High-brow and tone-deaf

In response to Elizabeth Milias’ Sunday opinion piece “Flouting Aspen’s climate goals at the lumberyard,” her obvious disdain for the local workforce is palpable. In pointing out that the proposed affordable housing designs at the Lumberyard would have mudrooms and storage units, she asks “For whom? It’s anyone’s guess.” I don’t think it takes a lot of guessing to understand why someone who’s been on their feet all day might appreciate a place to take their shoes off. And heaven forbid our workers have a location at home for skis or bikes to be able to enjoy activities beyond work.

Laughably ignorant is the suggestion that Lumberyard should be car-free because of “Aspen’s robust, existing regional transportation system, (and) our vast network of trails.” As if this poor duct-tape crowd is not deserving of a way to ever leave the valley for a break. It certainly won’t be via the airport, which chooses to close during offseason just when local workforce might have an opportunity to get out of town.

And speaking of the duct-tape crowd, this next comment is perhaps more tone-deaf than that of Mr. Kaplan, who coined that term: “Oh, I see. Not only will the inmates run the asylum, they will design it, and we will build whatever it is they want.” I think what we inmates want is a touch of respect and human dignity, but we certainly know not to expect that from Ms. Milias.

Todd Wilson

Aspen