An Aspen man is suing the city in an effort to make an upcoming vote on a lodge proposal null and void. As Aspen Public Radio’s Carolyn Sackariason reports, the resident contends City Council abused its discretion when approving Base 2 lodge.
Tim Murray is asking a Pitkin County District Court judge to rescind the council’s June vote on the 37-room lodge because a former councilman who voted in favor of the project now works for the developer.
“Once you’ve betrayed the public trust or appeared to have betrayed the public trust, you’ve lost it," he says.
Murray, who is representing himself, argues former councilman Dwayne Romero violated the state constitution which says no elected statewide officeholder can represent another person or entity for two years after leaving the public seat. Romero left office in June and began working for downtown developer Mark Hunt, who is behind the lodge.
Murray also alleges conflicts of interest violations among council members during the Base 2 review, which is a violation of the municipal code.
City Attorney Jim True couldn’t be reach for comment. The city has not responded to the lawsuit and the court has yet to set a status conference in the case. There is a public vote on the proposed lodge Nov. 3.
Carolyn Sackariason, Aspen Public Radio news.