Aspenites for Action announces support for Referendum 2

Aspenites for Action (A4A), a grassroots committee addressing community issues, has officially announced its support for Referendum 2 and its opposition to Referendum 1, according to a press release. The group, composed of engaged residents, is focused on tackling Aspen’s pressing transportation infrastructure challenges.

“Aspenites for Action was formed to create momentum for the 30-plus-year-old conversation about the Entrance to Aspen. We want to ensure our community has the tools and solutions needed to address urgent issues like wildfire evacuation, excessive commute times, and air quality,” said Ann Mullins — an A4A committee member, former City of Aspen councilperson, and landscape architect — in the press release. “Referendum 2 allows us to move forward on these critical goals by keeping the use of the Marolt property on the table, while Referendum 1 imposes unnecessary hurdles that hinder progress.”

Referendum 2 aims to reaffirm the community’s ability to use the Marolt property to construct a second bridge and improve the Entrance to Aspen. 

Supporters highlight its potential to address critical concerns, including wildfire evacuation, traffic flow, and air quality, according to the press release. According to proponents, the measure would significantly reduce wildfire evacuation times, ease commute times for drivers and transit users, and preserve the functionality of the Castle Creek Bridge during construction. Additionally, Referendum 2 would advance plans to replace the deteriorating bridge while incorporating environmental safeguards to reduce pollution and protect wildlife.

In contrast, the committee argues that Referendum 1 creates roadblocks to progress. The measure, which would require a 60% supermajority vote to approve changes to parks and open spaces, is viewed as an unnecessary impediment to critical infrastructure projects. 

Opponents point to delays of up to 20 months caused by restrictive voting schedules and expanded restrictions that now include parks in addition to open spaces, despite existing safeguards already in place, according to the press release.

“We are proud to stand together as a community to support Referendum 2 and reject Referendum 1,” said Mike Maple, an A4A committee member and long-time Aspen resident, in the press release. “Aspen deserves solutions prioritizing safety, efficiency, and minimizing years-long construction impacts.”

The Aspenites for Action committee includes a diverse group of local leaders and advocates such as: Blake Appleby, Nelson Bell, Bruce Etkin, Ward Hauenstein, Warren Klug, Mike Maple, Kelly McNicholas Kury, Ann Mullins, Rachael Richards, Robert Rubey, Steve Seyffert, Scot Woolley, and Scott Writer.

A4A encourages Aspen residents to learn more about these measures and engage in the discussion. More information is available at aspen4action.com.