A Pitkin County elected official is trying to solve the mystery of who left a pile of cash at her house. According to the government’s policy, she wouldn’t be able to accept it even if she wanted to. Carolyn Sackariason has the details.
County commissioner Patti Clapper took the $1,000 to the Aspen Police Department after the envelope was left on her front gate anonymously. She is worried it could be a bribe.
County attorney John Ely says the local government’s policy is a spin off the state statute when it comes to public officers accepting gifts. While the state doesn’t include a limit on a gift’s value, the county sets it at $100. And the city of Aspen’s limit is $50.
Clapper is hoping the gift giver, who wrote on the envelope “for past good deeds,” comes forward and confirms it wasn’t politically motivated. If it isn’t, she will donate the money to a charity or nonprofit of her choice.
Ely says in the 20 years he has been representing the county he has never seen an anonymous gift given to a public official, especially an amount that large.