ISSUE # 92: ANT Alert: Vote!

"Look well to the characters and qualifications of those you elect and raise to office and places of trust." 

--  Matthias Burnett, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Norwalk, 1803

THE ELECTION IS THIS TUESDAY, MAY 7

There once was a mayor named Mick

He's leaving, but his policies could stick

Now get out and VOTE

(Thus this little note)

And for a change elect someone WE pick!

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The Red Ant suggests that you cast your ballot for:

• MAYOR: Maurice Emmer
• COUNCIL: Dwayne Romero ("bullet vote" for Dwayne; use just 1 of your 2 votes)

For more information on this voting strategy and the candidates, please visit The Red Ant's Endorsement Issue by clicking HERE. 

Please forward this issue of The Red Ant to your friends, especially those who vote in Aspen. Early voting began in the clerk's office on Monday, April 22, and to-date, approximately 950 ballots have been received.  This is a bit higher turn-out than early voting in the past (average 825).  A typical Aspen municipal election garners about 2150 ballots.  In 2009 (Mick vs Marilyn) brought out 2544 voters, while in 2011 (Mick vs Ruth), just 1794 voted.  So, in short, there are a lot more ballots expected in the next 4 days.  Make sure yours is one of them!

There are ENORMOUS political ramifications to the outcome of this election. Both local papers endorsed Torre (yes, Torre) for mayor, and if that doesn't light a fire under your seat to run to the polls, nothing will.  Furthermore, (at least) 3 columnists have made no bones about making this election out to be a divisive "us vs them" contest.  The vicious drivel from these so-called journalists is appalling and hopefully NOT a reflection of the overall sentiment in town.  Check them out:

• Su Lum:  "The ones least likely to stem the tide (of what, she doesn't say) are Maurice Emmer and Dwayne Romero."  Read it HERE
• Lorenzo Semple:  "There are generally two political parties in Aspen these days, the home team and the away team.... That being said, go home team.  protect this house!"  Read it HERE
• Doug Allen:  "I usually write for the masses, but this column is for those Aspenites who comprise what I call the voting majority.... If you're someone who is even considering voting for Maurice Emmer, Derek Johnson, Adam Frisch or Dwayne Romero, this column isn't for you."  Read it HERE 

YOUR VOTE COUNTS IN ASPEN.  I cannot stress this enough.  This will be a close race and every ballot matters.  PLEASE VOTE ON TUESDAY AND ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME!

For voting details and questions, please contact the city clerk's office at 970-429-2687.