On April 2, Basalt will elect its next mayor, as well as three new councilors — each for four-year terms. The Sopris Sun sent a short questionnaire to candidates via email. David Knight is the sole mayoral candidate. To view a meet-and-greet hosted by the Basalt Chamber of Commerce and Basalt Regional Library, visit bit.ly/BasaltForum2024
Questions
1. What makes you a good fit to represent Basalt?
2. How do you feel about the changes coming to historic downtown Basalt as part of the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project? How would you like to see the Town government work with the community and local businesses as construction continues?
3. As the Valley becomes increasingly populated, how would you like to see Basalt handle this growth over your term?
4. What’s a fun fact most people may not know about you?
Hannah Berman
1. I’m a Colorado native who grew up going to Winter Park every weekend where my parents started the kids’ nordic team. Mountain towns have always been special to me: the opportunities to get outside, good hardworking people, and time spent with family and friends. Everything I idealized, I now get to enjoy in Basalt and I don’t take living here for granted. Yet, I’m increasingly aware of issues like housing that are stressors on our community.
I’m running for town council to improve the quality of life for local people by driving progress on issues like housing and climate change. Basalt is special. To keep it that way, we need to figure out how to balance small town character and a functional community with transit-connected affordable housing.
Some 40% of our Town are renters, but most council members are homeowners. I believe there should be more representation of renters and younger people trying to make a life here. I hope to represent that voice because I am lucky enough to rent one of the Town’s affordable housing units. It is all-electric with onsite solar and a WE-cycle station outside my front door. It’s a good example of planning and I hope to ensure future decisions are just as thoughtful and sustainable.
I’ve been able to see the Town through my role on the SkiCo sustainability team, philanthropy, as an election judge, and an amateur wedding cake baker. And I want to get involved in the community on a deeper level by joining town council.
2. The Town did a massive amount of public outreach and there was strong support for the Midland Streetscape. The ballot measure passed, so now the Town is doing what it said it would do.
The project updates basic utility infrastructure like water, and builds resiliency for the future with buried power lines and EV charging infrastructure. Basalt also received some major grants to support the project and I think it would be silly to leave money on the table from CDOT and the federal government and pay for all the construction ourselves.
It’s worth investing in Midland to ensure the core of Old Town is ADA accessible, resilient, and maintains its Mountain West character. It’s a place that all community members should be able to enjoy. That includes our aging population, people with disabilities, and parents with strollers.
If the voters decide to change tact, I know the Town will be responsive. In the meantime, construction can be a pain and disruptive. Basalt needs to ensure our businesses are proactively supported through signage and wayfinding. There should be more Midland money this summer. I’ll look forward to community events like the summer concerts where you can see families and residents spill from the park into the restaurants.
3. Housing costs threaten the vibrancy of our community. The average free-market rent in the Valley rose 40% from 2020 to 2023. We have teachers commuting past a handful of schools, but getting paid the same amount as their peers working closer to where they live. We have librarians and waiters and healthcare professionals commuting from way downvalley. That’s unsustainable, but we’re not going to build our way out of this problem.
I believe in affordable, transit-connected density in the core, so we can protect and preserve the open spaces that make this place desirable. We also have projects, like the Basalt Vista teacher housing, that model smart, sustainable planning and design.
We can implement incentive programs for ADUs and deed restrictions to claw back housing stock into the realm of affordability. I’d also like to see any new development far exceed the current standards for affordable housing. Recently the council worked with a developer to get to 50% affordable housing — that’s unprecedented. Let’s use all the tools at hand — incentives, policy, and partnerships — to get future developments even higher.
4. I once made a wedding cake with 16 lbs of butter.
Angele Dupre-Butchart
1. I am a long-time Valley resident with a passion for the mid-Valley. My kids attend the schools, we frequent the businesses and utilize the public services, parks and open spaces. I represent an important demographic in our town: young, working families that are concerned about the future of Basalt and where we and our children fit into that future. We need to ensure that our community continues to offer the high standard of living that we all expect. This challenge requires a complex compromise of growth and restraint, and I feel that my experience, background, and demeanor can offer a unique skill set to the council and the Town of Basalt in achieving those goals.
2. The prior council and mayor were tasked with a huge undertaking in the Midland Streetscape Project. The aging utilities and infrastructure of the street needed to be upgraded and with that came an opportunity to improve the ADA and general accessibility of Midland as well as a face-lift. I had a hard enough time navigating those sidewalks with a stroller; I cannot imagine a wheelchair. One could argue the details of the aesthetic improvements almost endlessly and at the end of the day, decisions, and progress, had to be made. Could there be more parking? Probably. Ultimately, I applaud the changes and feel as though they were necessary. The council and their consultants did the best they could to work within the given structural restraints to provide a solution to the problem while providing a pleasant look that honored the past and the future of Basalt.
