In support of Mick and Steve

Dear Editor:

I've known former 13-year County Commissioner Mick Ireland for about as many years. My experiences with Mick, including working with him on both Burlingame campaigns, have been revealing and impressive. I found him to be very well-organized, hardworking and passionate. What struck me the most is his motivation. Mick truly cares about the working local. He is one of us, for God's sake! Mick lives in a one-bedroom affordable-housing unit, rides a bike most days and, from what I understand, can take the S-curves at 25 mph! That's cool. Mick loves his bikes, and more importantly he loves Aspen, namely the incredible people and the unbelievable mountains. I'm confident that he'll continue to work hard to strike a balance on good growth, including building more affordable housing and protecting the environment. I value the fact that he's an expert and consultant sought after on a national level in the areas of affordable housing, transportation and innovative zoning. Mick is a pioneer and a leader in many regards.

I also discovered through the years what Mick isn't. He isn't in it for the money. He isn't a pushover or a shortsighted fool. The feisty Ireland has not and will not back down to the power brokers who'd like to cash in at Pitkin County/Aspen's expense, including those looking to develop more fractional conversions which are robbing our bed and sales tax base. The "fractionalizing" of Aspen for the elite can't be healthy for us in the long term. Mick isn't afraid to walk the talk, even when threatened by personal attacks or mean-spirited, failed recall attempts.

The other man I've been proud to know, since he moved to Aspen a little over a decade ago, is Steve Skadron. Steve was my last roommate prior to winning a housing lottery. Hailing from the Midwest, Steve has a strong work ethic and value system that is traditional and typical of that part of the country. As an entrepreneur, he founded Skadron Marketing Group, which consults a wide variety of local businesses. He's successful when his clients are successful. As a local who is passionate about town, Steve has volunteered his time the past four years for Planning and Zoning, contributing to the community by helping guide its future. He's been unafraid to vote "no" if he doesn't believe, for example, a proposed development offers ample affordable housing, vitality or other benefits for the community. Basically, he values the needs of the community as whole over the profits of a few. As an Ironman triathlete, Steve embodies the mind, body and spirit that modern Aspen was founded upon. I think we could use some endurance athletes in office, especially during those marathon meetings! Steve is honest, intelligent, thoughtful and has a good sense of humor. I bet Steve makes his mom proud, too.

These are two candidates I can recommend wholeheartedly. But don't just take my word for it. Take a little time to study up on Mick, Steve and the other candidates. You owe it to yourself and to the future of Aspen. Please care enough to vote on May 8!

Erik Skarvan

Aspen