Airport committees spend less in recent period | News

The latest financial reports for two campaign finance committees associated with two competing airport ballot issues showed similar spending but one committee has much more cash on hand.

Ballot Questions 1C and 200 focus on the future of the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, asking voters to amend the county’s governing document, the Home Rule Charter. Today is Election Day and polls close at 7:00 pm.

Question 200 asks voters to remove the authority of the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners to alter or move the runway from the state it was in in January 2024 without voter approval. It was put forward by the citizens group and Our Airport Our Vote issue committee, which campaigned for its passage.

Question 1C asks voters to “confirm” the board’s authority to approve the airport’s layout, including the runway replacement. It was placed on the ballot by commissioners after citizens pushed for Question 200. The Many People for a Better Airport issue committee is campaigning on its behalf.

For the Oct. 11 to Oct. 27 reporting period, OAOOV reported expenses of $63,250 — up from $117,424 the group reported between July 21 and Oct. 11. This report, ending October 27, was second report including finances.

The largest donor was again Citizens Against Big Airplanes, a 501(c)(4) organization. CABP donated $55,000 to OAOV during the most recent period, according to a statement of contributions and expenses filed with the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder.

The remaining $10,200 collected during this period came from two citizens. OJSC entered the reporting period with US$4,008 in cash on hand.

Whole Lot People for a Better Airport reported spending $64,613 during the Oct. 11-27 reporting period, down from $79,648 spent in the previous reporting period.

The group’s biggest backer this cycle was real estate development company Clayco and its executive chairman and founder Robert Clark. Both Clark and Clayco donated $10,000 each, according to the report.

The list of donations included an additional 16 individual donations. No 501(c)(4) donations have been recorded. The group also reported $588 in in-kind donations from Aspen Skiing Co. during this reporting period that were designated as “lottery items.”

The group entered the reporting period with a military budget of $72,521. During the last reporting period, the company raised $31,867, leaving it with $39,775 on hand.

Overall, OAOV reported total contributions of $69,208, while Many People for a Better Airport reported $104,398.

In Colorado, there are no limits on contributions to graduation committees. There is another deadline for reporting contributions and expenses – December 10th.

Both groups reported spending on digital and print advertising, mailings, signage and legal services.