Pitkin County ballot question 1C clinches lead with ‘yes’ votes as of final round
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Pitkin County’s airport-related ballot question 1C clinched its lead with “yes” votes as a fourth round of votes were revealed Wednesday evening.
Ballot question 1C sought to amend Article II of the county’s governing document, the Home Rule Charter, to reaffirm Pitkin County’s power to approve and carry out the layout plan for the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport.
After Wednesday’s second batch of votes, 1C had 6,050 “yes” votes, or 66.8%, and 3,454 “no” votes, or 33.2%.
A Whole Lot of People for a Better Airport, an issue committee supporting ballot question 1C, applauds the passage of the ballot question that reaffirms Pitkin County’s ability to approve and implement a physical layout and accompanying regulatory plan for the airport, a news release states.
“I think the outcome reflects the community’s feeling that today’s airport really doesn’t serve us well,” said former Aspen Mayor John Bennett in the release. ”There’s more work ahead, but this election was a milestone in achieving our vision of a modern airport that’s better aligned with our community values and priorities … a quieter airport with lower greenhouse gas emissions and a comfortable, green terminal we can all be proud of.”
Current elected officials also shared their sentiments regarding the standings of the ballot questions.
“Well, I’ll definitely be working on the Airport Layout Plan and coming up with a process for choosing a great terminal design, which, of course, will involve public comment,” said Pitkin County Commissioner Francie Jacober, who is in the lead in her District 5 race.
Ballot question 200, the opposing airport ballot question, had 4,133 “yes” votes, or 39.88%, and 6,230 “no” votes, or 60.12%.
“While awaiting final results of the voting, I still represent the hope and opportunity to work with the FAA for a new, safer, and appropriate airport without larger planes,” said Aspen Mayor Torre, who has been a supporter of ballot question 200. “It can be done.”
Ballot question 200 sought to amend the Home Rule Charter to restrict county officials’ decision-making power regarding the expansion or relocation of any runway at the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport beyond the dimensions and locations that existed on Jan. 1 without voter approval in their ballot question. It also clearly defines “runway.”
Other Pitkin County ballot questions
Ballot question 1A has 6,208 “yes” votes, or 59.99%, and 4,141 “no” votes, or 40.01%.
This question asked voters to support a new property tax for up to the next 25 years for a mill levy of 1.5 mills.
For homeowners, the tax is approximately a $121 increase per $1 million of property value annually. For commercial property owners, it is approximately a $435 increase per $1 million of value annually.
This would bring in about $8.5 million to the county that could be used for building senior and transitional housing, supporting housing partnerships, converting free market properties to deed-restricted ones, and preserving and restoring current affordable housing.
Ballot question 1B has 8,368 “yes” votes, or 83.32%, and 1,675 “no” votes, or 16.68%.
This question looked to issue revenue bonds for $22 million, not to exceed $37 million in repayment, in order to finance the expansion of the area where waste is deposited at the county landfill.
Regan Mertz can be reached at 970-429-9153 or rmertz@aspentimes.com.
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