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Grob rises above the rest

Dear Editor:

It is truly rare to see a group of concerned citizens running for any office with the character and integrity manifested by the four men running for Pitkin County commissioner this year! I say that with a real sense of knowing as I have watched a large number of these elections and they typically do not offer the slate of capable candidates that this election does.

I could cast my vote for any one of them but firmly believe that Darryl Grob would be the best choice for county commissioner from the lot. I first met Darryl shortly after he arrived in Aspen as he joined the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department. He rapidly became a superior firefighter, a captain and ultimately the Fire Department’s first and only paid fire chief.



At that time it was essential that we hired someone from within to oversee the huge task of building four new fire stations and retrofitting our entire fleet of firefighting apparatus. Darryl fit the bill perfectly and completed those tasks with amazing proficiency – come by and visit our Hopkins Avenue station to see the legacy of his work.

Darryl is the kind of commissioner that I feel fits the bill for Pitkin County, as well. He is meticulous with his attention to detail. He is a tireless worker who will never be unprepared for any meeting, any decision nor any discussion on the street or in the chambers. He is relentless in his research, leaving nothing germane to the issue unattended.




Probably his strongest asset is his ability to “keep the door open!” As the fire chief, his “open-door policy” was real. He was always available for any firefighter needing to speak with him, and his attention to their concerns was real and immediate. Most importantly – and this is huge in Aspen – he has a very thick skin! I have known no other person in a position of responsibility who has Darryl’s ability to take criticism, not allow it to be personal, and ultimately, find the positive in the exchange. That is the kind of person you want in office … in Pitkin County!

As voting for a county commissioner in Aspen is not commonly a political endeavor, voters here tend to look at the candidate first and his political stances a distant eighth! What matters to voters here is the person! Honesty, trustworthiness, commitment to excellence and a love of this valley – those are the values that matter – and Darryl is flush with all. He is one of the most ethical people I know!

As mentioned, the other candidates are very capable and strong. I know them personally, but I believe Darryl Grob would be the best Pitkin County commissioner of the four. I hope you will take the time to get to know Darryl and offer him your support in the upcoming election.

Also, this letter is not intended to reflect the opinions of the Aspen Fire Protection District, nor the Aspen Volunteer Fire Department.

Willard L. Clapper

Fire chief, Aspen Volunteer Fire Department

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