Aspen Election Review: More feedback on Aspen's decision to pursue hidden ballots

Email from one of Aspen's Election Commissioners to the City Council regarding process of decision-making for Aspen's Supreme Court Appeal of Marks v. Koch, the ballot transparency case: (Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2011 08:29:05)

I am requesting that the CC, at their next meeting, or a special meeting, schedule time to hear public input relative to the appeal of the Mark vrs Koch case. After the public has had an opportunity to express their thoughts the CC should properly vote to enter into executive session to resolve the matter. There are energies being spent to challenge the process the CC followed to enter into executive session and decide to appeal the case. At question is the legality of entering into executive session from a work session as opposed to a special session or a normal meeting. The outcome may be the same. The process would not be in question.

Nobody I have communicated with question that executive session is a proper process. At question are public notice and the manner in which executive session was evoked. I know the arguments pro and con. I have expressed my beliefs. CC and CoA attorneys have every right to appeal and there are valid arguments to do so.

I am appealing for a better political process and better public relations approach. I am appealing to someone in CC to show leadership to request that the process be in the light of day without the feel of a dark smoke filled room. I know that there is no longer smoke but you get the point.

With respect,

Ward Hauenstein

News Reports

Grand Junction Sentinel

Votes should be secret, Aspen says in appeal

The Aspen City Council voted Tuesday to appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court a lower court’s ruling that election ballots are public records. Last week, a three-judge panel of the Colorado ...

Articles | Posted: 10/04/2011 | Author: Charles Ashby

[site requires registration]

http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/votes_should_be_secret_aspen_s

KMTS News, October 5th [a substantially false report of the facts]
http://www.kmts.com/news/news-october-5th
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AspenPublicRadio Morning Newscasts: October 4, 2011
http://www.aspenpublicradio.org/news_archive_detail.php?story=8909
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ElectionLawBlog.org