The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Welcome to week two of “Meet the Candidates.” By the time you pick this up, the Crested Butte News Candidate’s Forum will be over. But we will continue to ask the seven people running for Crested Butte Town Council questions pertinent to the race. If you want to submit a question, please send it to editorial@crestedbuttenews.com. Ballots will be in the mail starting Tuesday, October 15. Thanks for participating…
—Mark Reaman
Aaron Huckstep
mayoral candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: 5/09–5/10: Gunnison County Housing Authority Board; 10/09–11/11: Crested Butte Nordic Center board of directors; 10/09–11/11: Gunnison Trails, Inc. board of directors; 11/10–present: QPC LOC, Inc. (d/b/a Elk Mountain Events) board of directors (2011/2012 Pro Challenge co-chair); 11/11–present: Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority (RTA); 10/12–present: Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) board of directors (vice president since June 2013); 11/12–present: CBAC Ambassador, Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? I support the project because it leverages federal subsidies to create affordable housing in our community. Housing expert Melanie Rees has documented the demand for these rental units. The project represents a collaborative effort to address a community-wide need. It is a great example of how we work better by working together as an entire community.
The project raises concerns regarding location and ongoing maintenance. The “location” issue will be addressed by BOZAR as the project’s design evolves. Strong lease clauses requiring tenant maintenance will need to be implemented, helping ensure the property remains attractive throughout its life.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? Recreation—which, by my definition, includes the arts. Crested Butte’s economic barometer, sales tax revenue, is a reflection of council recreation volume. During my first term, nine of 20 months have set sales tax records. This success comes in part from helpful actions, including:
Creating and continuing a joint grant program with Mt. Crested Butte focused on stimulating winter recreation (the “Growing Winter Grant”);
Financially supporting the Crested Butte Land Trust’s purchase of the CoralHouse Parcel, protecting the Slate River views we love when recreating; Adopting “1041 Regulations” to protect our watershed; and
Expanding summertime use of Big Mine Arena. Personally, I coordinated support to replace the Deadman’s Trailhead bridge, helping Recreation. I also led a mountain bike ride for August’s CAST conference in Crested Butte, and led a ride for almost 60 guests from the Colorado Open Space Alliance in September. Being an Ambassador isn’t just fun, it helps our economy by encouraging return visits.
The council can hurt recreation by failing to plan for the future. The Town’s Parks and Recreation department faces a substantial funding challenge in coming years. Without resolution, the town’s citizens and visitors will see deteriorating Parks and Rec assets (think Skatepark and Tennis Courts). I will continue to tackle important issues (including this one) in a second term.
Favorite Month: September
CBMR Pass: Yes
Nordic Pass: Not yet
Radio Show: Redneck Woman
Jeremy Rubingh
mayoral candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: Gunnison County Planning Commission (second term), Gunnison County Democratic Party (chair), High Country Citizens’ Alliance.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? It is important that we help keep locals and local families here in Crested Butte. It’s the people here that make this place so special and we should do what we can to avoid pricing locals out. While I think that this 30-unit project could have a lot of potential, I have a lot of concerns about the process in which the decision was made to spend $65,000 of our affordable housing fund on a one in four chance of getting federal funding to move forward with the project. For one, there was very little opportunity for the public to weigh in on this and the decision was made around midnight in a council meeting where virtually no public was in attendance—who could be? This is not good, open town government. The fact that it passed with a 4-3 vote shows that the council was divided and the time was not taken to work out concerns and build consensus. In walking around talking to folks I have heard a lot of concerns about this project, including potential impacts to the entrance to town, concerns about parking and concerns about the allocation of these funds that could be spent on affordable housing that is currently on the market right now. This decision was made in haste and there are a lot of outstanding variables. This is a big commitment and while this project could be a positive addition, the process deserves better public dialogue.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? Tourism is the largest economic driver we have in the valley. It’s the preservation of our town character, community and beautiful natural surroundings that keeps people visiting us and bringing in new visitors. The council can help this driver by standing up for our community values and being more inclusive and proactive on important issues that threaten this special place. And adversely the council hurts this driver by not working in a unified fashion and cooperating with all the great resources and assets we have in this community to build strong and collective progress.
