Be heard – VOTE!

The Town of Basalt is holding a Special Election on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. 

The Basalt Chamber of Commerce, with over 400 members, represents its members within the Basalt and Midvalley business community. The organization is dedicated to promoting economic growth and community vitality in the valley. 

The board of directors – which includes residents and business operators throughout the Basalt area – has determined that any disruption or delay in the timely completion of the Midland Avenue Streetscape Project will not serve our downtown businesses. Any potential delays will be far more detrimental than the construction itself. The project, which has been underway for over a year, needs to be completed. 

In 2021, the efforts of the citizen-led Basalt Forward 2030 Capital Needs Committee, which included a Basalt Chamber Board member representative, led to Ballot Question 3A during the November 2021 election. The question passed with 65.85% of the vote (642 v 333) votes. [CORRECTION: The original post listed only the Eagle County portion of Basalt voters. The total certified results was 939 v 383 votes; meaning YES/FOR has 71% of the vote]. For over two years, the chamber has collaborated with the town and the design team to promote public outreach and engagement, amplifying project communications.

As Tuesday’s election approaches, the Board of Directors would like to stress the following:

• Be informed about Ballot Question 1. Learn more about the details of the exact question being asked of voters:
  • A YES vote would make modifications to the Municipal Code, and apply these changes to future projects, not current ones. 
  • A NO vote would not change the existing code or existing circumstances, meaning the status quo is maintained.
• Vote in this election if you are a Town of Basalt resident. Please vote your conscience. 
  • If you have not yet voted, please drop off your ballot at Town Hall to ensure that your vote is counted. With less than a week to go, it is too late to mail ballots. 

There is no single solution that will satisfy everyone, and trade-offs are necessary in a project of this magnitude. Behind each person’s opinion is their perspective and good intent. One common thread that is shared in the current discourse is caring deeply about Basalt, the community, and the local businesses. 

Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, the chamber encourages everyone to support our local businesses in whichever way possible, especially those impacted by the construction. One of the best ways to demonstrate your passion and care for Basalt is by supporting the people and businesses that make this town special. Small-town charm goes beyond a sense of place and is really about community and its people. 

Charles R. Swindoll is quoted saying “10% of life is what happens to you, and 90% is how you react to it.” Remember that kindness and positivity go a long way, and it is up to this community to decide how it wants to move forward. The next few months may be challenging, and by working together, we can all make a difference by showing up and focusing on how great Basalt is. Attitudes are a self-fulfilling prophecy – being positive draws people in, while negativity pushes people away. Whatever you decide – you are right.  

The Rolling Stones sang “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need.” The chamber hopes that what we find is a community that comes together to support one another, and our amazing local businesses this summer.