The Communist Vs. The Capitalist

February 23rd, 2007 at 06:28am Michael Conniff 2

As long as we want to stick with stereotypes in the Aspen Mayor’s race—the election is in May—then the least we can do is go all the way.

The two top candidates for the job threw their toppers in the ring Thursday, and both will have to overcome (or perhaps embrace) the public’s perception of who they are. As a for instance, a cocksure reporter I had never seen before asked a question of the entrepreneur Tim Semrau at Jimmy’s that likened his campaign rhetoric to President George W. Bush.

Why would a reporter, even a new one in town, ask a question like that of someone running for Mayor? Because he probably has heard that Semrau is supposed to be a dirt-pimp under the sway of the mega-developers. That’s not even close to being true: calling Semrau a developer is like calling a single-engine prop a Gulfstream. But Semrau’s challenge—a big one—is to convince people that he is in point of fact a ski bum who became one of primary purveyors of affordable housing in town, the furthest thing from a fat cat developer.

Would anyone have asked the same question yesterday of Mick Ireland, a man who has built a career in Pitkin County as a champion of affordable housing and the little people? No way, Jose. Ireland doesn’t get a pass from the local media—far from it—but he has made a political career out of beating the drum for a big chunk of the people in Aspen and the county who actually vote, the ones who see red every time they look up on Red Mountain. And his political ground game—mailings, voter turnout, and so on—is formidable to say the least. You mess with the Bath Party in Aspen at your own risk.

But is Mick Ireland a communist? And is Tim Semrau a capitalist? Would you rather vote for the guy who fought for affordable housing, or the one who actually built it? The guy who has made a career in government, or the one who actually made his way in local business?

The next time I’m in church, I’m going to light a candle for a race where we can see the candidates for who they are, rather than for the cartoon characters we hope they become.

Entry Filed under: Media, Aspen, Pitkin County, Race For Mayor 2007

5 Comments Add your own

1. TeleDogTwo | February 23rd, 2007 at 7:33 am

I for one will be voting for Mick. He has a proven record of fighting for "us."

This "us" are those of us without trust funds and need the help of government housing to live in this beautiful place.

Semrau could be one of the biggest hypocrits to walk down Cooper Street.
2. Lost Sailor | February 23rd, 2007 at 9:19 am

I also will be voting for Mick.
3. Aspendad | February 26th, 2007 at 11:02 am

Do you know Tim or are you going by what you've heard? I know Tim.

I live in a unit built by him (He's even helped me move furniture). He's no hypocrite and he's no dirt pimp. He's not building the empty mansions on Red Mountain and he's no friend to the developers who build them. He's also got no trust fund as far I know. He's done well by working hard and I'm happy for him. While other people complain about what should be done about housing, Tim puts his own money and time into building green, deed restrictive housing in town. While some bemoan the loss of local retail, Tim and his wife put their own money into a couple of local retail shops.

I think that both Tim and Mick are good guys, but Tim will be getting my vote. Tim invests his own time and money in this community and doesn't just talk about what everyone else would / could / should be doing for Aspen. He's no career politician. He is environmentally conscious, but I like the fact that he is a pragmatist and has business experience. Maybe he can help us actually advance the issues of the entrance to Aspen and housing for locals with practicality and common sense.
4. TeleDogTwo | February 27th, 2007 at 1:41 pm

I am sure the residents of Pitckin Iron have a little different take on Timmy.

I wonder if those million dollar spec. homes across the river have had any problems with their water supply?
5. Lost Sailor | March 1st, 2007 at 11:22 am

Well stated TD.