Also, we should work with the RTA to improve more consistent air transportation to our regional airport and look for creative opportunities to market to visitors within Colorado that will return more frequently. What’s interesting to me, as evidenced by a big increase in enrollment in our school, is that many folks are realizing that they want to live here year-round. They want the quality of life and community that our town has to offer. We need to do what we can to encourage year-round residency and support economic diversity to provide more high-quality employment here. Real support for better broadband and municipal Wi-Fi are some simple ways that we could help stimulate local economy here and would be good amenities for our tourism economy.
Favorite month: September
CBMR pass? Yes
Nordic Pass? Yes
Radio Show: It’s a tie between Live from the 17th Row and Music is My Girlfriend
Chris Ladoulis
Council candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: (Current) Board member, Crested Butte Music Festival. (Past) Board member, Mt. Crested Butte Performing Arts Center; Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association; Crested Butte Center for the Arts; Crested Butte Mountain Theatre; volunteer DJ, KBUT Community Radio.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? There is a lot to like about the proposed project. We have a growing number of employees commuting to Crested Butte from Gunnison, and it would be nice if more of them could live and shop locally. It’s not getting any easier to make a living in town, and affordable housing is an important part of the equation. The proposed project would provide an additional supply of much-needed rental units; it would leverage town funding to qualify for significant grants and tax credits; and it would be developed by an experienced local contractor. The key concerns are whether the proposed site is in the best location, and if the town’s up-front investment will successfully meet the goal of providing housing to those who need it most. These concerns need to be discussed, to make sure we address them and balance the trade-offs properly. There may not be a perfect solution, or a perfect location; but with proper oversight of the design, a systematic evaluation of alternate locations, and final evaluation of its merits in light of these concerns, we should be able to decide if this is right for the community today.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? Our economy has been broadly shaped by the amenities of our area—our beautiful surroundings, our recreational and educational opportunities, and the community’s events and festivals—and these are likely to remain a significant driver for years to come. There is no single action or simple answer to driving our local economy. But our Town Council can lead and influence how our community adapts, by supporting complementary solutions: from encouraging businesses that ‘export’ goods and services and have employees in the area, to guiding proposed events and marketing to shoulder months, or shifting from a paradigm of enforcing the letter of business ordinances to promoting the spirit of them. We can also do more to coordinate the various non-profit groups and organizations who play a role, since they often plan or act independently.
We need the council to set a direction with clear priorities, so we can stay focused on the issues that truly require the council’s full attention. We have to balance the various initiatives in the context of our overall goal, so we can spend most of our time on the most important issues.
Favorite Month: September
CBMR Pass: Yes
Nordic Pass: Not yet
Radio Show: Like it or not, my favorite was “The Sunny Side of Elk,” Thursdays on KBUT (2000–2010)
Roland Mason
council candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: I currently sit on the Gunnison Valley RTA Board, the Mountain Express Board, and the Living Journeys Board. Serving on each of these boards has been educational, and rewarding. It has been a great way to give back to the community that has given my family and me so much over the years.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in CB? Do you have any concerns about the project? Due to the fact that there are a great number of unanswered questions regarding this project, I have some concerns that need to be addressed before I can form a solid opinion. In general, I am in support of Affordable Housing in Crested Butte. I see the affordable housing plan as a way to keep our community vibrant with locals on a year around basis, giving people the opportunity to live and work in the same area. In my view, the Town’s current affordable housing model supports individuals and families wanting to put roots down in Crested Butte.
The proposed 30-unit housing project, however, differs greatly from the Town’s established model. It will be a large building with mostly single bedrooms. The units will be rental only meaning units may not be purchased. In my opinion, this project would be better named “Work Force” housing. While it will be affordable, it will more likely serve people who supply our seasonal tourist-based labor force, as opposed to individuals and families who have made CB their home. This “Work Force” tends to be a transient group with only a small percentage deciding ultimately to stay in CB.
