Aspen Council Member Doyle Challenges Ittner Over Ski Expansion

Gunnison —"We have 5,700 acres of lift served skiing, nearly nine square miles. Amid the climate crisis, we don’t need more."

That statement from Aspen City Council member John Doyle set the tone for a tense Friday night at the Grassroots TV studio in Aspen. It was the latest in a series of debates leading up to the Nov. 3 election, and it highlighted the sharp divide between the two candidates vying for the District 1 seat on the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners.

Doyle, who is challenging former Commissioner Rob Ittner for the open seat, kicked off the discussion by criticizing his opponent’s campaign strategy. Specifically, he took issue with Ittner’s use of artificial intelligence to generate campaign imagery.

“He’s been using it to change his own physical appearance," Doyle told the audience, moderated by The Aspen Times’ River Stingray and The Aspen Daily News correspondent Kaya Williams. "I’ve seen mountains in the backgrounds of many of his images that are not mountains from Aspen. That doesn’t really speak to the community to me."

Ittner, who served on the board from 2011 to 2015, defended his approach. He argued that the AI tools allow him to dedicate more time to being on the street corners and along Highway 82, up and down the valley. He described himself as the "hardest worker in the room," emphasizing that he is bringing his business background to the table to "ask tough questions" and "demand results."

The debate moved quickly from campaign mechanics to the issues that actually affect daily life in the valley. For Doyle, the environment is the central pillar of his platform. He described his campaign as "by and for locals," noting he has spent the past 10 days knocking on doors. His opposition to ski area expansion is well-known, but he also pointed to other actionable items, such as making the airport more environmentally friendly and voting for the Healthy Community Fund.

Ittner countered that he is also an environmental advocate, pointing to policies he supported during his previous term, including the protection of Thompson Divide and water rights.

The airport came up repeatedly in their exchange. Both candidates agreed that the current parking situation needs rethinking, though they framed it differently. Ittner stressed the importance of prioritizing safety with the runway design while suggesting a broader transportation plan to reduce reliance on parking.

"I think we need to look at some of the parking and whether there are better plans for some sort of transportation plan that can get away from that parking," Ittner said.

Doyle echoed the sentiment, beginning to discuss the merits of a parking garage before the segment ended.

While District 1 is focused on growth and infrastructure, the race for the second open seat tells a different story. Ted Mahon, who was appointed to the role last winter, is facing off against Emily Kolbe. Kolbe was also in consideration for the appointment but ultimately stepped down to run in the general election.

The question is whether voters will reward Mahon for his experience or give Kolbe a second chance to shape the county’s direction. With one week left, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts on the ground.

For Doyle, the path forward is clear in his mind. He isn't just running to slow growth; he's running to manage it.

"We don’t need more," Doyle said, a sentiment that resonates with many neighbors tired of the rapid changes in Aspen and Edwards. "We need to protect what we have."