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Some Snowmass endorsements

Based upon our prior research and what we learned at the Snowmass Sun Candidates and Issues Forum, we strongly endorse the following candidates and passage of the following issues:

The re-election of Doug “Merc” Mercatoris is critical to the revitalization of Snowmass Village and its future economic viability in a very competitive market place. Merc, as he is known by all in the village, has served three terms as a Town Councilman.

The knowledge, perspective and practical on-the-job experience he has gleaned during this lengthy period of service will insure that we retain our status well into the future as a premiere family destination resort.



His continued service on the Town Council will benefit this community in connection with the very complex and difficult issues facing us during the next few years; issues such as the development of the new Base Village, Snowmass Center, Conoco property, redevelopment of the mall and unification of the commercial core; improved and expanded uses of the rodeo property; development of a proper and inviting entrance to the village; employee housing; transportation, traffic and parking; mountain expansion for year-round recreational use and on-mountain improvements for winter and summer recreational and entertainment activities; and the creation and support of cultural and educational activities to enlighten and enhance our minds and spirits.

These are pivotal issues, the resolution of which will determine the future of this community. We strongly believe that Merc has, and will continue, to play a very vital role in establishing and maintaining a viable and sustainable economic future for this community; a future with a lifestyle that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. We are prepared to put our future in his hands.




Bob Purvis’ decision not to seek election for a full term leaves a big empty chair to be filled on the Town Council. Bob’s intelligence and his approach to problem solving and consensus building are invaluable. His continued participation in the governance of this town will be sorely missed.

After watching Bill Boineau in action during the past year on the planning commission and having researched his prior performance as a Town Councilman in 1994-98 and his many years of service as a member and captain of the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District and as president of its board of directors, we are convinced that he is the most qualified candidate to fill Bob’s chair.

Bill’s passion for this community and his dedication to it and its well-being is clearly evident from his lengthy past and current record of service.

His past service on the Town Council and his current service on the planning commission qualify him to deal with all of the pivotal issues listed above. He has shown us that he can do the job required to create and maintain a viable and sustainable economic future for this community; a future that will allow all of us and our guests to achieve the quality of life that we came here for.

We support the proposed mill levy fund increase for the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District. These additional funds will go a long way toward maintaining the highest standards of fire protection. In addition, the higher ratings that our fire district obtains will result in further reductions of our fire insurance premiums.

We strongly support the proposed new town-wide 2.5 percent Marketing and Special Events Sales Tax that will replace the current 3.25 percent civic assessment. In our letter to the editor last week we detailed the reasons to support this new sales tax.

Suffice it to say the entire Town Council and all of the candidates, as well as many of us in this community, have expressed our support for this tax. Its passage is essential in order to create a permanent source of funding for the marketing of Snowmass Village and the creation and maintenance of special events, which, if successful, will allow us to achieve the quality of life and economic vitality that will assure our future as a sustainable resort community.

For those privileged to vote in Snowmass Village, please do so on Nov. 5 with knowledge and care, for you have the future viability of this little piece of heaven on earth in your hands. Let’s not screw it up!

Mel D. Blumenthal

Enclave Homeowners Association