The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
First things first…you should have your ballot by the end of the week. If you don’t have it by Monday, call the county election’s office. This week we are publishing part-1 of our coverage of the Crested Butte News Candidate’s Forum. Part-2 will run next week. We will also continue to ask the seven candidates questions until the Halloween edition of the paper, which means they get two more opportunities to reach out to you, the voters. Thanks…
—Mark Reaman
Aaron Huckstep
mayoral candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
Crested Butte’s values are defined by an openness and acceptance of individuals regardless of background, perspective or financial means. This non-judgmental approach is the backbone of Crested Butte’s unique culture, and fosters additional community values. For instance, we value public service and volunteerism, taking it upon ourselves to build new trails or participate on nonprofit boards, all in an effort to determine our own future. We value and hold sacred the pristine natural environment surrounding us, and the chance to pursue adventure in our backyard in all seasons. We value living in a family-friendly place where doors are not locked, where children can play in the streets safely, and where the entire community supports a child’s growth.
As your Mayor, preservation requires that I consider whether council decisions support these values, or put them at risk. More fundamentally, though, I preserve these values when leading by example. I take a pragmatic and nonpartisan approach to leadership, successfully fostering open communication with individuals, businesses and groups that otherwise may not agree. For instance, in my first term, I promoted joint work-sessions with Mt. Crested Butte’s Town Council. In a second term, I will participate in the critical dialogue between ranchers and recreationalists. I am a community volunteer, including working to bring the USA Pro Cycling Challenge back to Crested Butte in 2014. I also support initiatives to protect and preserve our natural environment, such as placing GCEA solar panels on the Town Shops and adopting 1041 Regulations.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
Being “pro-business” requires a fundamental commitment to open communication and dialogue with business owners and nonprofit boards, fostering mutual respect between the Town and those who do business in the Town. It requires proactive outreach regarding council considerations and decisions, rather than relying on business owners or boards to bring their opinions to the Council. A “pro-business” council member should consider these opinions as relevant in decision making, and should keep economic impact in mind when making decisions.
Examples of “pro-business” initiatives that have helped foster the success we’ve experienced during my first term include: (1) revising the Town Code to create opportunity for off-site signage for Elk Avenue businesses; (2) revising the Town Code to allow for a late-night food truck; (3) bringing the Growing Winter Grant program to our Council; and (4) expanding the summer use of the Big Mine Arena. In addition, I have worked closely with the chamber’s executive director to improve the Town’s communication with businesses.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
The desert in search of singletrack and extreme bocce.
Cocktail of choice: Montanya’s Maharaja (thanks, Karen and Brice).
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: Aspen in late March after a long overnight ski.
Jeremy Rubingh
mayoral candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
Our values are the same principles and ideas that unite us into such a cohesive, supportive community. In Crested Butte we take care of each other. When someone has a problem or is in trouble, we all come together to help. This is one of the values that stands out the most to me here—we value each other. And if we want to keep true community like this we have to keep locals here. As a council we need to make meaningful investments in affordable housing that keeps locals and local families living right here in Crested Butte, like in the R2A and R4 zones on the east side of Butte Ave and Teocalli Ave. Development needs to pay its own way and help to create affordable housing too. We fall victim to the empty resort community problem if we price ourselves out, or look for quick fixes to long-term issues.
We are also a community that values stewardship. We love our outdoors and believe in protecting our natural resources for future generations. We value recreation and fun and this vital part of our economy and we want to be good stewards that protect this. After all, our pristine mountains are a big part of what attracts so many people to come visit us.
Some other examples of our town’s common values that I have seen over the years are respect for diversity, a sense of adventure and a healthy appreciation for the weird.
We need leadership that is willing to stand up for these values, not leadership that works secretly or divisively. As your mayor I will work to foster the kind of community dialogue that makes our shared values known and illuminates the best path forward on those values. I will work hard to represent these values in my leadership style and actions as best as I can.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
To me, being pro-business means moving beyond the business-as-usual reactive state to a proactive leadership style where we actually work to preserve and support our local businesses. We need to empower our town staff to work directly and productively with the business community to develop regulations that make sense for everyone. We also need to create better opportunities for dialogue with the Town, the Chamber and the business community—dialogue that has consistency.
Being pro-business means that our leadership is looking for opportunities for economic diversity and ways to encourage our year-round economy. We also need to look at supporting and providing infrastructure for other sectors of our economy to thrive here. Bruce Eckel has brought up the idea of a startup incubator. This is the kind of investment that could truly provide more year-round, high-quality employment that would help all of our other existing businesses. I am supportive of these types of ideas and looking at ways in which we can encourage them, like pushing for better broadband service in our valley.
The most important component to my pro-business agenda is dialogue. The town and council can and should listen better to both the business community and the town staff. Open and supportive dialogue will ensure that the town manages its business district to the benefit of all of its residents and visitors.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
Yes.
