For decades, We (the People) have been arguing and fighting for "Transparency In Government" and we have finally achieved that goal in our own Montezuma County.
Yes, our county commissioners, in their heavy handed, unsubtle and obvious actions, with respect to their P&Z Commission, have provided a clear and transparent view into their governance.
First, they refused to listen to the repeated, knowledgeable recommendations of their P&Z commission and their P&Z department.
Then they decided to increase the number of P&Z commissioners by adding new seats. The rationale was that we needed more commissioners. Mike Gaddy and Mike Russo were chosen, instead of candidates with significant P&Z credentials.
So the 2 Mikes, who surprisingly support the county commissioners views, changed the balance of P&Z.
Then our county commissioners decided (maybe a year later), when Tim Hunter (who they'd previously and unsuccessfully tried to get rid of), reapplied to remain on P&Z, that there were to many P&Z commissioners and eliminated one position.
Instead of eliminating one of the 2 newest and least experienced members of the P&Z, they chose to eliminate Mr. Hunter whose years of experience has made him inquiring and expressive of an overview.
Seeing as how Mr. Hunter, has with his open mindedness, confrontive personality, has often been in opposition with our current BOCC's agenda, they have shown us through their very transparency, how dangerous arbitrary, caprious and politically planned decisions can be.
Of course, all of what I've said is only my opinion, but I'd like to thank our BOCC for being so obvious and transparent, that even the least involved can clearly see that you make decisions favoring your limited perspective, regardless of the impacts on your county, your constituents and those who will succeed us.
Joel Kantor
Dolores, Colo.