Meet the Candidates for Crested Butte Mayor & Town Council

This is the last week to vote in the 2019 election. Ballots must be returned to the county by this Tuesday, November 5. They can be dropped off in Crested Butte at the Queen of All Saints Parish Hall. We have been asking the candidates for the Crested Butte town council about their views on a variety of topics. This is the last chance they have to get their points out in the paper…

—Mark Reaman

 

Jim Schmidt

Mayoral candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? The one tangible thing I would like to accomplish is to have open public meetings on the Brush Creek parcel. I believe a lot has been learned about what should be included from the LUR process but it is important to state the options of what could be done there. I would hope that the MOU partners agree to do a pump test on the well and talk with East River Sanitation District about what might work for waste water treatment. A Request for Proposals can hopefully be fashioned that will meet the requirements of the county Land Use Resolution.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? Since the elevators in the town are only two or three stories, I would have to talk fast and say vote for me. I urge everyone to get out and vote. I’m looking forward to working with the new council on housing and the global climate challenges and the myriad of issues the town will confront these next two years.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? Yes.

Favorite holiday? Halloween in Crested Butte.

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Flauschink.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? A time machine.

 

Will Dujardin

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? Singling it to one is kind of hard so I’ll talk about a few things we have going currently and where we go from here.

Brush Creek needs to go back to the drawing board and hopefully we can get the wheels going on that with our MOA partners ASAP. We need to get affordable housing out there, other uses are secondary to me but hopefully we can have a better public process to know what we need/want out there before we head to the RFP/RFQ process so we aren’t shifting the goal posts on a potential developer midway through the process.

The Climate Action Plan will need to be implemented over the next few years so we can hit our aggressive 2030 goals. We budgeted over a million dollars of funding for it in 2020 and will need to continue to do so. We will have to revisit the plan yearly to see where we are at and what else we need to do. This will be a constant uphill battle and I am committed to seeing it through.

We need to wrap up the Slate River Annexation so that we can start planning affordable housing, parks, youth/senior uses and government infrastructure.

As for new ideas, we need to get creative with our funding sources. The Nicotine/Tobacco tax question is a start, I’m speaking as a citizen and not a current member of Town Council, I think you should vote for it; it has a two-fold mission of preserving our community health while also discouraging youth from buying vapes, but also can bring in funding for mental health and community grants. Is this going to be enough? Should we be looking at an alcohol tax? A meat tax (for climate/health purposes)? Recently at the community forum the idea of a luxury or vacancy tax was brought up and I support it. If people are expecting the town to actually do things and support the north end of the valley, we need to get funding to do so. We need to raise funds without putting a large burden on our local tax base so hopefully we can figure out how to do that.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? I bring the experience of two years on council to the next two or four years I’ll be on council. I am consistent with my positions and they haven’t changed in two years. Affordable Housing and Climate Action are what I ran on two years ago and I continue to push those through my council work. I’m glad we’ve been able to make strides in those areas but it’s not enough.

I hope people continue to trust me to guide us through this transitional time in Crested Butte. I represent a lot of the community through work, social and volunteer circles I’m a part of. I’m capable of making snap decisions and plan for the long term; I’m not scared of making the hard decisions to keep the right kind of progress in Crested Butte if we are going to continue to evolve as a town. We don’t just want to be a playground for the rich without a real local community, do we? This is in the process of happening if we don’t try to keep the cost of living here in check and do what we can to make a life here viable for everyone.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? I do both.

Favorite holiday? Labor Day.

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Vinotok. I love the Chainless and Bridges of the Butte, too.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? North Valley affordable housing projects and climate action on a global scale of which the USA is actually a part.

 

Laura Mitchell

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? I would like to see another project similar to Anthracite Place get started in town and I also want to oversee and assist Mountain Express in their move to Whetstone Industrial Park.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? I have spent the past four years getting familiar with town politics and our relationship with our surrounding municipalities and I have the experience and dedication to continue for the next four years.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? I always gather green beans from Doug Mattice in July and put them up for the long winters so I guess I’m a gatherer.

Favorite holiday? Groundhog Day.

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Bike Week/Chainless race and Bridges of the Butte weekend.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? Good chocolate.

 

Mallika Magner

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? Creating more affordable workforce housing, of course. The Valley Housing Fund (VHF), of which I am a board member, has identified a goal of developing 400 affordable, accessible and energy-efficient housing units in the valley by 2024. State legislation passed this year will put more than $100 million annually for three years into affordable housing projects, and the state is looking for projects to fund right away. The VHF is working to bring together leadership and stakeholders throughout the county to identify immediate projects, which can be used to apply for the new state funding. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Council to roll up our sleeves and get some “shovel-ready” projects going. One more tangible thing I’d like to see accomplished? The bike path from town to Crested Butte South. It’s time to finally get that finished.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? I bring a long history with the town—in service as a former town attorney, current Town Council member, two-time member of BOZAR and participant in other town non-profits, as a small business owner, homeowner, ski passholder and yoga and arts community member. As a practicing attorney, I am used to dealing with complex issues, and although I certainly do not have all of the answers, I know the right questions to ask.

I see my role as town councilperson as someone who listens. This town is full of smart, creative people with great ideas, and I think the best way I can represent this community is to listen and hear those ideas.

I am passionate about affordable housing, encouraging a bike and pedestrian lifestyle (slow down!), addressing climate change and fiscal and financial responsibility. And I never lock my townie!

