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Council declines November ballot push for entrance-to-Aspen questions, signals March timeline and polling
Summary
After public comment and internal debate, council members said current draft ballot language is unclear and opted not to finalize a November question; staff were asked to work toward clearer March ballot language and to prepare polling options targeted at Aspen registered voters.
Council members spent substantial time debating whether to place a question about the entrance to Aspen and Merle Thomas/Thomas properties on the November ballot. Several members said the draft questions lack necessary nuance and would confuse voters if certified for the imminent November deadline.
"I see the logic in holding off until March," Councillor Doyle said, noting that a presidential‑year ballot risks burying a complex local measure. Several other councilmembers agreed they preferred more time to refine language, add clarifying information and consider an advisory vote or targeted polling.
Staff and council agreed to ask for polling targeted at registered Aspen voters to help shape potential March ballot questions. The city attorney's memo outlining two language options and staff's recommended next steps will be returned to council with suggested polling questions and a proposed timetable.
