Letters to the Editor
Enough
He's grown
Quite a difference
Pick Mickisms
Some thoughts on local politics
Fatherly advice
No time for complacency
Check the facts
He's no saint
Fighting for soul
Finding the spirit of old Aspen
Choose wisely
Opening the conservative playbook
He's the most qualified
Vote Mick for slower growth
Substance, not bike shorts
The right public servant for the job
Tips are important
Goodbye 'no' man
Remember Yogi's words
Considering O'Neal's points
Why we're here
Give the yes men the bootd
Pass on the opportunity
A tradition of service
If Mick were a Yogi
The controversial vote
Absentee voting is an option
Vote for Mick
It ain't over yet, so VOTE
Where did our resort go?
Slightly above average
Citizen watchdogs needed
Vote for Ireland
Reflections from afar
Mick's got the right stuff
The best choices
Aspen needs a barker like Mick
Mick for mayor
Puh-leese
Aspen's true value
Step aside
Many thanks
Vote for Mick
Ireland is an asset
Equitable housing
Mick stands true
Why Mick? Here's why
Aspen needs Mick's vision
Choose candidates carefully
Community not commodity
Mick, for a strong economy
Ireland is an asset
Vote for Mick
Mick will best serve Aspen
Viva books
Too bad Torre didn't notice
Ireland embraces the Aspen Idea
Ireland meets the standard
No mistakes
Aspen is fortunate
Voting by the book
Mick - one of the few
Mick is the cure
I'd vote for Mick
Responding to Torre
Semrau doesn't have the vision
Ireland will keep us on course
Some election thoughts
Do it for Anne
Determining Aspen's future
In support of Mick and Steve
Mick not responsible for Ketchum's fate
In line with city stalwarts
Ireland, from the ground up
Shrugging off Semrau
A Torre quandary
Locals still rule
Election gives clear choices
Mick's a stand up guy
This is an important election
We need Mick
Vote for your lifestyle
Three good choices
Mick won't sell out
A vote for Mick
We have a clear choice
Won't get fooled again
Philosophies stick around
A great cast of volunteers
An easy choice
Unintended consequences
A vote for authenticity
Vote for Ireland
A fatal conflict of interest
Volunteering for Mick
A tireless leader
Mick for mayor
Pick Mick
Disagreeing with Semrau
Vote for Ireland
Conflict of interest
Reasons for Mick
To know Mick is to respect him
A champion of human services
Vote yes for bus lanes
Semrau's pudding isn't good
All of Aspen's issues
Seek a model solution
It's just a 'fetcher'
Here's the real math
Semrau's plan is appalling
Semrau plan is flawed
Examining Semrau's proposal
Beware of Semrau's housing plan
Race for the mayor
We all need to be environmentalists
Facts about growth
A call for truth, justice
Enough
Aspen Times | June 2, 2007 | Michael Behrendt
Editor:
This last lovely Thursday afternoon I walked my grandbabies downtown on Hyman, from West Third where I live. Four blocks, kids playing; perfect.
At Aspen Street all that gave way to howling cement and gravel trucks. Girders were being hoisted to 42-foot placements, forever blocking out the rolling green of Aspen Mountain. A great wall is forming on the west side of Wagner Park. Something big and ugly rises over the clapboards we knew as the Mother Lode. Read More>>
He's grown
Aspen Times | June 2, 2007 | Michael Wampler
Editor:
I have known Mick Ireland since his newspaper days. When he first ran for office, I questioned him about his motives as well as his positions. He and I felt the same way about local politics and I became a supporter. Since then we have become friends as well as advisories on the competitive bicycle scene. Read More>>
Quite a difference
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | JE DeVilbiss
Dear Editor:
The Aspen mayoral race was mentioned on National Public Radio Sunday. Coverage closed with the reporter noting that, at the conclusion of a debate between the candidates at the home of the late Hunter S. Thompson, Tim Semrau drove away in his high-end automobile while Mick Ireland rode off into the dark on his bicycle. Read More>>
Pick Mickisms
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Jim Pitt
Dear Editor:
As a lifelong journalist, Aspen and limerick lover, and believer in "wordy" causes, I think the next mayor should be "Mick, the man for all reasons." He has integrity, motivation, determination, and is firmly committed to working with all to achieve a compassionate and caring community.