Three of my most pressing concerns regarding this project are:
Affordable Housing Fund – What are the long-term financial implications of committing Town Funds to this project? The Town is being asked to invest over $400,000.00 in cash and fee wavers. This investment could delay other potential Affordable Housing opportunities for the next five to ten years. This includes projects that have been on the books waiting for funding.
Location – Do we want a large housing project/building at the entrance to our Town?
Traffic Flow/Congestion – Assuming the parking and snow removal requirements are met through the BOZAR process, how will this building affect the 3 way stop at Belleview and Highway 135, and the already congested area at 7th and Highway 135?
And from one of our readers…What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? I see tourism being the ultimate economic driver in our valley. When I say “tourism,” in addition to conventional “tourists,” I also include those people that came here as tourists and now rent or own homes, have started businesses, or have brought their business here with them. We have a product that appeals to a wide range of people across the country.
The Crested Butte Town Council can help this economic driver by continuing to have good communication with our neighbors (Mt CB, City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County), supporting our businesses, and preserving and growing the unique brand that is Crested Butte.
Favorite month in CB: September. The leaves are turning. Town is fairly quiet and the weather is usually spectacular.
Do you have a CBMR season pass? Yes
Do you have a Nordic Pass? No
Favorite radio show: Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg Radio
Danica Ramgoolam
council candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: Sat on West Elk Soo Bahk Do board of directors, and volunteer taught for West Elk Soo Bahk Do for five years, volunteer for HCCA events.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? I think that it is great that we have a potential project like this in the works. I have seen over the years that we really need low rent apartments for people who are a hard-working part of this community. As an employer it is difficult to see my employees struggle to find adequate housing and then move out of town, making it harder for them to continue working for us. As far as this specific project I think we have a really amazing team made up of the Gunnison Valley Housing Authority, Colorado Division of Housing, a company that specializes in getting these types of tax credits, and several other partners.
I think there are many great minds working on the project and we may not have an opportunity like this again. I am also very happy to see that the project is going to be done using sustainable building practices and will be energy efficient, benefiting both the residents and the environment. Of course I have concerns about parking, aesthetics and other details but I think there will be time to work through these things during the BOZAR review and council approval. As a councilperson I will make sure that any concerns citizens have about the project are addressed and I think we can all work together to make this an amazing benefit for our town.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? Currently our main economic driver is tourism, mainly in the summer. As a council I think we should encourage business endeavors and ideas to bring more winter tourists.
One thing that the council already did is set up the Growing Winters Grant for people who want to do a festival or event to bring people here in the winter. I think ideas like that are what we need. In the future I think we will see a good portion of our economic growth come from people moving here who are telecommuting. As a council member, a way to encourage this is to bring faster broadband to town so these people can have a fast and reliable network to do their work. In this respect we need to think about smart growth. We should welcome people moving here without allowing development to change our community values.
Another economic driver could be investing in more sustainable energy and building technologies. We should also encourage special events and festivals like the Farmers Market and the Film Festival to make our community more vibrant. Crested Butte has traditionally been a hard place to make a living while relying solely on tourism, so I, as a councilperson, will encourage anything that diversifies the economy which in turn will benefit our current businesses.
Favorite Month: September
CBMR Pass: No, I chose to get my manager a pass instead.
Nordic Pass: No, I just like to go out Slate River with my dog.