Going forward, to the end of 2024 and completion of the project, the Town should continue to offer incentives to the public to visit the businesses despite the accessibility inconvenience, to the extent that it does not cause undue financial burden to the taxpayers. They should continue an aggressive public outreach program, reminding people that the town and businesses are open and notifying of scheduled work. Communication and compromise are key. The local businesses and business owners have made a huge sacrifice during this project. I believe it is now in the best interests of the businesses and the people of Basalt, as well as our visitors, that we allow this project to move along in the most expedient way possible. Ultimately, the town and council are responsible to the entire voting population and the budget set forth. It is in everyone’s best interest to finish this and finish it without unnecessary delay.
3. When it comes to growth in the mid-Valley, that train has left the station. The growth was coming prior to the 2020 COVID pandemic, and it was exacerbated by it. In my view, the growth must be managed with a priority on essential services and providing housing for those workers. Who are we if our schools are not good because we cannot attract and keep qualified teachers because they cannot afford to live within a reasonable distance to the schools? Who are we if we cannot rely upon fire and EMS to respond to our calls in a timely manner when we need them? Who are we if our local businesses can no longer afford to stay in business and are run out of town by rising real estate prices and chain stores? The growth is placing a strain on our community that is now bordering a public service emergency but saying NO to all growth/development is not the answer. We must allow smart, appropriate deed-restricted development in areas previously identified in the master plan as suitable and ensure that those units are dedicated to the essential workers in OUR community. It was clearly defined by the people of Basalt in the Master Plan that they wanted density, over spread, with development near old town Basalt, transit and businesses. During my term, I intend to honor the wishes set forth in the Master Plan and work toward bringing vitality to historic Basalt. Allowing reasonable growth and development of the right kind of housing will help us solve the issues of teacher shortages, essential worker shortages and give our business owners the consistent traffic they need to remain here for us.
4. Most of my career has been in hospitality, property management and finance but one of my favorite jobs was at a flower shop (Mountain Flowers of Aspen, 10 years ago) where I was able to utilize my education and experience to help the business owner but also spend time learning about the flowers and making arrangements, a hobby that I enjoy today. I love to garden and create flower arrangements for friends.
Chris Mullen
1. I am a 15-year resident in Town that has experienced life through a wide variety of perspectives; from being single to married with kids and struggling with child care to divorced and scrambling for affordable housing. I’m grateful for the stability I have in those areas currently and want to give back and serve my community while being committed to continuing to raise my children here.
2. I’m glad the new water main was successfully installed last year and was happy with the communication efforts about the impacts to local businesses during that process. I was also pleased at the value engineering efforts the Town undertook to bring costs down and look forward to the three zones of work that will finish out that construction down Midland this year. The stormwater infrastructure and enhanced ADA accessibility and walkability in Town will allow for a great connection to the spur and into the river park and the rest of Basalt. I’d like to see the Town continue with the transparency and information they have provided throughout.
3. Density within the urban growth boundary near transit.
4. Prior to 2020, I was captain of a billiards team at Stubbies.
Rick Stevens
1. My experience in governance in the Valley goes beyond political, social, and institutional boundaries and I feel strongly that I will be an asset going forward. Basalt’s position as an influence in the mid-Valley community, along with Carbondale’s role as a great multi-faceted town, will require that elected officials of our communities and counties collaborate on regional issues to assure our futures stay in motion and that our Valley economies, environment, and cultures remain sustainable. Having long term relationships with several entities whose missions are to change and stimulate regional conversations to a higher level will be beneficial.
The Valley is maturing and coming out from under the shadow of the core resort of Aspen/Pitkin County and into its own time. Many are excited to see the changes that are coming and feel that I have the experience and the right focus to support the effort. I have been engaged in multiple initiatives that have been centered on local governance and regionalism from Aspen to Parachute, including early childhood education, youth sports, and housing. I will continue to work towards cross generational solutions and will dedicate the time necessary to create positive and lasting change.