To note his strengths in a less serious way, I've constructed a couple of "Mickisms": Read More>>
Some thoughts on local politics
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Jon Busch
Dear Editor:
As I read it, Tim Semrau's positions grow more and more similar to Mick Ireland's positions and that is troubling. Mick has a consistency: I know where he stood yesterday; I know where he stands today; and I know where he will be tomorrow. Tim is a moving target that makes me suspicious. Read More>>
Fatherly advice
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | E.O. Rafelson (with help from his father, Bob Rafelson)
Dear Editor:
My name is E.O. Rafelson. I am 7. Lately my dad has been talking to me about the Aspen he has lived in for more than 40 years. He says I am old enough to hear this. He says it used to be a wonderful place. It had people living here who liked each other and cared about what happened to the town. Read More>>
No time for complacency
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Mirte Berko
Dear Editor:
Are you in your 20s or 30s? Do you consider yourself an Aspenite? Do you call Aspen home? Are you part of the dynamic fabric that makes Aspen Aspen? If so, this election is about us and about our futures here in Aspen. Read More>>
Check the facts
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Rachel E. Richards
Dear Editor:
It is good to fact check political ads to see when candidates manipulate the truth. Tim Semrau's housing ad stretches the truth so thin, you can see right through it!
The Pitkin Iron site was bought with housing dollars by Pitkin County in 1990. A decade later, when Mick Ireland was on the Board of County Commissioners, it was sold way below fair market value to Tim Semrau to develop for affordable housing. The subsidy for the affordable housing was paid for with the free market lots carved off the site and the below market land sale made possible by government dollars. It was a public/private partnership. Read More>>
He's no saint
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Frank Peters
Dear Editor:
Candidate Semrau's self-annointed status as the patron saint of affordable housing is hogwash. As far as I can tell, anything he's ever done, he's done for the money. Any housing he ever built was required of him by law, under code provisions that granted him valuable free market and other development rights in return, all of which he exploited. And even that wasn't enough for him. He has a record of adamantly trying to drive up the price of those required housing units, all of which turned into money in his pocket. Read More>>
Fighting for soul
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Marcia L. Goshorn
Dear Editor:
It is easy to build housing for bank presidents, lawyers and people that make a living wage. I saw an ad that Tim Semrau had in the paper today heralding that fact that he has built so much affordable housing. Take into account that the house in the North 40 at $1.3 million is classified as "affordable housing." It is much simpler to build "affordable housing" when you build RO housing (no limit on income), as Tim has in most of his projects. Read More>>
Finding the spirit of old Aspen
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Mary Janss
Dear Editor:
When I moved back to Aspen 10 years ago after a long absence, I was frequently asked how all the changes felt to me. "They haven't moved the mountain yet" was my favorite reply, trying to be upbeat. "There used to be more Aspen trees and fewer willows," I would add wistfully. I discovered many local "old Aspen spirit souls" singing in Ray Adams' choir... Read More>>
Choose wisely
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Marcella Larsen
Dear Editor:
This upcoming mayoral runoff election presents a starkly different choice for the future of Aspen.
There is Mick Ireland whose support base is socially, politically and economically diverse. Mick is a candidate who fundamentally embraces an environmental and community ethic, and wants only to support and enhance a vibrant social, business and tourist community in Aspen. Read More>>
Opening the conservative playbook
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Tim Cooney
Dear Editor:
In the race for mayor supporters of Tim Semrau parrot two negative talking points against Mick Ireland: one accuses him of being a career politician and the other trumpets that he will regulate everything.
These two invalidating notions from the conservative playbook, along with blame the media, cleverly encourage sympathetic voters to draw simplistic conclusions against a candidate, usually based on a single negative issue or some bad experience the voter might have had with someone in government. Read More>>
He's the most qualified
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Buzz Patten & Judy Wender
Dear Editor:
We are writing to voice our strong support for Mick Ireland in the upcoming June 5 runoff election. Mick has been labeled by his opponents as a "career politician." If some think that this is true, why is this a bad thing? We disagree with this characterization, because we know that Mick's achievements, passions and commitments have far exceeded just politics. Read More>>
Vote Mick for slower growth
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | Blanca & Cavanaugh
Dear Editor:
We have already voted for Mick for mayor. For many Aspen families, this is the last week of school. Many will be leaving for summer travel this weekend. The runoff is Tuesday, June 5. Remember to vote absentee on the second floor of City Hall (across from Zélé) before you leave! It only takes about two minutes! Read More>>
Substance, not bike shorts
Aspen Times| June 1, 2007 | Carlyle Kyzer
Dear Editor:
Will he dress for the part?
It was a luncheon some years ago given in honor of Ambassador Chokani, of the African nation Malawi. No foreign ambassador had ever come to visit Aspen schoolchildren before. Chokani was here to meet the hundreds of Aspen students who had become friends with Malawian children through letters. Read More>>
The right public servant for the job
Aspen Times | June 1, 2007 | David E. Bentley
Dear Editor:
Mick Ireland has dedicated his life to being a public servant. Even when he was a reporter for The Aspen Times in the early '80s, he distributed questionnaires to voters to determine why they voted for X and against Y. His deep study has never stopped. During his time on the Pitkin Board of County Commissioners, he became familiar with political activists all over the Western Slope. Read More>>
Tips are important
Aspen Daily News | May 31, 2007 | Kenneth Brady
Editor:
Tim Semrau claims to empathize with all Aspen workers but he tips like crap!
