Meet the Candidates

Council Candidates 

Guy Ciulla
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
The best asset Crested Butte has to offer is the people that live here and the community.
A combo question from the public–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
The town and CBMR have to work together as one. There is a direct correlation between how many visitors CBMR gets and how well the businesses do in town. More people mean more business and more sales tax for both Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.
As far as Snodgrass goes, that is a really tough question. I have heard presentations from both Friends of Snodgrass and CBMR. Both have valid and conflicting data. If expanding Snodgrass brings more business to the mountain and town I am for it. Although, I am not sure if expansion guarantees more visitors.  
 

 

 

Jay Harris
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
The best asset of Crested Butte is the incredible, eclectic, varied, warm and beautiful people that live here.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
Snodgrass is a mythical city of gold to CBMR. Expanded skiing terrain may or may not bring more people to Crested Butte. Instead I firmly believe CBMR needs to enhance the experience for the skiers on the mountain and in the facilities it already operates. With the demolition of the Gothic building and the inviting but private patio of 9380, there are no tables to just sit, relax and eat a bag lunch. An examination of Paradise warming house shows employees working their hardest in a facility that is in serious need of renovation. Is this the experience that is supposed to make us believe that Snodgrass will cure our ills? We are a small, friendly, charming town with eclectic people and great small town service that brings people back. It is time for CBMR to put Snodgrass aside and focus on delivering the quality that one would expect from a small resort, and to do this I firmly believe that CBMR and the town of Crested Butte need to work together. We don’t need to be Vail, we don’t want to be Aspen, let’s focus on being Crested Butte.
On another note, I am sorry I will not be able to attend candidate’s night. I will be listening in and be ready to answer any questions by phone.

 

Don Haver
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
The best asset Crested Butte has is the combination of the town’s spirit, its history and the people who live here.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
At this time I do not have a final position on the proposed expansion into Snodgrass. I have heard excellent presentations from both the Friends of Snodgrass and CBMR. Both were very informative presentations but have numerous points where they seem to be in disagreement. I would like to attend a meeting where 2-3 members from both groups discuss these differences. I don’t expect there to be a final agreement, but it would help me, and maybe others, to understand the full background supporting these different viewpoints.
Crested Butte and Gunnison County’s economic wellbeing is dependent upon tourism and construction.  During 2009 many of us have had friends who have been forced to leave the valley or have been underemployed due to the economy. The sales tax our town collects is down due to the slow economy. We need to be thankful that we have a conservative town council, town manager and finance director or we might have the same financial crisis many other Colorado towns and cities are going through.
CBMR is the key economic driver for our winter season. I feel the town should have periodic open discussions with CBMR to fully understand their plans, provide input from the town into these plans and help insure we are bringing in the tourists we want to visit CB.
While CBMR is extremely important to our town, we need to insure we can maintain Crested Butte’s history, spirit, fun events, etc while guaranteeing our town continues to be economically viable.

 

Brian Kilkelly
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has? Driving shuttles from the airport, the most common quality that guests explain to me makes them love Crested Butte and come back, are the very people that live here, and create the atmosphere that makes us all want to stay. This being said, it would be too limiting to refer to us all as mere assets when solving the complex issues we face.    
A combo question from the public–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
It is my opinion that the current proposal for Snodgrass would be an inefficient, and unwise business decision with potentially damaging consequences for CBMR, and all residents of the Gunnison Valley. As I understand, there is already a healthy amount of unused land that CBMR can already use to create new runs that will be more cost efficient and possibly a safer investment. My concern is that if Snodgrass becomes a failing investment, then not only can the mountain be closed, it can be sold off should it be viewed by CNL as an unprofitable asset. With this in mind, it is imperative that the realization be made that recognizes the interdependency between CBMR and its actions, and the rest of Gunnison Valley. Solutions need to be found that benefit both the town and CBMR.

 

Roland Mason
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
Crested Butte’s biggest asset is the hard working, dedicated, creative, and passionate residents of this community.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
I have mixed feelings about the proposed Snodgrass expansion. Will non-paying users have continued access to the backcountry skiing areas? Is CBMR taking into consideration public parking so day users (paying and non-paying) can start at Snodgrass and not have to ride lifts and buses from Mountaineer Square? Will there be a dedicated shuttle running straight from Mountaineer Square to the North Village gondola? These are some of the questions that may sway my opinion. On the other hand my local experience tells me that if Snodgrass had ski runs, many of the people opposing it would be skiing the terrain with big smiles on their faces. The North Face surface lift is a great example. The opposition was strong in saying a lift would ruin that area of skiing. Today they are the first ones in line at the rope drop.
I feel we need to keep the lines of communication open and friendly with CBMR.  North Village is already approved and it may compete with the shops and dining in town, but to add lifts and terrain could benefit the valley at no financial burden to Crested Butte. Crested Butte is a part of a larger upper valley community. CBMR like Crested Butte relies on tourism. Our ideas might be different on how to get the tourist dollar, but we all benefit if an idea is successful. We need to work in parallel with our neighboring communities if we are to keep this area unique, desirable and sustainable.

