Roses and Thorns

A rose: To the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners for granting the first two licenses to begin selling recreational marijuana in Pitkin County. Throughout the process of creating the new county rules governing all phases of the recreational marijuana business — which include growing, selling, infusing and testing of the product — the board took a cautious and careful approach. The county now has a solid basis to begin this new venture with safety a top priority for both the businesses and the customers.

A rose: To Aspen junior Ryan Fitzpatrick, named last week to the Class 2A All-State football team by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Fitzpatrick rushed 273 times for 1,687 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 168 yards per game with 12 touchdowns. The Skiers advanced to the state football playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.

Roses: To the Basalt Town Council candidates who emerged in the last days to enter the election. For a while, it looked like only two candidates were running for three positions. The field filled out to five candidates, assuring that the main issues facing the town will be debated thoroughly.

Thorns: To the handful (or more) of local retailers who are complaining to anyone withing earshot — although they won’t admit it to local media — about lackluster sales during the current holiday season. The vast majority of Aspen hotels, lodges, restaurants and bars all have been doing well since the season got underway in late November. The crowds are here, and that’s evidenced by the city’s monthly consumption tax report, which indicates record sales (collectively) on the whole so far during the 2013-14 winter tourist period. If you aren’t making bank, chances are your product is either inferior, overpriced or outdated, or your rent is too high to justify selling what you’re trying to sell.