I know. During my year and a half at The Wild Fig he was a regular customer and regularly tipped 10-15 percent while receiving excellent service. He obviously does not understand how hard the restaurant business is and how many people get a cut of the tips.
I can handle it from a tourist but from a local it shows quite a disconnect. He does not represent me.
Goodbye 'no' man
Aspen Daily News | May 31, 2007 | Mark Gold
Editor:
Less interesting than the coming runoff election (prediction: it will be a landslide for Mick and Steve victorious), is the legacy, or lack thereof of departing councilman Torre. Read More>>
Remember Yogi's words
Aspen Daily News | June 1, 2007 | Sy Coleman
Editor:
Don't forget to vote next Tuesday, and to keep Aspen -- please vote to elect Mick Ireland our next mayor. Mick's leading position in the first round is not the end of the game. Staying home on election day could still put City Hall in the hands of real estate speculators, and remember Yogi Berra's advice: "It's not over until it's over."
Considering O'Neal's points
Aspen Daily News | May 31, 2007 | Jim Morris
Editor:
Considering one by one the points made in Susan O'Neal's letter in favor of Tim for mayor:
* Personality: Having attended Mick's campaign talks and events and listening to his debates, Mick seems mighty "soft spoken" to me. Additionally, he has clearly answered "I don't know" to any questions for which this is so.
* Style: Polarizing and vitriolic were not labels one would choose to explain his presentations; thoughtful, precise, and heartfelt would bemore appropriate. Supporters from "all strata of society" including wealthy residents stand behind Mick in good numbers, not just us teachers and low paid workers. Read More>>
Why we're here
Aspen Times | May 31, 2007 | Robert Pew
Dear Editor:
I continue to watch the coming mayoral election from a distance pining to vote. So many of the issues are relevant to those of us who live in the county: our traffic problems, planned, wise and environmentally sound development, affordable housing and maintaining that special community feeling. Read More>>
Give the yes men the boot
Aspen Times | May 31, 2007 | Bert Myrin
Dear Editor:
The rationale in Chip Chilson's letter endorsing Mick over Tim and Torre applies equally to my endorsement of Toni over Steve (April 26). Chip wrote, "The two former and existing council members were the ones who created the need for a moratorium because they apparently did not understand (or perhaps care about) the inappropriateness of the development that would occur through the infill legislation. ... We are all counting the construction trucks inundating Aspen on a daily basis; Semrau and Torre already had their chance, and we all know what happened." Read More>>
Pass on the opportunity
Aspen Daily News | May 30, 2007 | Carol Farino
Editor:
Last night I saw Tim Semrau speaking about changing the employee housing deal so as to make more money for the current homeowner.
"Affordable" housing needs to be as affordable as possible for those buying these properties. Increased profit for one means less of a chance to buy a home for the other. The idea is to pass the opportunity on through time. Read More>>
A tradition of service
Aspen Daily News | May 29, 2007 | Allyn Harvey
Editor:
Here are some reasons to support Mick Ireland:
1. He's all about Aspen. Mick got here as a young man, worked a gazillion different jobs, learned how to ski, fell in love with cycling, got a professional degree, moved into affordable housing. That's the story of so many of us. It's a point of view that will serve the community well. Read More>>
If mick were a Yogi
Aspen Daily News | May 28, 2007 | Anne Byard
Editor:
A hundred percent focus, good intention, full commitment. A hundred percent in-the-present awareness for the benefit of others, now and in the future
I wish he attended my yoga classes!
The controversial vote
Aspen Daily News | May 28, 2007 | Ralph Schmidt
Editor:
"How dare you call Mick Ireland controversial?" replied a couple of Mick's supporters to a recent letter from this (nonresident) supporter.
Controversial people get things done. On the political stage, controversial people have the guts to speak their minds, to understand opinions of others, and to come up with decisions that might not please everyone.
Unusually, Mick makes house calls, and he is a loving uncle.
Mick Ireland deserves to win in a landslide, but this will be possible only with your vote.
Absentee voting is an option
Aspen Daily News | May 28, 2007 | Cavanaugh and Blanca O'Leary
Editor:
We have already voted for Mick for mayor. For many Aspen families, this is the last week of school. Many will be leaving for summer travel this weekend. The runoff is Tuesday, June 5. Remember to vote absentee on the second floor of City Hall (across from Zele) before your leave! It only takes about two minutes! Read More>>
Vote for Mick
Aspen Daily News | May 28, 2007 | Andy Hanson
Editor:
Yes, high profile members of the downtown business community are backing the other guy in the mayoral election. Do I smell truck traffic, more soul deterioration and a continual support for infill construction? I think I do.