 

Jim Schmidt
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
The best assets of Crested Butte are the caring, open, and intelligent people that live here.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
Crested Butte was a ski area when I moved here 33 years ago and the amount of lifts and skiable terrain has more than doubled over that time. I and most of the people I know are employed in ski-related jobs. As I have stated previously, I do not have a problem with the expansion to Snodgrass in general. There are problems and issues inherent that the Town should ask the Forest Service to address and mitigate. I respect the opinions of those who disagree with me on this issue. We in Crested Butte have the luxury of debating over the expansion of a recreation area while much of the world is dealing with disease, poverty, war, and survival. I would ask that we keep the debate in perspective.
The proper relationship between the Town and CBMR should also be one of respect and open communication. It is important for both parties to know what the other is planning, to be able to comment on those plans, and continue to have an open dialogue. Informal communication is essential but it must be backed up by written, legal documents when appropriate; such as the documents I negotiated between the Town and CBMR regarding the “Prospect” land trade and the stipulations attached. Any dialogue should be transparent and open to the public. It seems to me that both CBMR and the Town have been reticent to be involved in meaningful discussions recently.

Phoebe Wilson
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has?
While we may not always agree on approach or outcome, our community is full of innovative and creative minds all of whom are committed to making this town the best it can possibly be; I believe this wealth of intellect to be Crested Butte’s greatest resource and best asset.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
As in previous questions, the nature of this query indicates a direct need for town to identify and prioritize the long-term goals of this community. True, Snodgrass expansion has long been a contentious and divisive issue within our valley; however in contrast I have witnessed unfaltering unity behind the other pressing matter that has long-since affected our community–opposition to the Red Lady moly mine. If indeed this is the largest unified concern facing our community, our best path is to concentrate on making this town and the entire upper-valley more economically diverse- as to better handle shocks, and promote a more vital and dynamic business environment- as to sustain economic longevity. To achieve this, future Snodgrass expansion may be deemed the appropriate course.
 As to the proper relationship between town and CBMR, the lives of Cheng and Eng Bunker (first recorded Siamese twins) come to mind. Both men had individual personalities, homes, and even sizable families. Yet one could not survive independent of the other, and to exist and thrive took great cooperation.  This is how I view this relationship, where our mutual welfare depends on our ability to effectively co-exist. Town must understand CBMR’s position as a business (and the largest employer in the upper-valley), in turn CBMR must address legitimate community concerns with regards to long-term impacts and viability given underlying changes in the overall industry.

 

John Wirsing
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has? Location. The difficulty in getting here has allowed the town to maintain its identity as a genuine mountain town and not just another manufactured ski town.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
People are here for different reasons and they have different ideas. Finding common ground isn’t easy. Most would agree we need an increase in the local economy and more tourism. I think the expansion plans for Crested Butte Mountain are great. It will be a good test to see if more people come and if Snodgrass is needed. With my 18 years in the ski business, I don’t think a substantial increase in skier numbers is very likely, even with Snodgrass. Lifts on Snodgrass will add a lot of value to the 1,000 plus homes they plan to build in the North Village and that may have its own benefits, if those homes actually sell. It could provide more opportunities in construction, property management, housekeeping and fill restaurants and bars. But we need more than just resort skiing to bring people here. The adventure park seemed to have some success. We should be looking to other attractions to increase visits as well as promoting the resources we all ready have.
I think a proper relationship between the town and CBMR would involve a lot of open communication and working towards common goals. It seems that there is a lot of negative views and finger pointing between the two and I think it stems from a lack of communication. CBMR and the town each have their own appeal. Instead of competing for the same business, we should be working together to make a diverse and attractive package for visitors.

 

Mayoral Candidate

Leah Williams
In a short sentence what is the best asset Crested Butte has? We live in a small historic town, in a beautiful place, with lots of open space, with great people.
A combo question from the public­–Some argue expansion of the ski area onto Snodgrass is needed for Crested Butte while others say it will hurt the town. What do you think of the proposed expansion and more importantly, what is the proper relationship between the town and CBMR?
I have always said it is important that Crested Butte have a seat at the table when it comes to NEPA. I want Crested Butte to be a “cooperating agency” in the process so that we can use our knowledge and authority as a municipality to help shape the federal decision-making. There are impacts to our town NEPA will address: ecological, aesthetic, historic, cultural, economic, social and health, whether adverse or beneficial (in NEPA regulations). For Crested Butte these translate into: traffic, parking, water, affordable housing, our designation as an historic district, impacts to RMBL and avalanche concerns for Gothic Road. The Town has requested to be a part of the NEPA process, and my goal is that the town be a viable participant.
For 15 years I’ve watched the town and resort working from a place of mutual disrespect and distrust rather than one of mutual benefit. Crested Butte and CBMR need to concentrate on our shared interests and values and not our differences. Why not sit down and talk about what we can do together that benefits us both, with or without Snodgrass. What would Crested Butte be without a ski resort? What would CBMR be without an historic town?  Let’s move on.