Concerns about Aspen's Chamber of Commerce and a ballot referendum got a close look at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Backers of the referendum argue it's inappropriate for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association to lobby against the local measure, since the group receives public funding through the City of Aspen. They also point out it looks shady that two City Council members are part of the Chamber's campaign.
Representatives of the Chamber swear their bookkeeping prevents taxpayer dollars from going towards the campaign, and that very little funds and resources have been used anyway.
After hearing the two sides, Aspen's City Attorney said that, after carefully reading state law, he's come to the conclusion the Chamber is within its rights and does not appear to be misusing funds.
In fact, the attorney says it's not within city council's power to tell the Chamber what to do politically. Afterwards, those concerned about the Chamber, peppered the city attorney with questions, saying they're not convinced the issue is over.
