millner, the whole feeling of "partnership" is dead. That is the near-future tragedy. The article written by Bob Geiger has brought to light many important matters which could happen again. Weber State and Ogden City are partners. Why is this not happenin? To me, this is the discussion. Will she get away with it again?
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