From: WAND_M@gold.colorado.edu
Subject: Aspen group plans ad opposing Amendment 2
Followup-To: co.politics.amend2.discuss
Originator: gina@rintintin.Colorado.EDU
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 16:32:11 GMT

Aspen group plans ad opposing Amendment 2
By Greg Trinker, Special to the Denver Post

Led by the Aspen Skiing Co., officials of several Aspen groups hope to buy a 
full-age advertisement in a nationally prominent newspaper this month to 
trumpet Aspen's opposition to Amendment 2.

"It is important that Aspen takes the lead in letting the world know we do not 
approve of discrimination," said Tom Hines, president of the Aspen Chamber and 
Resort Association.

Hines admitted "some group or individual will have to step forward" with a 
significant donation for the expensive ad to materialize  "as soon as we 
wanted."

The ad is to be designed as an "Open Letter To The Nation."  Local groups are 
looking to have it run in either USA Today, the Los Angeles Times or the New 
York Times, with the cost up to $75,000 for a single-page advertisement.

Former Aspen Mayor Bill Stirling, who directed the town's unsuccessful anti-fur 
ordinance several years ago, is drafting the letter.  He said it will spell out 
"Aspen's long, unabashed commitment to tolerance--a fairness and openness to 
all people."

"Aspen is trying to take the high road instead of waiting for the state of 
Colorado as a whole," Stirling said.

John Norton, senior vice president of the Aspen Skiing Co., said he didn't know 
how much the skiing company would contribute, but Aspen City Manager Amy 
Margerum said the city would probably donate $1,000 to $5,000.

"From an economic viewpoint, we are concerned people won't come to Colorado," 
she said.

Aspen has a lot to lose.  Gross retail sales for the city hit a robust $236 
million in 1991, with most of it from the tourist industry.

Margerum noted that in 1976 Aspen became the first Colorado community to pass 
an anti-gay discrimination ordinance.  The city also has filed suit with 
Denver, Boulder and seven individuals, including Aspen tennis star Martina 
Navratilova, seeking to have the amendment declared unconstitutional.

The effect of Amendment 2 on Aspen's 16th annual "Gay Ski Week," scheduled for 
the last week in January, is unclear.  One gay leader from Los Angeles is 
urging gays to come to Aspen as a demonstration of their refusal to be 
intimidated by the new Colorado amendment.

Gay Ski Week, attended by thousands of gays and lesbians, is one of the 
largest--and most lucrative--ski groups to book en masse in Aspen.

The local community has wrestled with how openly to embrace Gay Ski Week.  The 
city received numerous complaints last year when a banner fluttered over Main 
Street declaring "Welcome to Gay Ski Week."

The week "shouldn't be a big deal, but it is controversial," Norton said.  
"Some of our guests are uncomfortable being here and finding themselves in the 
minority all of a sudden."

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