Hauenstein: Kicking the Castle Creek can down the road

There is a new form of democracy in the United States, and it has trickled down to Aspen. If you do not like the outcome of an election, it must be rigged. In Aspen, if you do not trust the voters to make the “right choice,” you don’t allow them to vote.

It does seem that almost everyone in Aspen thinks the Castle Creek Bridge needs to be replaced. Some posit that replacing the bridge is the highest priority. The City Council spent lots of tax dollars to hire world-class Jacobs Engineering to study the entrance to Aspen. Their conclusion is that the fastest way to replace the Castle Creek Bridge is to choose the preferred alternative. The city attorney advises the City Council that a public vote is needed to pave the way for the quickest path forward.

It is frustrating and illogical to argue that the bridge needs replacement as soon as possible and not heed the advice of the Colorado Department of Transportation and Jacobs.

There are always unknowns with any decision. Waiting for more information will not ensure a decision without risks. Doing nothing is not an option. Kicking the can down the road is a step in the direction of doing nothing. Without a vote in November on the ETA delays action another seven months until the municipal election in March.

I am frustrated and disappointed that the City Council is decision-adverse or untrusting of the outcome of a vote.

Ward Hauenstein

Aspen City Council member