Cocktail of choice: Avy Warning.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: Silverton.
Chris Ladoulis
Council candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
Crested Butte is an accepting community that has brought people together from many different places and backgrounds. None of us got here ‘first’, but we appreciate many of the same things and have Crested Butte in common: We’ve all chosen to be in this beautiful place and be a part of this community. We have faced a lot of challenges together, including rough weather, seasonality and hard economic times. But we sit on the same benches, ski the same slopes, hike the same mountains and bike the same trails. We live in the moment and don’t dwell on the past, because compared to others we have it pretty good. We’re blissfully isolated and fairly immune from the troubles of city life.
So how do we preserve what we have? Don’t take it for granted. Appreciate what we share and all the different parts of our community. The council should strive for balance, to support the efforts of groups and programs that complement and support others.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
It begins with recognizing the importance of the local business sector in making Crested Butte more sustainable and livable; it also requires doing something about it to make it easier for businesses to get started and be successful. Running a business in Crested Butte is not easy, and making it successful can be quite difficult. Since we can all benefit when our shops are hiring and customers are buying, we should promote ideas and implement policies that keep that in mind. But just as important, we need to be forward-thinking and responsible to our community, so that we don’t create unintended or undesirable consequences.
This requires an open and consistent dialogue with the business community, to collect ideas, share input and determine our top priorities. We should hold ourselves accountable to moving toward those goals, as we make decisions. The council should not simply be responding to business requests or complaints; we need to identify what we all need in the long term and make progress toward it on a regular basis.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
All of the above! We like exploring new places and when possible, experiencing new restaurants (it makes for tasty ‘research’).
Cocktail of choice: The “HT” at django’s. Light and refreshing with a bite when you need it.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: Mt. Crested Butte. Does that count?
Roland Mason
council candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
I was able to participate in the 2011 Council Retreat where we created “Council Values and Priorities.” As a co-creator, I strongly believe in the list of values we created. They are in line with my values and reasons for living here, and I refer to them when making my decisions on council. If you visit www.crestedbutte-co.gov, click on “Town Council,” and then click on “2011 Council Values and Priorities,” you will find these values listed:
• Preserve our high quality of life
• Historic core
• Green management
• Fiscally responsible
• Maintain a “real” community
• Encourage a healthy business climate
• Environmental stewardship
In my four years on council each of these values has been upheld by the decisions, policies, and priorities of the council, including myself. As a Council Member, here are some of the ways I addressed and preserved these values over the last four years:
• Preserve our high quality of life—The Council continued to protect our watershed and the local environment so our children and grandchildren can enjoy it as we do today.
• Historic Core—The Council continued to maintain our historic mining looks and our ski town vibe.
• Green Management—We partnered with ORE to retrofit many of the town buildings using energy efficient practices.
• Fiscally Responsible—The town completed projects, purchased open space and kept the town looking beautiful while maintaining over 100 percent reserves during the recession.
• Maintain a “real” community—Affordable housing kept “locals” local and kept town vibrant during the shoulder seasons.
• Encourage a healthy business climate—The Council promoted special events that brought tourists to Crested Butte, passed a sidewalk seating ordinance for the summer, and decided to plow those sidewalks in the winter.
• Environmental Stewardship—The Council supported open space purchases (Cold Springs Ranch, Coral House Parcel, Kochevar’s parcels, to name some recent ones) and committed resources for their upkeep.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
Being Pro-Business means creating and maintaining a framework that allows businesses the opportunity for success. This can be accomplished through creating ordinances that help businesses, supporting our newly re-vamped Chamber of Commerce, and most important, establishing a reliable line of communication between the Council and our local business owners. It is up to Council to help create a forum for business owners to voice their concerns, share ideas, and give feedback. I support Mayor Huckstep’s idea of forming a Business Sub-Committee. This Committee could include members from around the business community, town staff, the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Association, and members from the Council. The Chamber could step in and help facilitate the meetings, which would help provide the necessary link between the Council and businesses.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
Most often the Beach: East Coast, West Coast, and even Utah beaches (Lake Powell)!
Cocktail of choice: Gin Martini. Shaken, Not Stirred. Two Olives.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: My in-laws live in Bethany Beach, Delaware. It’s a wonderful resort community and a great place to vacation with the family.