As an affordable housing advocate and resident, I would prefer to see Mick Ireland because I know he will fight for more housing which has the potential to remove some traffic from the road and keep that old saw messy vitality alive and well.
I am so tired of empty castles, sterile corporate businesses and no ability to hang our clothes out to dry on clothesline.
Vote and vote for Mick.
It ain't over yet, so VOTE
Aspen Times | May 28, 2007 | Erik Skarvan
Dear Editor:
Is a 44 percent voter turnout in our most recent election "rocking the vote?" You be the judge. About the average rate of voting/apathy for Aspen, I guess we can be happy that we're slightly above the national average. I thought we, as a community, were more than slightly above average, though. Read More>>
Where did our resort go?
Aspen Times | May 26, 2007 | Ron Thompson
Dear Editor:
In the last eight years, Aspen has gone from being a resort to a noisy, polluted construction site. I urge all to vote Mick for mayor, so Aspen can return to resort status. Read More>>
Slightly above average
Aspen Daily News | May 26, 2007 | Erik Skarvan
Editor:
Is a 44 percent voter turnout in our most recent election "rocking the vote?" You be the judge. About the average rate of voting/apathy for Aspen, I guess we can be happy that we're slightly above the national average. I thought we, as a community, were more than slightly above average though. Read More>>
Citizen watchdogs needed
Aspen Times | May 25, 2007 | Joel Brence
Dear Editor:
There are soul brothers and soul sisters. There is even soul food. But places, too, have souls. The old Romans called the spirit of a place its "genius loci." Not only mining booms and oil booms, but tourist booms and culture booms have drastically altered the physical and psychological landscape of places like Aspen and Sun Valley. Read More>>
Vote for Ireland
Aspen Daily News | May 24, 2007 | Gail Mason
Editor:
When I first moved here I was delighted to become part of a community that was so environmentally, socially, culturally and civicly minded. But I sadly discovered on Election Day that Aspenites apparently are as average as any other town in America. Read More>>
Reflections from afar
Aspen Daily News | May 22, 2007 | Kate Fraser DeBolt
Editor:
Once upon a time, in the land of the 1990s, I lived in a wonderful city called Aspen. It was my home for only four years, but it has remained in my heart ever since and will always feel like home whenever I go back to visit. Read More>>
Mick's got the right stuff
Aspen Times | May 21, 2007 | R. N. Schmidt, Ph.D.
Dear Editor:
I am a small-time, second-home owner, nonresident: "half-Aspen." First, I've got a little sermon for you Aspenites: "Vote, for Pete's sake!"
Second, Aspen is dying from exclusivity. Some of my best friends belong to country clubs - even Democrats - but where's your team spirit?
Third, controversial Mick Ireland is the man who can turn Aspen back into an inclusive community, livable and beautiful. Read More>>
The best choices
Aspen Times | May 21, 2007 | Betty Buckley
Dear Editor:
The best choices are Mick for mayor and Toni for City Council.
Aspen needs a barker like Mick
Aspen Daily News | May 19, 2007 | Joel Brence
Editor:
There are soul brothers and soul sisters. There is even soul food. But places, too, have souls. Read More>>
Mick for mayor
Aspen Times | May 17, 2007 | Helen Palmer
Editor:
I would like to endorse Mick Ireland for mayor. He has done an excellent job as county commissioner and will continue to serve us well in city government.
Aspen needs his experience and thoughtfulness, and a vote for Mick is a vote for the Aspen you call home.
Puh-leese
Aspen Daily News | May 17, 2007 | Bonnie Behrend
Editor:
You've heard the phrase, "A best defense is a good offense."
Enter the Semrau campaign. By knit picking over an innocent ad categorization mistake in the Daily News, the Semrau campaign intends to start presenting the candidate and his cronies as law-abiding citizens.
Puh-leese. Read More>>
Aspen's true value
Aspen Times | May 15, 2007 | Betty Severy
Editor:
When June 5 arrives, please remember to get out and vote. Mick Ireland is the only candidate capable of preserving the integrity of Aspen. The true value of Aspen lies in its landscape and not in its real estate.
Step aside
Aspen Times | May 15, 2007 | VItashka Kirschen
(This letter was originally addressed to Tim Semrau.)
Dear Editor:
Do the honorable thing and step aside - the election was won by a majority vote, not one or three votes, but a clear majority. Save us the time and expense and gain the gratitude of all of us.
