Council to comment on national issues

Starting with “openness” proclamation

By Mark Reaman

A town proclamation reinforcing that Crested Butte is an “open community” for people of all nationalities will be in front of the Town Council at the next meeting.

At the Monday, February 6 meeting the council discussed the idea of the local political body commenting on various national political issues.

Councilman Jim Schmidt said because of the current political situation he would be in favor of the council being “more vocal” on current national politics if appropriate. He cited the potential sale of public lands from the federal government as one example. “I think, given the times, it is appropriate that we should make some noise.”

Mayor Glenn Michel said he had been approached by many local people who are concerned with the current national political climate. “Given comments I’ve received I think we should do a proclamation that Crested Butte will continue to be an open community,” he said. “I know it is primarily symbolic but it is a good message and reinforces the values of openness. It is definitely outside our normal parameters but people want to make sure that the local government will continue to be what we have been.”

Councilman Chris Ladoulis was more hesitant. “As much as I share the sentiment it sets a precedent and opens the door to where we would be expected to comment on other issues,” he said.

“I think this one is different,” responded Michel. “We have a lot of foreign nationals who have chosen to live here.”

“I understand it is in fashion to be anti-Trump right now,” said Ladoulis. “I too have lost sleep over what’s going on. I share the sentiment. I just hope we don’t get into political commentary as a body.”

Michel asked if the rest of the council wanted to participate and have the staff draw up an “openness” proclamation. Schmidt, Laura Mitchell and Jackson Petito agreed to supply the four needed votes to have a proclamation drawn up for council approval.

“I really think right now that if there are issues that affect us, we should address them,” said Schmidt.

They will start at the February 21 meeting.

In that vein, the council and staff will review how to deal with political protests in town. The recent Women’s March surprised the town with the number of participants and impacted Elk Avenue traffic and safety. The staff wants to discuss policy on how to safely control such gatherings in the future.