Hottel: Difficult to implement, enforce changes to Midland Avenue project

Basalt’s Special Municipal Election by mail-in ballot due Tuesday, May 21, is just that: “special.”

Ballot Question 1 is presented by a small faction of Basaltines who are afraid of change — good or bad. The language is confusing, poorly crafted, and will be difficult to implement and enforce without additional legal interpretation — at an extra cost to Basalt taxpayers and further construction delays. It will have limited effect on contracts already signed for projects underway but significant unintended consequences for projects yet to come.

I believe in the importance of civil discourse ,and the town has spoken: You elected three new councilors and a new mayor to join the existing three councilors on April 23 in unanimous support of the climate and health benefits, increased economic vitality, safety, accessibility, and pedestrian improvements currently underway in Basalt.

Do not allow a vocal minority to influence your town and your destiny. I urge you to support Basalt businesses through one last summer of construction and to stand with the majority voting “No” on Question 1.

Elyse Hottel

Basalt