Many thanks
Aspen Times | May 12, 2007 | Mick Ireland
Dear Editor:
My thanks to the 2,209 voters who made democracy work Tuesday with their votes for mayor and council. And a special thank you to candidates Torre and Bonnie Berhend, who contributed their ideas, time and energy to giving voters a set of alternatives. Read More>>
Vote for Mick
Aspen Times | May 12, 2007 | Sven Erik Alstrom
Dear Editor:
Now that the runoff election is over, it is time to encourage everyone to vote for Mick Ireland, who brings his extensive background in land-use review experience and his proven dedication to the community in order that a better future will be possible for Aspen. Read More>>
Ireland is an asset
Aspen Daily News | May 7, 2007 | Florine Raitano
Editor:
I have been watching the mayoral race in Aspen with some degree of interest. I have known Mick Ireland since he was a young, newly elected Pitkin County commissioner. While I am usually content to leave the electorate to their own devices, I could not let the letter from Torre go uncorrected for its misinformation and innuendoes regarding Mick's commitment to Aspen and transit. Read More>>
Equitable housing
Aspen Times | May 7, 2007 | Jeremy Simon
Dear Editor:
It was great to hear Roger Marolt's perspective in his Friday morning column. The most absurd "haves/have-nots" divide in Aspen, in my view, is not between the "rich" and the "not rich," but between those who were able to buy employee housing, and those who were not. Read More>>
Mick stands true
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Steve Saunders
Dear Editor:
Being the proud father of Tyler and being concerned for his future environment, I personally find the mayoral choice easy.
Please educate yourself about the issues, and let's not let the promise of higher caps on employee housing sway your vote.
The only agenda I have ever known Mick Ireland to have is for a better Aspen.
Thanks for listening.
Why Mick? Here's why
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Michael and Ann Owsley
Dear Editor:
I'm voting for Mick Ireland for mayor and urge you to as well. Mick has long been a protector of our town's character, economy and natural environment. Read More>>
Aspen needs Mick's vision
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Michael and Ann Owsley
Dear Editor:
We believe that Mick Ireland's experience in government, and his proven dedication and work ethic are among the long list of reasons to support his candidacy for mayor. Read More>>
Choose candidates carefully
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Joe Myers
Dear Editor:
The major issues for Aspen, according to most people, are the Entrance to Aspen, loss of community, environment and rampant construction. Actually, there is only one issue facing Aspen because the others are subsumed within it - we have too many people doing too much development, construction and renovation for too much money. Read More>>
Community not commodity
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Tim Cooney
Dear Editor:
As the mayoral race shapes up, the choice is clear.
The most striking phenomenon is candidate Semrau's brandishing of Ayn Rand's book "Atlas Shrugged" as if it were the Bible, Chairman Mao's little red book or an L. Ron Hubbard tome.
What does this demagoguery mean? Read More>>
Mick, for a strong economy
Aspen Times | May 6, 2007 | Camilla Auger
Dear Editor:
As everyone knows, development runs in cycles. However, Aspen's downturns have been relatively mild in the past, and the current market is still holding firm in spite of the national slump in the housing market. One of the reasons for the strong housing market and the high Aspen values is the consistent growth control policy in which Mick Ireland has played a leadership role. Read More>>
Vote for Mick
Aspen Times | May 4, 2007 | Ruth Harrison
Dear Editor:
I'm sad to say, the worst political decision I ever made was voting for Helen Klanderud. I won't make the same mistake again - Tim Semrau must be defeated.
Vote for Mick Ireland.
Mick will best serve Aspen
Aspen Times | May 4, 2007 | Junee Kirk
Dear Editor:
There should be no question as to whom we should support for mayor and who would best serve the city of Aspen: Mick Ireland. While you may not have agreed with him on all issues in the past, he is by far the most experienced, qualified, honest and trustworthy candidate running. He has Aspen's best interests at heart. Read More>>
Viva Books
Aspen Times | May 3, 2007 | Sy Coleman
Dear Editor:
When mayoral candidate Tim Semrau declared that his favorite book is "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand, he chose to express his political philosophy by associating himself with Rand's views.
Scott Writer's objection (letters, May 2) to my having written that "Rand's 'objectivism' philosophy holds that the only legitimate functions of government are the military and the police and that all human progress stems from individual greed" is nothing more than a defense of books in general and an objection to "book burning" - sentiments with which I thoroughly agree. However, books do sometimes express odious ideas, and there's no harm in pointing that out.
Viva books.
