Siegel: Ballot measure is a power grab

Rachel Richards’ proposed ballot measure is a power grab taking away the power of the voters granted by our Home Rule Charter to approve a specific change of use of open space once there is a fully defined plan. With the EIS process not yet started, a number of concepts have been floated for the Entrance to Aspen, and there is no predictability as to what will emerge when it finishes. The Richards petition offers two alternatives: build the thoroughly discredited and debunked straight shot (consistently denied in the most recent ballot measures) or give CDOT a clear field to build whatever it wants. Talk about false choices. She puts the cart before the horse, blanket approval first and then decide what to do. More properly, the EIS process needs to play out, a plan will emerge, build consensus, and only then put approval to a public vote.

Another proposed ballot measure is consistent with the Home Rule Charter and seeks to ensure a strong consensus (60%) for any plan before a permanent change is made to parks or open space. Richards is concerned that measure will pass — why? Because it is the arrogance of one — her — who wants to dictate what is best and snuff out our right to review and vote in the future on any plan that emerges from the EIS process, consistent with the Charter.

Let her collect signatures and embrace her ballot measure should she run for office next March. The voters can decide what is best for Aspen going forward, considered public involvement or “trust me.”

Neil B. Siegel

Aspen