Election forums in Snowmass, Aspen

An election forum-filled week continues today with two debates ? one in Snowmass and one in Aspen.

The Snowmass Sun is sponsoring an evening that will put candidates for two positions on the Snowmass Village Town Council in the hot seat, and feature debate on local issues, most notably the proposed new marketing tax and fire district tax.

Mayor T. Michael Manchester is running unopposed. Seeking the two seats on the council are John Wilkinson, Stan Kornasiewicz, Bill Boineau and incumbent Doug Mercatoris. Former Snowmass Village Mayor Jim Hooker will moderate.

The forum will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers on the second floor of the Snowmass Center. And if politics leaves a bad taste in your mouth, the Snowmass Sun is hoping the taste of free pizza from Taster’s restaurant may entice some to attend the forum.

In Aspen, a forum featuring candidates in the state House and Senate races will be held from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Lauder Room at The Aspen Institute. It is co-sponsored by the Pitkin County Democrats and Republicans, as well as The Aspen Times and Aspen Daily News.

House District 61 candidates Rick Davis, Gregg Rippy and Abba Krieger will debate until 6:15 p.m., with the rest of the evening featuring Senate District 5 candidates Rafael Lorenzo Gallegos and Lewis Entz.

For more information, call Camilla Auger at 544-0745.