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A right to expose

Dear Editor:A recent letter to the editor urged me to respect what two local politicians say and to not publicly expose what they do in City Hall. While slick politicians can keep voters happy by saying one thing and doing another, those of us that vote have every right to expose such misrepresentations. The letter opined that Helen “is not a ‘make-Aspen-bigger’ politician.” Yet, Helen voted to approve the Klanderization of Aspen (the largest upzoning in the history of Aspen). With the impacts of this self-inflicted construction boom just beginning to become apparent, Helen is telling people that her No. 1 priority is to address the impacts oozing from a past vote she cast.The letter then queried why I would expose Jack Johnson for claiming to be an architect when he has never been licensed in any state or country. Some would argue it is an issue of freedom of speech for a politician to portray to the public that one is a real estate broker, architect, physician or attorney without ever completing (anywhere) the final step of passing the necessary licensing exam. I feel that such misrepresentation is an issue of integrity or if you will, simple honesty. The letter concluded wishing “more respect could be shown to the people who serve.” Admittedly, respecting these two politicians for what they say and ignoring what they do is one approach. I think we would be better served by their earning our respect through both their words and their actions.Bert MyrinAspen