Broad experience defines Emmer

Dear Editor:

The April 17 Aspen Daily News contained a front-page article on fundraising by the mayoral and City Council campaigns – and evidenced bias by the writer and the editor.

Quite a number of people have contributed to their favorite candidate – the democratic process in action. But I don’t understand why the writer cherry-picked a few names out of the many contributors unless it was to promote some candidates and besmirch others (guilt by association with unpopular supporters).

The Aspen Daily News article selected two contributors who are anathema to the liberal left in this town, hoping that would paint Maurice’s campaign in a bad light. This was unnecessary and reflected journalistic bias.

I’m upset, because I support the candidacy of Maurice Emmer. He had a very successful consulting career for one of the largest accounting firms in the country. He is used to dealing with complex issues; he has the temperament to delve into the underlying dynamics of a problem to search for possible solutions. I am confident that he will bring balanced judgment, the courteous conduct of city business and a focus on economic prosperity to balance the concerns and needs of our diverse constituency. He along with a functioning City Council will make a serious team to course-adjust the many questionable actions spearheaded by outgoing Mayor Mick Ireland.

While not as well-known as the sitting councilmen running for mayor, Emmer is gaining traction as the candidate most likely to bring a fresh perspective to the issues and problems we face. We desperately need constructive change, and Maurice Emmer is the candidate to accomplish this change in a moderate and thoughtful fashion. Others clearly agree with me. He has raised more than $10,000 from about 65 people. These supporters range from liberals to moderate independents to conservatives. There are significant reasons that Emmer is gaining important traction as the campaign progresses.

This is an important decision. Do your homework, and vote for the candidate with the most demonstrable trajectory of professional success in managing complex problems and issues. Isn’t that what Aspen needs?

Mick won popularity polls by giving “free stuff” to voting constituents – ignoring some nonvoting residents’ interests in a cavalier fashion. Now, it is time to get serious in this choppy economic environment.

David Kudish

Aspen