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ENLARGE
Mick Ireland, mayor of Aspen
1. What's better, Snowmass Village or Aspen? Why?
Better what? Snowmass is great for me because I can ski without having discussions about Instant Runoff Voting. On the other hand, Aspen is a few minutes walk from work so I can ski at lunch time using the Premier Pass Upgrade Public Option.
I love the fact that in Snowmass, when you get elected Mayor it's pretty much over for awhile. And I love the fact that in Aspen 300 people show up to run in the dark on Aspen Mountain and pay good money to be part of that Sufferfest.
2. If you could change one thing about your neighboring resort what would it be?
I would make the rec center passes for the ARC valid in Snowmass and vice versa. They have some equipment we don't have and it would be great to be able to workout wherever you are.
3. Name something in your community that represents “authentic Snowmass” or “authentic Aspen.”
The Roundabout used to be authentic Aspen but now everyone has one. I think it's authentic Aspen that the people give police cars a friendly wave using all of the digits on their hand and the police wave back, which is so not big city. Also, authentic Aspen is when two cars going opposite directions stop in the middle of the block, windows get rolled down and the drivers chat. Also, having four marijuana dispensaries to go with our 100 alcohol dispensaries and no one really cares.
4. If money were no object, where would you go for a big splurge (dinner or whatever)?
The Thrift Shop. I would buy everything and give it away to the neediest.
5. What would you like Santa Claus to leave you under the tree this year?
Nothing under, just snow burying the tree.
6. If real estate sales continue to slide, where will we look to replace those funds?
We won't replace the funds, we will live within our means like we did for a century before financial deregulation and before real estate speculation became our biggest industry.
7. Is the “free” RFTA service between Aspen and Snowmass Village worth retaining (or fighting for)? Why or why not?
There is no free anything, really so the ability to maintain a good service will be subordinate to maintain necessary services.
8. How often, if at all, do you use public transportation?
This morning and as often as I can, though my primary transport in winter remains the comfort, convenience and warmth of my Gary Fischer 29er.
9. What is your favorite ski run and/or way down the mountain?
Hard call because it depends on conditions. When the snow is soft and fluffy, I am all about Steeplechase single tree gate D, which is code for a run that some know by my description but others will have to find on their own. When things are packed out, Ruthie's and Aztec and Spring Pitch get the call. When I am running or hiking, I prefer the uphill race course used on the west side of Buttermilk, runs that have names I haven't memorized but trees and steep pitches I will never forget.
10. What's your New Year's wish for your community?
That all of you feel and share a sense of compassion for all living beings and a realization that we are lucky to share this special place with others.
1. What's better, Snowmass Village or Aspen? Why?
Better what? Snowmass is great for me because I can ski without having discussions about Instant Runoff Voting. On the other hand, Aspen is a few minutes walk from work so I can ski at lunch time using the Premier Pass Upgrade Public Option.
I love the fact that in Snowmass, when you get elected Mayor it's pretty much over for awhile. And I love the fact that in Aspen 300 people show up to run in the dark on Aspen Mountain and pay good money to be part of that Sufferfest.
2. If you could change one thing about your neighboring resort what would it be?
I would make the rec center passes for the ARC valid in Snowmass and vice versa. They have some equipment we don't have and it would be great to be able to workout wherever you are.
3. Name something in your community that represents “authentic Snowmass” or “authentic Aspen.”
The Roundabout used to be authentic Aspen but now everyone has one. I think it's authentic Aspen that the people give police cars a friendly wave using all of the digits on their hand and the police wave back, which is so not big city. Also, authentic Aspen is when two cars going opposite directions stop in the middle of the block, windows get rolled down and the drivers chat. Also, having four marijuana dispensaries to go with our 100 alcohol dispensaries and no one really cares.
4. If money were no object, where would you go for a big splurge (dinner or whatever)?
The Thrift Shop. I would buy everything and give it away to the neediest.
5. What would you like Santa Claus to leave you under the tree this year?
Nothing under, just snow burying the tree.
6. If real estate sales continue to slide, where will we look to replace those funds?
We won't replace the funds, we will live within our means like we did for a century before financial deregulation and before real estate speculation became our biggest industry.
7. Is the “free” RFTA service between Aspen and Snowmass Village worth retaining (or fighting for)? Why or why not?
There is no free anything, really so the ability to maintain a good service will be subordinate to maintain necessary services.
8. How often, if at all, do you use public transportation?
This morning and as often as I can, though my primary transport in winter remains the comfort, convenience and warmth of my Gary Fischer 29er.
9. What is your favorite ski run and/or way down the mountain?
Hard call because it depends on conditions. When the snow is soft and fluffy, I am all about Steeplechase single tree gate D, which is code for a run that some know by my description but others will have to find on their own. When things are packed out, Ruthie's and Aztec and Spring Pitch get the call. When I am running or hiking, I prefer the uphill race course used on the west side of Buttermilk, runs that have names I haven't memorized but trees and steep pitches I will never forget.
10. What's your New Year's wish for your community?
That all of you feel and share a sense of compassion for all living beings and a realization that we are lucky to share this special place with others.
