The two candidates squaring off for a seat on Aspen city council think change needs to happen in the city department that handles development proposals. Aspen Public Radio’s Marci Krivonen has more from Thursday night’s “Squirm Night” forum.
The City’s community development department is made up of more than two dozen staffers. It handles construction plans and ensures developments comply with the city’s building code. It also enforces the land use code.
Candidate Bert Myrin, who sits on the planning and zoning commission, says he’s very concerned about the leadership and direction of the department.
"There’s quite a bit of representation of the applicants and interests of the staff lobbying on behalf of the applicants, rather than someone there to lobby for the community."
He says the top-down perspective from city hall should first focus on the community.
Moderator Curtis Wackerle: "Mick, is this a problem?"
Mick Ireland: "It is a problem. The solution to it is having council engaged and taking control and giving direction to the staff, not the other way around."
Wackerle is with the Aspen Daily News and Ireland is a council candidate. Ireland, who has a long history in local office, says council needs to be more clear with staff on what they want, particularly around zoning.
"We need to take control and responsibility for directing. That’s what we get paid for - directing, not for drafting."
The two candidates’ philosophies are similar, but their endorsements set them apart. Critics of city council have gotten behind Myrin, while Ireland has attracted the support of sitting council members. Mail ballots will be counted on June 2nd.