Editor:
I have been reading the marvelous soap opera that has unfolded in the last week between Mick Ireland and Marilyn Marks, but I must admit that Mayor Ireland’s behavior is quite concerning.
In reading the mayor’s comments, I am whisked back to my 8th grade history class. We were learning about Sen. Joe McCarthy and his battle against communism in the United States. Mayor Ireland is accusing Marks of secret groups and hidden political agendas, just as McCarthy ranted against secret communist plots to overthrow the United States government.
I wonder if Aspen will now witness televised hearings on secret political action groups and investigators combing tax returns to see if money was given to some 527 group. I can imagine Ireland leaning toward the microphone and asking, “Mr. Smith, have you ever given money to the Swift Boat group?” or “Mr. Smith, are you or have you ever been a Republican?” “Mr. Smith, are you trying to run for office in Aspen?”
I believe that the city of Aspen has entered a new era called ‘Irelandism.’ The mayor has gone over the edge. This is a man that wants to build the Burlingame project and he will go through or around anyone or anything to get this done. He is slinging mud at anyone against Burlingame and he is hoping it sticks.
I ask the mayor to prove his accusations against Marks. If you have proof on these matters, let’s see it. I personally do not believe the mayor has any concrete proof against Marks. I just think the mayor wants his employee housing and he is going to destroy anyone that gets in his way by lies and innuendo. That is how Irelandism works.
James H. Perry
Aspen