Radio Show: Lonesome Bob Show
Jim Schmidt
council candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: I am currently president of the Public Policy Forum. I have served on the RTA board (first chairman), the Mountain Express board, the Mountain Theater board, the Center for the Arts board, the Crested Butte Arts and Historic Preservation board (Arts Fair), the Gunnison County Housing board, Gunnison County Housing Foundation board, the Region 10 board, the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, a couple of state and region wide Smart Growth boards under Gov. Roemer, and I’m sure I forgot a couple.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? The emphasis of affordable housing for the town has been ‘for sale’ units because we didn’t have the money to carry rental units until they were paid off. Mt. Crested Butte and CBMR were building rentals (Marcellina Mtn. Condos—no longer in the affordable pool), and there was a demand for sale units. The market has changed and the demand for affordable rental units has increased. With the use of tax credits and the partnership with private and public organizations, we have an opportunity to leverage our $65K commitment into a $4 million project. It is not my first choice for a location and I have great concerns over the amount of space for parking, snow storage, and “adult toy” storage. And it is essential that the town’s design guidelines be followed.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? Three things will drive the economy of the valley, the continued recreation amenities both summer and winter, the college, and Internet players who can live wherever they chose. Over the many years and “economic development” committees that have come and gone I realize we must build on what we have. We must give our guests a premium experience when they come here so they will come back and tell their friends. Advertising alone does not make for a good vacation. I always have and will continue to insist we improve the town amenities for ourselves and our guests.
Since I have been on council we have paved the streets, greatly expanded our park facilities, built two additional softball fields and two-plus soccer fields, built the ice rink, and provided miles of trails and thousands of acres of open space. We have heavily supported the Nordic Council, buying them their first snow cat, negotiating right-of-ways for some of their trails, and continuing financial assistance. We have supported the arts, providing land and buildings for the Center, the Mountain Theater, and dance companies. We have supported many non-profits, providing office space for many, studio space for KBUT, and financial assistance to help promote various festivals and events. We have attempted without that much success to provide higher speed Internet connections. We need to continue to work on this.
Air transportation will continue to be a big problem as airlines continue to merge. They will continue to ask for more money for less service. There is no good solution that we can afford and other resort communities are facing the same problems.
Favorite Month: June
CBMR Pass: No
Nordic Pass: No
Radio Show: ”Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me”
Josh Schumacher
council candidate
List the local boards you have sat on or volunteered for: I have volunteered for the Tommy Ruben Villanueva Sports & Recreation Fund and Living Journeys.
Based on current information and as a potential legislator, what is your opinion on the proposed 30-unit affordable housing project in Crested Butte? Do you have any concerns about the project? I own a deed-restricted, affordable housing unit so I understand the importance of affordable housing, particularly in a resort town that tends to have a very inflated real estate market. I like the idea of an affordable rental complex in town but feel that there are a few flaws with this project. The first of which is that the property itself must be rezoned, thus losing a big piece of commercially zoned property in town. The next flaw comes with the density of the property itself. In the preliminary plans, there isn’t enough parking for the number of proposed units, nor do I see enough “toy” storage for the amount of units. This could lead to a very unattractive entrance to our otherwise beautiful little town. Overall, I feel that the project felt a little rushed and there were a lot of details that still needed to be sorted out. I hope they can remedy these problems and come forth with a project that makes sense and that doesn’t become an eyesore at the entrance to town.
And from one of our readers: What do you ultimately see driving the economy in this valley? How can the council help or hurt that driver? This valley is definitely a tourism-based economy. As a council member you need to be open to change and growth in the valley and help promote this growth in a positive manner. Some past examples of positive and negative growth are as follows: A big positive would be the Big Mine Ice Arena. This has brought not just hockey games and tournaments to town but has grown into a multi-use facility for various year-round events. A negative growth example would be when a previous council opted out of putting lights that were paid for on a ball field because a small minority of the population said, “Not in my back yard.” This limits our ability to hold baseball and softball tournaments in town due to early darkness and unsafe conditions. This in turn takes away from potential economic opportunities that this facility could have provided. I feel that growth in the development of activities and facilities is necessary in order to continue to draw people here and grow our economy.
Favorite Month: Fall. Late September–early October
CBMR Pass: Yes
Nordic Pass: My dog has a Poop Loop Pass.
Radio Show: Kristi Miller’s Redneck Woman
