Letter: Let the court process play out

I think it safe to say we have all done things we are ashamed of or regret later. All too often, those things occurred while consuming alcohol or other substances — especially in this valley known for its substance abuse.

The alleged mantra of the U.S. judicial system is “innocent until proven guilty,” is it not?

Snowmass Village Town Councilman Chris Jacobson made a few poor choices one day in June. Normally this would be in the “Police Blotter” portion of the local papers. His story made front-page news, and word got out that he “allegedly” damaged some property while detained. In early July, the jail-cell video was made public. Shortly after, a recall effort began.

Jacobson has been advised by his legal council to make no public comments even though the video is now public record. The public has only read, heard and seen one side of this story. The man has not had his day in court. He cannot make public comment to try and explain his actions, and some people in glass houses in the town of Snowmass Village are feeling “disgraced” and gathering stones!

This is not how our legal system works, is it? Let the court or an unbiased jury that has not been swayed by local media coverage hear his case. If found guilty of a felony, then he is removed from office and no recall effort is needed. If innocent of felony charges, Jacobson can make a public comment at a council meeting and locals can see his side of the story and then determine if they want to sign the recall petition, not the other way around!

I know I did some stupid s— when I drank. The only difference is I never got caught, but I still have amends to make for my foolish actions.

The $14,000 damage estimate would be half that value in any other town besides Aspen.

John Norman

Carbondale