in the city of Aspen is shaping up as 10 candidates for three seats are beginning to present their platforms and establish their strategies to win votes.
And during a pandemic, campaigning is going to look and feel different from previous elections.
There won’t be as much face-to-face interaction, door knocking and in-person fundraisers due public health orders aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“Out of respect for people, I will not go door-to-door,” said Aspen Mayor Torre, adding his fundraising efforts also will look different. “In-person, multi-person gatherings will not be the same.”
Torre is running against Lee Mulcahy, who is in a yearslong legal battle with local government over his eligibility to live in his deed-restricted, subsidized home at Burlingame Ranch.
A man walks by a ballot box as its assembled outside of Aspen City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.
Eight people are running for two open Aspen City Council seats and two candidates for the mayor’s seat in an election that will be decided on March 2.
Monday was the deadline for candidates to submit nominating petitions, and City Clerk Nicole Henning said she received a total of 10 petitions as of 5 p.m.
She now has to verify that at least 25 signatures supporting the candidates are by individuals who reside in Aspen city limits. The deadline to verify is next week.