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? Bargain hunter, friend gatherer.

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving (I try to make it my daily practice).

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Vinotok, “celebrating the nature and community of Crested Butte and the exquisite wildness of the Elk Mountains.” Plus I love to have my Grumps burned.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? Haagen Dazs Coffee Ice Cream (a girl can dream!).

 

Monique “Mona” Merrill

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? I would like to see a significant tangible increase in deed-restricted affordable housing in town—both rentals and family-owned. A month ago I responded that “managing growth in such a way that is does not displace the locals” is our most important issue. Now, after weeks of talking to voters I have heard repeatedly that the BOZAR fees and design process is so onerous that it severely limits building accessory units. We need to help, not limit, locals who want to build these units, and our town policies should reflect this.

BOZAR has been very successful in the past at limiting change in town, and other town policies have prevented sprawl by keeping town limits closed and protecting open space. We are very lucky to have the town we do as a result. However, this “zero-growth” policy only worked when locals could still buy houses in town. Now that prices are sky-high we need to thoughtfully change our strategy to support the growth of deed-restricted housing, both for homeowners and business owners.

If elected, I would encourage staff to improve the BOZAR process, possibly implementing case-by-case variances, so it’s not an impediment to these goals. I love that our town is small and charming, but if the price we have to pay is losing local businesses and local homeowners then we need to change our policies.

During election time there is a lot of communicating, politicking and community outreach, and I hope to keep this ongoing as we revisit our plans. I would like to develop an easy portal for people to stay in communication and in contact with town council. Having more informal gatherings, workshops or town picnics, even potlucks, would help insure our community continues to be a part of town’s planning and policy making.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? Community. Our town has so much character, charm and community that I feel compelled to help preserve what I love so much. I plan to raise my daughter here for the next 12 years so I want to be involved and make sure we have the same rich community of locals in the future that we have now. My experience witnessing two decades of growth in Breckenridge will add valuable perspective to town council. I understand there are no silver bullets to solve the challenges of affordable housing, climate change and increasing growth. Being on town council these days requires a significant time commitment for research and collaboration. I look forward to devoting myself to this effort in the coming years.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? I’d have to go with hunter. I am not a “passenger” in life and am drawn to new challenges. Hunting is proactive and thrives from coordinated teamwork, so it’s a good fit for me. However, I don’t eat meat so…

Favorite holiday?  I have a first grader so it’s a toss-up between Halloween and Christmas and Easter. Pretty much every holiday is a favorite because it brings friends and family together.

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? I don’t know if it’s a “true” holiday but I love the Alley Loop weekend. I first raced it in 1994 and was hooked. Ski racing with costumes through town’s back alleys and bridges is just so Crested Butte! I love that my daughter now participates in this 30-year-old tradition.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? A hot muffin from Mountain Earth.

 

Anne Moore

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? There is a lot of trust that goes on with vacation rentals in that there is no one physically there to guide the guests and to also make sure they are staying in line. Hotels have front desks and a full staff to make sure the guests are parked in the right place, handle their dogs responsibly and keep noise levels respectful. Vacation rentals rely on guest books and an office offsite. This system works for the most part. However, not everyone uses property management. In instances where there is a problem with the guests, where they are parking, how they are handling their trash and recycling etc., the responsibility of correcting the guests often falls to the neighbors. It’s not great having to get on someone’s case in your own backyard.

In the next two years I would like to see a website from the town where neighbors can anonymously log complaints. Guest books need to be accurate, where the trash goes is important and needs to be clear and guests have to abide by their pillow tax. An anonymous site will facilitate these kinds of changes and also provide a buffer between neighbors. I believe it is the responsibility of the town to make sure everyone is in compliance and the neighbors are not being overrun. In turn, it will give assurance that everyone’s VRBOs are being held to the same standards.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? I grew up in Crested Butte and I love this land. Its heartbeat and my heartbeat are one in the same. I’m a hard worker, an avid volunteer and I have a huge appetite for knowledge. I will look at every issue with objectivity and kindness. I will make it my goal that every decision will be the best for the local community, Earth-conscious and economically sound. With the trust of the community, I will water the right gardens, plant new seeds and pull out the weeds.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? I love to hunt up good ideas and then gather up the right people.

Favorite holiday? Halloween! I’m going as the Landlady from Kung Fu Hustle this year!

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Every single one of them!

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? Kit Kats and Almond Joy. I think that there’s certain complexities that come along with the full-sized candy bar trick-or-treat give away, so I say let’s keep Crested Butte bite-sized!

 

Candice Bradley

Council candidate

If elected, what is one tangible thing you want to see accomplished by the council in the next two years? I would love to see the council find a parking solution that works for our locals and businesses. It makes sense for the council to anticipate tourism and plan accordingly. More residential development on the east side of town paired with the lack of parking for The Center or special events should be our next step in planning for the success of our community.

What is your “elevator pitch” to the person who hasn’t voted yet to get them to check your name on the ballot? I am a business owner, a step-mom, a volunteer and an artist in Crested Butte. I will vote that way. I’m typically in my business seven days a week. I’m available for conversation, for you to voice concerns or suggestions. I will always bring those back to the council. Your ideas matter to me. I consider it my duty to make sure that all points of view that I know of are made aware to the council.

Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer? Gatherer.

Favorite holiday? Halloween.

Favorite Crested Butte holiday? Zombie Prom.

What do you want to see in your trick-or-treat bag? Candy.