I wanted to make sure people have a clear understanding of my employment at Vail Resorts and my record on the town of Vail’s Planning and Environmental Commission. I am an 18-year veteran of the Vail Ski Patrol, not because it supports my livelihood, but because I enjoy helping people and keeping them safe. I spend the other seven months a year as a builder supporting my family and, as my wife says, “paying for my ski patrol habit.”
My record on PEC is very clear. I have always chosen the people’s interest over any others during my three-plus years of service. I was the loudest critic of Vail Resorts on the PEC when the Gore Creek contamination occurred. If anyone has taken any time to review the hundreds of hours of PEC meetings I have been involved in, it is very clear that my position has always been to represent the people of Vail first and foremost.
I am running for Town Council to continue the important work I have started on PEC. I have spent most of my adult life here fighting to stay in Vail and trying to help keep it a town. True locals understand that working seasonally for Vail Resorts does not mean you are beholden to the company. In fact, most people who do work for the ski company have many other sources of income to make it work. Anyone who knows me knows that I am very transparent about who I am and who I represent. You don’t spend hundreds of hours as an unpaid commissioner unless you really are trying to do some good.
I know the election is ending soon, so make sure as voters you do your own research. My public record is available to anyone. Those who will look at it will not question my loyalties to the people of Vail. I said in the candidate forum, “I represent the people’s will, not my own.” Please vote and help Vail move forward to better things.
Reid Phillips
Vail