The owners of the Aspen Club are asking City Council to grant them a zoning variance so they may build timeshare condominiums in a residential neighborhood whose zoning prohibits such uses. They are asking the council to bend the rules for the benefit of the owners' wallets and their business — a privately owned and members-only club.

The city is being asked to bail out the Aspen Club, which is in direct competition with the city's own club — the Aspen Recreation Center (ARC). The ARC does not break even or turn a profit. It would seem prudent for council to refuse to consider any arguments to bend the rules by any entity that is in competition with the city's own, subsidized facility until that facility is at least paying for itself. In other words, if the Aspen Club would like to guarantee the shortfalls in operating costs of the city's competing Rec Center, the City Council then may be asked to hear their plea for the privilege to have a timeshare hotel.

The council should have enough respect for the taxpayers' enormous investment in the ARC that it insist on compensation of some kind to protect that investment.

I think the obvious answer is to respect the zoning that is in place in the neighborhood where the Aspen Club resides, to reject the Aspen Club's proposal and to let free-market competition rule. If the Aspen Club cannot survive without being granted special favors, then so be it.

seful information about how RDO protects consumers, and where to get news, consumer advice and updates on the latest developments in the timeshare industry

What is RDO?

The Resort Development Organisation (RDO) was established following the decision by the European Timeshare Federation in February 1998 to integrate all national timeshare trade assocations across Europe into one official membership organisation. It works to improve representation for reputable companies in Europe's timeshare sector, and to promote and maintain quality standards,fair trading and growth within the expanding timeshare industry. RDO is a non-profit member association that actively campaigns against fraudulent operators, provides information to the authorities to help shut down bogus holiday clubs and actively works to alert consumers to timeshare scams and protect consumers' interests.

Who are its members?

Industry members representing a wide variety of sectors of the timeshare industry have joined RDO, from countries all over Europe. Some of the biggest names in the resort development industry are RDO members, such as Hilton, Pestana Resorts and Sol Melia, and exchange companies, management, marketing companies, trustees, finance entities and resale companies. Every member must abide by a strict code of ethics which helps protect consumers who can look forward to enjoying many years of quality timeshare holidays with the peace of mind and the assurance that they are buying from a reputable, quality company.

Who does RDO work with to regulate the timeshare sector?

RDO works with governments at both national and European level to create fair legislation that will not only protect consumers' interests, but ensure that overall industry standards are maintained, that positive growth is encouraged. RDO liaises with the media to increase consumer awareness of both the timeshare and fractional ownership industries.

Facts and figures

* 90 industry members

* 51 fradulent timeshare operators closed down since 2008

* 14 countries with National Associations, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Finland (covering the Scandinavian region), Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK

The Fractional Ownership Trade Association is FSOTA

In addition to its activities as an official timeshare industry body in Europe, RDO is also the parent company of FSOTA www.fsota.org, the Fractional and Shared Ownership Trade Assocaition. FSOTA promotes the growth of the fractional and shared ownership industry in a responsible, honest and transparent manner, based on principles of fair trading, professionalism and quality of products and services.

News and consumer alerts, advice and updates at GoTimeshare and GoFractional

Consumers and industry followers looking for news, consumer advice and features on timeshare and fractional ownership can visit RDO's consumer websites: www.gotimeshare.org and www.gofractional.org for more on new developments, consumer alerts and more details on what's happening in the industry today, both in Europe and all over the world.

Dying to go on vacation but short on money? Consumer Reports ShopSmart says time-shares offer a real bargain, but not buying a time-share, renting one.

That's because there's a glut of time-share properties for rent these days, and owners are eager to negotiate.

Caryn Alexander says the vacation time-share she and her husband purchased has allowed her family to take some great trips together.

"I like to try different experiences. I think that's what makes vacation fun," Alexander said.

But Consumer Reports ShopSmart says these days you don't have to buy in order to enjoy what many people like about time-shares  resort facilities, a lot of room, including a kitchen and living room, in exotic locations.

"In this economic downturn, time-share owners are anxious to rent. So you can negotiate a really good deal. We found some as low as $400 a week and many in the $600-$1,200 range," said Mandy Walker, Consumer Reports.

Some good sites to check are My Resort Network, which is free, as well as Timeshare Users Group and RedWeek.com, which charge a membership fee of $15 a year for full access.

"The sites we checked out have plenty of rent-from-owner listings and are categorized by location and even activities, like skiing or golf," Walker said.

Be sure to check out reviews of the resort where the time-share is located, either on the rental sites or on free travel sites like Trip Advisor and Travelocity.

"Keep in mind that most time-shares require at least a weekend and sometimes a week-long booking," said Walker.

But with a few clicks of the mouse, getting in a getaway this year just may be within reach.

When you're looking for a time-share rental, Consumer Reports says check out prices for comparable properties. That puts you in a better position to negotiate. And don't forget to ask the owner about what amenities are available, including restaurants, and if you have to pay extra for housekeeping.