2. There can never be enough effort put in front of the communication to the community around a project of this nature and scope. The revitalization of Midland Avenue has been a major part of the “Old Town” discussions over the last 25-30 years. The river master plan of 2001-02 supported several initiatives that have been successfully addressed and the community has acquired key parcels for the purpose of returning the river to its natural state and bringing the river back to the community as first steps in revitalizing the core. Monies were budgeted for the Midland project many years ago. The Midland piece of the puzzle in the revival of downtown Basalt has now been initiated. With the commencement of the project last summer came a number of issues brought by merchants and citizens that are a natural reaction to the disturbance that was occurring. I would encourage much more outreach than has occurred, support a “boots on the ground,” face-to-face daily presence with a constant contact system in place to quickly and efficiently address and solve issues and problems. I would enlist a separate oversight/PR committee of citizen ambassadors/media that would be in front of the construction updates — not behind the progress. Basalt has very competent staff and a qualified contractor in place to manage the technical aspects of the improvements — we need a tactical/cultural presence. Coupled with the start of the Clark’s Market project it could be a busy summer.
3. Basalt has the issue of being in two counties, Pitkin and Eagle, each with their own philosophies. The Carbondale area is also in two counties. Pitkin and Garfield. Both communities are challenged due to the political boundaries of the counties. I was mayor of Basalt in 1999 when the urban growth boundary (UBG) was established in Basalt and our discussions centered around growing from the core of Basalt outward. “Seamless government” was a smart growth goal and a joint planning effort was begun with both counties. The UGB in Basalt is still in place today and at near capacity.
The Valley has proven that a no-growth mentality does not contain growth nor stop the population from expanding. At the present time, there are very few developable parcels left in Basalt to grow into. We must embrace density and opportunities near transit for future housing opportunities and execute the plan that was in place following the setting of the UGB. The Valley must unite behind a climate-focused, sustainable land use model that will provide opportunities for our future generation. I have and will continue to engage any and all citizens in our critical land use decisions.
The growth engine is the core resort of Aspen and Pitkin County and their elected officials must take responsibility for their own expansions and mitigate the impacts that are felt throughout the Valley including the I-70 corridor. Basalt can manage its growth and development on our own terms. Thank you to Mayor Kane and the current council for their hard work.
4. My fourth grade lacrosse players think I started playing the game of lacrosse right after I got off the Mayflower. Like lacrosse, politics is a game of intelligence. The game is played for the benefit of the greater good, not for those with single purpose agendas. There is no sin in thinking younger while growing older, so let’s together set the future up for success.
Kaja Rumney
1. As a local mom, homeowner, business owner, and nurse, I bring a multifaceted perspective to the table and am committed to representing Basalt with integrity, compassion, and dedication. I aim to serve as a council member who actively engages with our community, listens with an open mind, and advocates for the collective interests of our residents.
2. I’m pleased to see the Town’s commitment to enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate the growth in Basalt. It’s crucial that we continue to prioritize support for businesses impacted by the construction process. By doing so, we can ensure the continued prosperity and vitality of our community as we evolve and expand.
3. As Basalt continues to grow, I believe it’s essential to prioritize the development of our community, infrastructure, and Town amenities. By investing in these areas, we can enhance the quality of life for residents, attract new businesses, and create a more vibrant and sustainable future for Basalt. Let’s work together to build a thriving community that meets the needs of all its members.
4. I was born in Norway, lived in three countries before I moved to the U.S. at the age of 10. After spending time in Seattle, Chicago, and Milwaukee, I settled in Basalt.
David Knight
sole mayoral candidate
1. I have been serving on Town Council for the past four years with the last two years as Mayor Pro Tem. During this time I have had the opportunity to work with my fellow councilors and Town staff on efforts to complete the River Park, help find a path forward for the redevelopment of the old Clark’s market building, update building codes to make them more climate friendly, establishing Basalt Connect and digitizing services and information for a better community member experience. I look forward to completing the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project and focusing on affordable housing, additional climate initiatives, child care and youth services, and strengthening community engagement. I have been living in Basalt for the last seven years with my wife and son (9) who attends Basalt Elementary School. I want to continue to see Basalt be the amazing place it is to live, work, and play for decades to come.
2. I believe the changes that are underway as part of the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project are necessary and will enhance Basalt. We will see improvements to infrastructure as well as accessibility and usability of our downtown space. For this final upcoming phase in 2024 it will be critical for the Town to continue to engage with the community and local business stakeholders including upcoming work and schedules, mitigation plans for any issues that arise, and hearing feedback on potential improvements to support during this process.
3. I would like to see growth management over the next four years to be focused on attainable housing within Basalt’s Urban Growth Boundary. There are diverse and overlapping ways to accomplish this including encouraging density near mass transit, varying types of deed restrictions within developments, promoting ADUs where appropriate, land banking, seeking public private partnerships, and incentivizing deed restrictions on existing development. We are at a point where we are at a deficit for attainable housing for our workforce so we need to be intentional about what development decisions we make going forward to support reducing that deficit.
4. I played steel drums on an album in college during my time as a music education major.