CB Town Council considers allowing politicians free use of public meeting places

This was a slap in the face to our U.S. senator and governor…

A majority of the Crested Butte Town Council feels visiting politicians shouldn’t have to pay insurance costs if they want to hold a gathering in Crested Butte, and the councilmembers want to make it clear the town policy reflects that position.

Currently, politicians can use the rooms inside Town Hall for no charge but if they want to hold a gathering at a place like Rainbow Park, they must pay a reservation fee and insurance as part of a special event permit.
Councilperson Jim Schmidt is pushing to eliminate those requirements. “It first came up a couple of years ago when Hickenlooper was running for the governor’s office. The town imposed these fees and he ended up at Rumors. And then when U.S. Senator Bennet wanted to use the Rainbow Park Pavilion this past Fourth of July, he ended up at Jim Starr’s house. It doesn’t make sense to me,” said Schmidt.
“I just think we should waive the fees for political events like that,” said Schmidt. “I don’t see why Bennet can have a meeting in the council chambers for free but we have to charge him insurance at Rainbow Park. What’s the difference?”
Schmidt never did get a straight answer to that question. But his query raised other questions. “Where do you draw the line?” asked Mayor Aaron Huckstep. “That can be problematic. Who qualifies?
“The town manager feels strongly that everyone should be treated equally,” reported Town Clerk Eileen Hughes for the absent Susan Parker.
“I’ve talked to the attorney for the Colorado Municipal League and he doesn’t see any free speech implications. He wondered why we’d treat it different from other events.”
Town staff gathered information from other Colorado towns that showed varying policies.
“This is a charged subject but looking at the other communities there’s no road map here,” said Town Attorney John Belkin. “Bennet is our United States Senator. I don’t know the right answer. I’m not that concerned if Senator Bennet doesn’t have insurance if he’s holding a town hall-type meeting.”
“Here’s the rub,” said councilperson Glenn Michel. “We’re a remote mountain town and we want to encourage political aspirants to come here and interact with our constituents. This policy can seem like a deterrent. I understand there are legal complications but we should embrace our elected officials and candidates to come to town.”
“We aren’t discouraging them,” responded acting town manager Lois Rozman. “We’ve given them options. There are places for them to hold a town meeting. We have space available to let them hold such meetings free.”
“This council room was uncomfortable the last time Bennet was here. It was packed,” said Schmidt. “What’s the difference between speaking in here for free and having to charge him for speaking outside? I just don’t see the risk.”
“I’m comfortable letting the insurance requirement go but charging a fee if they reserve the pavilion space,” said Councilperson Roland Mason.
“One key is there should be uniform application,” suggested Belkin.
“The council can make its own exemptions. You have the authority,” said Hughes.
“But where does it end?” asked Michel. “I don’t have the answer.”
“I just think it is a horrible way to treat our representatives and politicians. I feel very strongly about this. Stronger than Susan does on the other side,” said Schmidt. “We slapped the guy who became our governor in the face and a U.S. senator who came here to announce plans to help our valley. It comes across to me as a roadblock and they turned to other venues.”
“Speaking to the senator’s staff, it was not an issue with Senator Bennet or his staff. It was a Gunnison County Democratic Party issue,” said Huckstep. “The senator and staff didn’t even know about it. I can’t imagine this is having a chilling effect on political visits. Are we fixing a problem that doesn’t exist?”
“It could open up a Pandora’s box for the staff who has to determine what a legitimate political party is,” admitted Michel.
“Where do we draw the line?” asked Councilperson David Owen.
“Are we even allowed to waive insurance?” asked Councilperson Shaun Matusewicz.
On a 4-2 straw poll, with Huckstep and Matusewicz not wanting to change the current policy, the council directed the staff to present them with a proposal where political parties and candidates are exempt from special event requirements. The long discussion will continue at the next council meeting.