Election 2021: How to Vote
October 20 THE RED ANT
2021 BALLOT
ASPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
X SUSAN M. ZIMET
X ANNA ZANE
AMENDMENT 78
X YES. This fiscally responsible measure increases transparency and accountability by requiring the Colorado General Assembly to appropriate all state spending, including money received from the federal government or through legal settlements, through a formal budgetary process. It repeals the ability for custodial funds to be spent by the Governor, attorney general or other unelected bureaucrats in state agencies, often without public input or accessible public records.
PROPOSITION 119
X NO. Don’t be fooled. A higher tax on pot to benefit “out of school learning” sounds great, but no. This measure would effectively give money to private “education” providers with questionable accountability and oversight by an unelected board of a new to-be-created state agency. And there’s no stated criteria for what is a legitimate learning program.
PROPOSITION 120
X YES. This property tax decrease for multi-family residential and commercial lodging properties will ease pressure on rents and encourage investment to address the state’s housing shortage.
CITY OF ASPEN 2A
X NO This half-baked proposed money grab is a rushed reallocation of the dedicated Wheeler Opera House RETT funds, spreading the money throughout the local cultural, visual and performing arts community. It sounds nice and all, but the intent of the voter-approved (0.5%) Real Estate Transfer Tax is specifically to benefit Aspen’s iconic 19th century landmark. A reallocation of the Wheeler funds warrants a far more robust community debate on highest and best uses for this enticing embarrassment of riches (the arts? education? mental health? etc.), including if it should be reallocated at all.
CITY OF ASPEN 2B
X YES This land exchange conveys a small section of land from a city-owned parcel in the West End to a privately owned lot in exchange for a conservation easement over and across the “Pride of Aspen” mining claim. The 19 acres across Shadow Mountain would be preserved from any future development and would guarantee public access and recreational opportunities. P&Z and city council unanimously approved the exchange, however the deal must be blessed by Aspen voters.