Danica Ramgoolam
council candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
Environment, Community, Business. I strongly believe it is important to preserve our pristine environment. This means working to find a permanent solution to the Red Lady issue, working with Open Space non-profits on easements, Coal Creek Water Coalition on water quality, etc. Keeping our community strong and unique. This means, when passing ordinances and making decisions for our town I keep the character of Crested Butte in mind (i.e., no neon signs, yes on more bike racks). Also, doing what I can to bring the community together on issues instead of dividing it. As a business owner I will bring this perspective to Town Council to help make decisions that will foster the smart growth of businesses. We all need to make a living in order to stay in this beautiful place so I will support programs like the Growing Winters Grant to help bring more visitors during our season that should be our strongest. A pristine environment, a unique community and a vibrant business district are the three core values I see that will make Crested Butte have a bright future.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
Being pro-business to me means making decisions with how it will affect the businesses in mind and supporting programs of marketing or policy that bring visitors to town. It doesn’t mean that we just let the businesses do whatever they want regardless of how it will affect other businesses, the environment or the character of the town. I think people visit here because the environment is so beautiful and untouched and the community is so unique. I think promoting business involves preserving both of these things. As a business owner I consider myself pro-business but at the same time I am in favor of smart growth and I don’t think unbridled development is in the best interest of the citizens, families and visitors of Crested Butte.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
Mostly Santa Fe, N.M. because my mom lives there, or Miami because my sister lives there.
Cocktail of choice: Hibiscus Martini at the Dogwood.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: Taos, N.M.
Jim Schmidt
council candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
The values that Crested Butte has instilled in me range far and wide. First of all, a respect for other people and for the environment that surrounds us. It’s the realization that quality of life is as important as money. Safety, clean air, clean water, and the opportunity to walk or bike from your house are just as important as a big title. The friendliness of neighbors and the interaction across all economic levels that doesn’t exist in the big cities. Sharing a concert with millionaires and divers from the local restaurants. Not being judged by your clothes or your choice of activity. This town has let me act in plays, be a DJ on KBUT, write for the newspaper, and let me serve you on Town Council without questioning. It has taught me that growth should pay its own way and bigger is not always better. As a councilman you can try to keep barriers from dividing the town by economic levels. Provide affordable housing so other than the wealthy can live here. Provide amenities for all to enjoy at a low cost. In general, provide an attitude of inclusion, a climate for creativity, and keep an open mind for any and all ideas. And most of all, sit back, smile, and enjoy this place, the people who live here with the knowledge that you are in one of the special places in the world.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
There is a famous quote from the Supreme Court about not being able to describe pornography but “I know it when I see it.” Many “pro-business” actions taken by the council are the same. I believe while almost everyone who has served on council has said they were pro-business, my actions reflect an attitude that calls for a level playing field, builds amenities that will draw people back to town, and at the same time places a high regard on our historic preservation values. I bring a fair and commonsense approach to the business community realizing that the way you get the most bang for your buck is by providing our visitors with a great experience when they get here. It does us no good to spend a lot of money on advertising to sell a bad product. Being pro-business in Crested Butte is incorporating the values of the town into actions.
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
I like to vacation in places like Crested Butte. I’m not a beach bum but I certainly like to escape to a warm pool or beach in late January. I can stand any city for about two days then I want to get back to the Butte.
Cocktail of choice: Fat Tire beer, red wine, and a Glenlivet with a splash on occasion.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like: Nosara, Costa Rica and Poipu on Kauai.
Josh Schumacher
council candidate
Everyone running for council mentions preserving Crested Butte “values.” What does that mean? What are they? As a council rep how do you preserve them?
I feel that the core values of Crested Butte are our sense of community, our environment and recreational opportunities, and keeping our unique small-town feel. Support in our community for each other has always been a priority. This includes the many fundraisers over the years for local charities, individual community members facing tough times, and the local community school and its programs, to name a few. Many people in this community struggle in order to just get by, and the overall awareness and generosity in this community is amazing. We also have a passion for protecting our environment through working together in order to help protect our watershed and view shed from any development that could potentially affect the health of our community and treasured way of life. This includes our recreational options and availability.
Lastly, by preserving our small-town way of life we try to eliminate the stresses of city living by living simply. To preserve these values, we need to promote smart growth with an emphasis on protecting our environment. To do this, we need to work together as a community and work collaboratively with the local groups who promote this type of awareness. We are a tourist economy and people come here to recreate and enjoy the beauty surrounding us. By working together we can grow our opportunities for outdoor recreation while maintaining our environmental health and small-town feel. The Town Council must always remain open to new ideas, economic considerations and a balance that will preserve the lifestyle we all love.
And from a local citizen: What does being “pro-business” mean to you?
By being pro-business we embrace our main economical driver of tourism and promote growth that remains within our small-town values. We need to work with our business community and listen to any ideas that they feel would add to their success. Without successful businesses in town we lose critical aspects of our community. I cannot tell you that I begin to understand the struggles of owning your own business. I do know that through the success of local businesses our community gains jobs, sales tax revenue and an operational town that provides an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and services. It sounds like a win-win situation to me!
When you vacation away from Crested Butte do you go beach, mountains, city or somewhere else?
The mountains or the desert, depending on the season. Either way it must have twisty fun motorcycle roads or backcountry exploration possibilities.
Cocktail of choice: Beer.
Name a resort town other than Crested Butte that you like:
Telluride.
