Message from the Mayor regarding Snodgrass

Gunnison Country Times Editor Chris Dickey recently asked the mayors of Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Mt Crested Butte to comment on the Forest Service decision to deny the Snodgrass appeal. Here are the questions and my complete answers.

1) CBMR says it needs Snodgrass to be successful over the long term. Do you think if they don't expand, then, that they ultimately will fail?

That's very difficult for me to evaluate. I have no experience managing a ski area so I have no informed opinion about whether or not Snodgrass is the best solution. However, I may be able to provide an analogy regarding my thoughts about success. Most businesses seem to need to grow to meet the common definitions of success. Does a newspaper need to grow to stay in business. How do you meet the demands of increasing costs, increasing overhead, and increasing personnel costs without growth. Charging more for the paper could be a self-defeating strategy. Growth seems to be necessary just to maintain the status quo.

2) Do you think there are more ways than currently are being worked on in which the community as a whole can support the local ski industry? Or is that even necessary?

I believe the relationship between the local communities and CBMR must be a two-way street. Each must benefit from the relationship for there to be long term success. I see two major factors affecting this relationship as it evolves: the two-way street is perceived as being out of balance at this time; and I have observed that the values of the people in Gunnison County seem to be changing. The mayors of the three towns are meeting with CBMR this week to discuss these issues. I am hoping for an open, candid dialog.

3) How important is CBMR to the City of Gunnison, in your opinion?

I'm not able to quantify the impact of CBMR on the City of Gunnison in terms of dollars, (but I sure would like to have a better idea of the full picture so we could make more informed decisions). CBMR is important to Gunnison in several ways: some locals desire the recreational opportunity; the ski area is an important recruiting tool for WSC; CBMR provides employment for some locals and WSC students; some of the visitors spend money in Gunnison businesses; and there is some trickle down from success up valley.

Follow up item from Mayor Ferguson. The mayors did meet with CBMR this week. The result was an open exchange of issues and ideas. The group will continue to meet as needed to promote better communication and collaborate on solutions. Look for positive results in the next few weeks!