Frisch: Our best days are ahead 

After my husband and I moved to Aspen in 2003, we quickly became involved in many aspects of our community.

From AVSC to the public-school board, city council, financial advisory boards, and numerous volunteer hours, we have consistently engaged in meaningful service.  Our two teenagers were born at AVH and raised here, and we could not be prouder of the wonderful young adults they have become, boosted by a strong educational system and the close-knit community we call home. We have spent their lifetimes ensuring our community supports all children and families.

I’m running for mayor to continue elected community service and to provide thoughtful leadership that ensures our best days are ahead. I’m honored to have diverse support, including from people who are voting “yes” or “no” on each of the referendums on this ballot.

After weeks of conversation with voters, commuters, and visitors, it’s clear to me that our two biggest concerns are traffic and wildfires. Living at the end of a long, narrow valley has its risks for both issues, and our community is rightly concerned and frustrated. I am, too. I believe we need to focus on solutions that address traffic and wildfires now — not in another decade.

Much has been said in letters to the editor and guest columns in our papers over the last few weeks. For me, I believe Referendum 2 will not improve traffic in the next decade. I cannot understand why anyone thinks we should abdicate one of the most important decisions for our community in decades to the state. Instead, let’s elect new, thoughtful, competent leaders who will bring the necessary skills to work together to improve our lives through the entire valley for residents, second homeowners, and guests. As mayor, I will support the outcome of both propositions. But time is of the essence in improving traffic and wildfire egress, and I believe Referendum 2 fails at both.

Obvious bottlenecks exist in multiple places — let’s work together to reduce them. And let’s replace the existing bridge before it’s not safe. In Gunnison last summer, the bridge over the Mesa Reservoir failed inspection and was shut down, with an hour’s notice, for months, causing a six-hour detour for daily commuters between Montrose and Gunnison.

Imagine the economic impact on our families and our community if the same were to happen with the Castle Creek bridge. We cannot afford to let the current bridge fall apart. Its replacement is part — but not the entirety — of any entrance solution.  Let’s fix it now and implement modern solutions!

Those concerned about wildfires should focus on fixing our existing bridge and on mitigating wildfire risk now, not waiting 15 years for a possible expansion. We need multiple fire road egresses to diversify our options in case of an emergency egress.  We need HOAs and individuals to step up and remove deadwood surrounding their homes. We must revise land use and building codes to reduce flammable material in the building envelopes. We need to support the massive efforts already underway by our firefighting community. And we need to find funding to not only implement our professionals’ plans but to communicate them to the community. Let’s elect thoughtful leadership capable of solving complex problems across jurisdictions as a team, not the same politicians who are responsible for putting us in this position in the first place.

I have decades of experience running a large, complex, and successful manufacturing business, and I know how to solve problems (and bottlenecks!) and bring people together for success. I have elected experience on the Aspen School District Board of Education, where during COVID we not only successfully worked with the county and city to get our kids back in school, but also improved educational outcomes, grew teacher housing, and simultaneously modernized facilities. I will bring these capabilities to the table as mayor of Aspen, with a fresh perspective and a belief that our best days are ahead.

I humbly ask for your vote by March 4.