Andrew Kole Blogs Away

November 3rd, 2006 at 05:47am andrew kole UNSOLICITED 235

The other day I was asked if I was sorry I wasn't doing my television show during this election. My initial response was "not really." But, after a little thought and the follow-up column about Rick Magnuson in Wednesday's papers, I decided to throw in my "Six unsolicited sense."

The question of who or what to vote for is not always simple. In respect to referendums of interest, the two best concern charities and garbage -- I'll take charities for $500, Alex. In respect to garbage, we have Toni and her band of "two." It's amazing how so little can do so much when they have a lot of free time. Toni Kronberg, who is fighting with other peoples' money to plant trees instead of building, which might get her the Jewish vote, unless of course the facts get in the way. Anyway, we've already got a lot of trees. Which leads me to ask the question, "Where are the pro-recycling center representatives?" A victory would give Toni two in a row (ACRA) and could make her dangerous come May. Of course, we might all be dead by May.

The big decisions involve people, as big decisions should.

My take on the three races that involve people -- Braudis vs. Magnuson for sheriff (which has become a national story) and the county commissioner races between Richards vs. True and Clapper vs. Mooney (which is basically boring) -- is as follows.

In the race for sheriff between "Saint Bob" and "Despicable Rick," I know if it is a game of hoops, I'd go with Rick. I was sorry I missed Squirm Night, I would have liked to ask Saint Bob to tell us something despicable he's done, and, how about a saintly story from Rick, or at least a story about fish. Anyway, I like Rick but, the job of sheriff kind of lends itself to someone with experience, and we all know Bob has that. What I can't understand is why the "fair and balanced" Aspen Daily News feels it needs to bury Rick. From the beginning we all knew Bob was a lock. I understand it's news, but if there was a need to "kill Rick," why not a little investigating reporting on Bob? Oh wait -- he is a saint after all. Of course, if Rick was to pull off the upset, we could then have Mayor Bob, which would be fun.

In the Richards vs. True race, the only thing they seem to disagree on is the Entrance to Aspen. I like Jim True, and he is in my fantasy football league, but if he thinks a four-lane can fit in the current S-curve, the word "fantasy" pops into my mind. On the other hand, Rachel hints about a "straight shot," but if a train is involved, I'll write in Tony Hershey's name. The fact is the "straight shot" would have to run across the Marolt Open Space, which has lost much of its luster after Roger backed out of the race for mayor in Snowmass. In respect to affordable housing, if Rachel was to win and follow in Mick's footsteps -- three terms, 12 years and about $900,000 in salary -- she could give up her place to someone more in need, and rent a place at market value. Never the less, I'm leaning toward voting for Rachel because if she loses, the possible "City Council Trifecta" next May of DeVilbiss, Richards and Ireland is scary to say the least. Hey, how about Mayor Jim?

In the final race, Clapper vs. Mooney, Patti says she has done a good job, and likes to throw out the "E" word -- experience. But, can she bring Buffett to town or get the Eagles to play for free? I don't think so. Of course with the tree lopper still at large, and Mooney in office, would the environment be safe? I don't know. Clapper or Mooney, experience or Buffett, I might just have to think about that a little more. Hey, how about Mayor Patti or Mayor Tim? Wait, isn't that the role Semrau might want to play?

So there it is. As someone who has never won a race, my best advice is to take no advice. If you're not sure, flip a coin. It seems to work in Washington.

Entry Filed under: Politics, Snowmass, Aspen, Pitkin County, Sheriff Race 2006