Too bad Torre didn't notice
Aspen Daily News | May 2, 2007 | Allyn Harvey
Editor:
I guess Torre hasn't been paying attention. In his letter to the editor attacking mayoral candidate Mick Ireland, the outgoing city councilman suggests that Pitkin County government has been an environmental laggard. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read More>>
Ireland embraces the Aspen Idea
Aspen Daily News | May 2, 2007 | Howie Mallory
Editor:
The enduring resiliency of our economy is built around our environment --not speculation. If it's good for the environment -- clean air and water, open spaces and vistas -- it's good for the economy. That's all we have here. The upcoming city election is important for our environment and for our economy, which is why I am supporting Mick Ireland.
Ireland meets the standard
Aspen Daily News | May 2, 2007 | Sy Coleman
Editor:
The role of an elected public official is multi-faceted. Listed qualifications for the job usually refer only to age and ability to vote. Read More>>
No mistakes
Aspen Times | May 3, 2007 | Betty Farson
Dear Editor:
Sue Geist's letter to the editor in Monday's paper said all the things I've been preparing to write myself.
I, too, will vote for Mick Ireland for mayor, and Steve Skadron and, perhaps, Dwayne Romero for council. My only issue with Dwayne is that he's a developer, which makes me uneasy, although everyone who knows him believes he is fair and will continue to work for the good of Aspen. If not Dwayne, then Mike Wampler.
As for Mick Ireland, I haven't hesitated for a moment! My principles and hopes for the preservation of this town and valley rest comfortably with Mick. Read More>>
Aspen is fortunate
Aspen Times | May 2, 2007 | Jeff Tippett
Dear Editor:
In order to fulfill the requirements of their office, elected officials must possess intelligence, integrity and courage. Read More>>
Voting by the book
Aspen Times | May 3, 2007 | Sy Coleman
Dear Editor:
I'm voting for Mick Ireland, the candidate whose favorite book is not by Ayn Rand. Tim Semrau has chosen to reveal that his favorite is Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Surveys have shown that Rand is the favorite author and political philosopher of readers in the Bush administration. Read More>>
Mick - one of the few
Aspen Times | May 4, 2007 | Michael Kinsley, Pitkin County Commissioner (1975-85)
Dear Editor:
For 34 years, there has been a strong Aspen consensus for strictly controlled growth, affordable housing and mass transit. Despite that consensus, at least three powerful factors have often diverted us from the steep path to achieve our goals: intense political pressure, complicated issues and the rapid rate at which they hit local leaders. Read More>>
Mick is the cure
Aspen Times | May 4, 2007 | James March
Dear Editor:
During the public discussion period of council's session regarding the first moratorium, Mick Ireland stood up and admonished council to "remember that much of this development pressure is coming from LLCs and offshore trusts, entities that are incapable of love." Read More>>
I'd vote for Mick
Aspen Times | May 4, 2007 | Ron Pew
Dear Editor:
Ayn Rand is one of my favorite authors, next to Hunter, of course.
For those who have actually read "Atlas Shrugged," you will recall that John Galt set up a community made up of people of like interests. This election is about representing the interests of this community. In any community, there will be some people whose interests are not in line with the majority. Read More>>
Responding to Torre
Aspen Daily News | May 3, 2007 | Mick Ireland
Editor:
City Councilman Torre accuses me of working with the Colorado Department of Transportation for highway (and transit) improvements, to which I must plead guilty. The community has been well served by the roundabout, funding for the new Maroon Creek Bridge and Snowmass Canyon and I am proud to have worked with CDOT to bring those improvements to the valley. Read More>>
Semrau doesn't have the vision
Aspen Daily News | May 3, 2007 | Rachel Richards
Editor:
Tim Semrau isn't getting my vote, and this is why. When on City Council, Tim vigorously fought the Wheeler Opera House's purchase of the Motherlode restaurant, declaring that the city made a bad deal and was wildly overpaying with a $3,250,000 contract. Read More>>
Some election thoughts
Aspen Times | May 2, 2007 | Jon Busch
Dear Editor:
This is the first election in more than 25 years in which I have not had a column for endorsements. It is an exceedingly important election, for more than any time in recent history we are given clear choices in the mayoral race. We have to judge not on campaign rhetoric but rather voting records, especially because all major candidates have served in public office. Read More>>
Do it for Anne
Aspen Times | May 2, 2007 | Anne Sullivan
Dear Editor:
I'm asking the voters in Aspen to do me a favor. Please elect Mick Ireland as the next mayor. Aspen is still very important to me even though I live in Carbondale. If you don't know Mick, read the letters endorsing him. What they say is all true. He's the only real choice you have. Don't let me down.
Determining Aspen's future
Aspen Times | May 2, 2007 | Marcella Larsen
Dear Editor:
Aspen is at a critical juncture. The current mayoral race provides an opportunity to, literally, choose what Aspen will both be and become in our lifetimes - this election is that important.
