An Aspen businesswoman who conducts balloon rides in the resort town claims she lost $10,000 in business because Vice President Mike Pence spent his Christmas vacation there.
According to the Denver Post, Pam and Bruce Wood, who own Above It All Balloon Co. in Snowmass Village, said flight restrictions imposed by the Secret Service forced them to ground their balloons and cancel the reservations of visitors on holiday vacations which led to a huge financial loss.
“I understand the security aspect,” Pam Wood explained, adding, “but let the little wheels on the track make a living so the rest can roll.”
According to the Woods, clients visiting from out of state were told their high-flying adventures of the snowy landscape had to be canceled due to the vice president's visit, and deposits had to be refunded.
Pence's impact on the community was not limited to the balloon rides.
During his holiday vacation his neighbors taunted him with a rainbow flag banner stating: "Make America gay again."