ISSUE # 25 ... ARBITERS OF ASPEN STYLE AND CHARACTER WANT "DISTRICTS" OF CONTROL

"Historic Preservation policy does not need public input, but should come from the top down in our government."

(Junee Kirk, Aspen Historic Preservation Task Force member, 1/22/09)

The Ant takes great exception to that response, which addressed Task Force member Mike Maple's question as to how the public will be educated and brought into the process of considering and supporting new historic preservation policies.

The Red Ant attended the meeting of the Historic Preservation Task Force on Thursday, as members considered recommending "Historic District" legislation to Council as part of the upcoming set of proposals. (See  Issue #24). We were astounded by the confusing process and lack of rationale or specifics, and the willingness of many members to dictate far-reaching regulations affecting homeowners. What we saw and heard causes us to caution, "Don't be naïve, and think that reason will prevail. If you want your property rights protected, you need to be informed and involved."  

Is Your Property Within the "Original Aspen Town Site?"

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ISSUE # 24 ... YOUR ASPEN HOME MAY BE MORE EXTRAORDINARY THAN YOU THINK

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"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." - James Bovard, Civil Libertarian

Most of us think that if we don't own a classic Victorian or a new, elegant, massive home in Aspen, we don't have homes of particular interest to the public. That is perhaps a naïve view, given the current discussions in City Hall.

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ISSUE # 23 ... ASPEN'S FUTURE, SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE

"The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government is to live under the government of worse men." -- Plato

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ISSUE # 22 ... AFFORDABLE FOR WHOM?

-The City's Public Works Director gets a mini-ranch for life, while the taxpayers foot the bill.

-The taxpayer subsidies at the much-troubled Burlingame complex are planned to exceed

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ISSUE # 21 ... A HOLIDAY TRAGEDY IN ASPEN AND A CHANCE TO SAVE LIVES

A tragic accident needlessly took the lives of a young family visiting Aspen for the Thanksgiving weekend. Carbon Monoxide poisoning silently, and without warning, stole the lives of a young family of four while they slept.

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ISSUE # 20 ... MAYOR MICK'S ASPEN HOLIDAY WISH

Tattered Christmas Stocking

Spring 2007, during the mayoral campaign "debates," Mick sent an early note to Santa, but fortunately Santa procrastinated.

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Fear and Loathing in Aspen, Colorado.....Issue #19

A Culture of Intimidation

Years after Hunter S. Thompson's book, the chase after the American dream through a drug-induced haze continues - in Aspen.

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Local Ballot InformANT.....Issue#18

ParticipANTs

The Red Ant would like to thank Paul Menter of the Aspen Community Foundation for skillfully moderating the forum, and the following community leaders who made the time to inform and educate Aspen and Pitkin County voters on the issues:

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