I support Mick Ireland for mayor because he is the only candidate who is capable of leading Aspen through this difficult time. For some, the last five years or more are easily heralded as a period of extraordinary financial prosperity. However, for others (perhaps most), this "prosperous period" has been a wrinkle in time through which Aspen has lost much of its soul. Read More>>
In support of Mick and Steve
Aspen Times | May 2, 2007 | Erik Skarvan
Dear Editor:
I've known former 13-year County Commissioner Mick Ireland for about as many years. My experiences with Mick, including working with him on both Burlingame campaigns, have been revealing and impressive. I found him to be very well-organized, hardworking and passionate. What struck me the most is his motivation. Mick truly cares about the working local. He is one of us, for God's sake! Mick lives in a one-bedroom affordable-housing unit, rides a bike most days and, from what I understand, can take the S-curves at 25 mph! That's cool. Mick loves his bikes, and more importantly he loves Aspen, namely the incredible people and the unbelievable mountains. I'm confident that he'll continue to work hard to strike a balance on good growth, including building more affordable housing and protecting the environment. I value the fact that he's an expert and consultant sought after on a national level in the areas of affordable housing, transportation and innovative zoning. Mick is a pioneer and a leader in many regards. Read More>>
Mick not responsible for Ketchum's fate
Aspen Daily News | May 1, 2007 | Michael Sullivan
Editor:
As a relative newcomer to this area, I've been content to stand back and observe the political dramas in Aspen and not rush to judgement as to who's the best candidate. Frankly, I have no idea. Politics is generally at least 75 percent theater, so I no longer take it very seriously.
When it comes to speaking the truth, though, I can't stand by and see a blatant lie published in the paper. Read More>>
In line with city stalwarts
Aspen Daily News | May 1, 2007 | Martin Horowitz
Editor:
Recently we have lost three of the stalwarts of our city: Bob Lewis, Nick DeWolfe and Katharine Thalberg. They added flair and vitality while exemplifying individuality, independence and strength of character.
Our city is the great place it is because of the many people who had a vision of what this city is and can continue to be. I believe Mick Ireland stands out as one of these people. With Mick as our mayor, we may be able to keep Aspen as our hometown.
I'm voting for Mick.
Ireland, from the ground up
Aspen Daily News | May 1, 2007 | Andy Hanson
Editor:
I have known Mick Ireland since the day he hit town and went to work in the kitchen of the Motherlode. Talk about working your way from the ground up. We worked as dishwashers together. I watched him go to work for The Aspen Times, move on to law school, come back and make his move into politics.
To me no one is more approachable than Mick, to me no one represents what I feel about Aspen more than Mick. And to me, I want someone who will stand up to the downtown crowd and represent us all. A vote for Mick is a vote for the continuation of the soul of Aspen, I believe.
Shrugging off Semrau
Aspen Daily News | May 1, 2007 | Sy Coleman
Editor:
I'm voting for Mick Ireland, the candidate whose favorite book is not by Ayn Rand. Tim Semrau has chosen to reveal that his favorite is Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged."
Surveys have shown that Rand is the favorite author and political philosopher of readers in the Bush administration. Rand's "Objectivism" philosophy holds that the only legitimate functions of government are the military and the police and that all human progress stems from individual greed. Read More>>
A Torre quandary
Aspen Times | April 30, 2007 | Sue Geist
Dear Editor:
Damn you, Torre - you've really put me in a bind. You have represented me well in your term on City Council. You have consistently stood up to several wealthy developers that have nothing to add to our wonderful town, but want to pad their wallets even further. Your thoughts on improving the S-curves mirror my own thoughts. Your desire to add much more employee housing is an answer to a desperate need here in Aspen.
In an election with an overwhelming number of worthy candidates, I really find personal conflict with just one, Tim Semrau. Read More>>
Locals still rule
Aspen Daily News | April 28, 2007 | Erik Skarvan
Editor:
Some say the locals don't rule Aspen any more. They say that Aspen's locals have sold out or have been priced out, packed up and left. And the ones, who have somehow survived, have to work so much they don't have time to be involved. Or they don't care.
Apparently we've lost our soul. It's a done deal. Help! Well, I don't buy it. Do you? Read More>>
Election gives clear choices
Aspen Daily News | April 28, 2007 | John Busch
Editor:
This is the first election in more than 25 years in which I have not had a column for endorsements. It is an exceedingly important election, for more than any time in recent history we are given clear choices in the mayoral race. We must judge not on campaign rhetoric but rather voting records, especially because all major candidates have served in public office. So let me put my opinion clearly. Tim Semrau is a developer. His record is pro development. Torre is a middle of the road kind of guy and Mick Ireland some complain, is a career politician.
Don't let that put you off. I'm voting for Mick and urge you to cast your vote for him as well. What we need now is strong leadership. Read More>>
Mick's a stand up guy
Aspen Times | April 27, 2007 | Bob Nix, Sr.
Editor:
Although arthritic knees keep us from still skiing the Bowl, we seniors are a vital part of the community and enjoy the consideration and respect of others. Mick Ireland has always treated us with the utmost dignity and always has been concerned with our well being. He helped lead the successful Helping from the Heart campaigns for funding of services not only for seniors but also environmental groups and non-profits that assist the less fortunate and improve the day-to-day lives of all the citizens in our county. Read More>>
This is an important election
Aspen Daily News | April 27, 2007 | Marcella Larsen
Editor:
Aspen is at a critical juncture. The current mayoral race provides an opportunity to, literally, choose what Aspen will both be and become in our lifetimes -- this election is that important.
I support Mick Ireland for Mayor because he is the only candidate who is capable of leading Aspen through this difficult time. For some, the last five years or more are easily heralded as a period of extraordinary financial prosperity. However, for others (perhaps most), this "prosperous period" has been a wrinkle in time through which Aspen has lost much of its soul. Read More>>
We need Mick
Aspen Daily News | April 27, 2007 | David Bentley
Editor:
The interrogatives of journalism are to discover the who, what, where, when and why of how events occur. Politics is the process that determines who gets what, where, when and how. During Mick Ireland's five years as a reporter for the Aspen Times, he asked these questions while observing and reporting on numerous meetings of the City Council and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Read More>>
Vote for your lifestyle
Aspen Times | April 27, 2007 | Phil Miller
Dear Editor:
I am a real estate agent supporting Mick Ireland for mayor. I believe the community will be in better hands if Mick is elected. And after all, isn't that what this election is all about?
Those asking themselves the question, "What's in it for me?" have missed the point. What is in it for everyone with Mick's selection is a local's lifestyle that most of us are here for and a community representing prominently the values of its full-time residents. Read More>>
Three good choices
Aspen Times | April 27, 2007 | Scott Writer
Dear Editor:
There are three genuinely great candidates for mayor. Read More>>
Mick won't sell out
Aspen Times | April 26, 2007 | Chip Chilson
Dear Editor:
I have known Mick for over 20 years. Mick is the best candidate for mayor because he is highly ethical, he is the most experienced, he has a demonstrated commitment to all of the citizens of Aspen, and he has clearly explained his positions. Mick won't sell out to special interests, and he will work for all of us to make Aspen the best place it can possibly be for everyone. Mick also loves animals, books, children, bikes, history, hockey, political science and skiing - which, for some of us, says it all. Read More>>
A vote for Mick
Aspen Times | April 26, 2007 | J.E. DeVilbiss
Dear Editor:
You chose me to serve on the Aspen City Council at the election in May 2005. Now please allow me a few moments to state why I regard Mick Ireland as clearly the superior choice to be the next mayor of the City of Aspen. Read More>>
We have a clear choice
Aspen Daily News | April 25, 2007 | Nora Berko
Editor:
Having lived here for over 50 years, I see before us a philosophically-critical election. Aspen is a town of people and of families, not a real estate commodity. We have before us a clear choice.
Mick Ireland has grown and matured with the Aspen community since 1979, watching, shaping and participating in 28 years of history. He works selflessly and with complete integrity for the community. He is thoroughly committed to Aspen. His only personal stake is the vitality and quality of the community life. Read More>>
Won't get fooled again
Aspen Daily News | April 25, 2007 | Ruth Harrison
Editor:
I'm sad to say, the worst political decision I ever made was voting for Helen Klanderud. I won't make the same mistake again. Tim Semrau must be defeated.
Vote for Mick Ireland.
Ruth Harrison
Aspen
Philosophies stick around
Aspen Daily News | April 25, 2007 | Ruthie Brown
Editor:
Years ago, in the middle of a heated political campaign that would decide who would become the next mayor of Aspen, I asked Fritz Benedict his opinion. He raised his thick eyebrows, chuckled to himself and said, "Aspen mayors? Oh, they come and go. It is their philosophies that stick around." Read More>>
A great cast of volunteers
Aspen Times | April 25, 2007 | Molly Ireland
Dear Editor:
I have been meaning to write a letter in support of my brother Mick Ireland in his mayoral race. I've decided not to write about Mick,though. Instead, I'd like to acknowledge his team of incredible volunteers. Read More>>
An easy choice
Aspen Times | April 24, 2007 | Edward Stern
Dear Editor:
Aspen voters have a very important and (thankfully) very easy decision to make on May 8. The 2007 mayoral race will decide who will lead the community and who will forge the integrity of the area for years to come.
For years, Mick Ireland has committed himself to Aspen, PitkinCounty and the health and well-being of the entire Roaring Fork Valley.Read More>>