Elbert county news 0808

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News

Elbert 8.8.13

Elbert County

August 8, 2013

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A Colorado Community Media Publication

ourelbertcountynews.com

Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 28

Residents challenge decision by county Group wants oil, gas question on fall ballot By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com

Patrons at the SaddleUp! Suitcase Party enjoyed posing for photos in front of the private jet that was waiting to whisk one lucky couple away on a trip to the California wine country. Photos by Deborah Grigsby

SaddleUp! gala reins in local jet set Airport event benefits equine therapy ranch By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews.com Travelers adorned in gauzy light summer pastels packed their bags for the third annual SaddleUp! Suitcase Party, each hoping to win seats on a private jet bound for California wine country, departing directly from the event. The popular gala filled the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport on Aug. 3 with patrons, prizes, fine wine, saddleup! and an “A” list of foundation local media, sports celebrities and To learn more about politicians, all with SaddleUp! or to pay for hay, hopes of helping go online to www.saddle others. upfoundation.org or call The SaddleUp! 303-788-1666 Foundation is nonLocations: profit organizaSaddleUp! at Bear’s Barn tion that provides 11152 E. Daley Circle equine-assisted Parker, CO 80134 therapy to adults and children with SaddleUp! at Swift Creek special needs. 39850 Swift Creek Circle With facilities in Elizabeth, CO 80107 Parker and Elizabeth, SaddleUp! conducts supervised therapies in a familyfriendly ranch environment. “Although I’ve never had need, myself, for equine therapy, I think what this organization does with kids is absolutely amazing,” said Joan Marks, of Denver. “There is just something so special in that connection between kids and horses. I just can’t

Supporters of equine-assisted therapy packed the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport on Aug. 2. The annual gala event is a fundraiser for SaddleUp!, a nonprofit organization with locations in Parker and Elizabeth that provides therapy horses for children and adults with special needs. explain it, but it seems to work.” Sporting a throwback aviation theme, patrons were treated to live entertainment and dancing by “American Idol” contestant Richie Law, as well as The Moderators, a Denver-based band comprised of local titans of industry, including presidents and CEOs of Colorado’s small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Silent and live auction items included VIP tickets to the Solheim Cup, weekend

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use of a Ferrari and mountain vacation packages. Some patrons chose the “pay for hay” option, donating directly to a fund that feeds the organization’s 15 horses. “I have horses of my own and know that it’s not cheap, so this option fits our family better than a set of golf clubs or something,” said Anna Steele. “Besides, I always have a soft spot for anything that has to do with horses.” SaddleUp! Foundation programs provide therapy for mentally, emotionally and physically challenged individuals. Working with several established healthcare providers such as Craig Hospital, Children’s Hospital and the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work, the program serves an average of 4,500 participants per year. More than 150 volunteers guide horses and spot riders, so participants can ride safely and train with therapists.

A local grassroots initiative is challenging a decision by the Elbert County commissioners that many say ignores the efforts and desires of the residents they were elected to serve. Jill Duvall, co-coordinator of the Elbert County Oil and Gas Interest Group, says the surprising July 10 decision not to amend land-use regulations for oil and gas exploration is a slap in the face not only to residents, but to the all-volunteer group that spent more than two years developing the accompanying documents. Now Duvall and others want this fall’s ballot to include the question of whether those regulations should be adopted. “While some of the commissioners suggest the vote reflects exactly what the people want, we challenge them to put it on the November ballot,” Duvall said. “If the decision is truly what the people of Elbert County want, then that will be reflected by the vote and strengthen their position even more.” But Duvall, a retired schoolteacher and former candidate for county commissioner herself, said her personal effort to reach out to the commissioners on the subject has received a rather cold welcome. In a July 26 email to District 2 Commissioner Kurt Schlegel, Duvall wrote, “Please put the proposed oil and gas regs to a vote of the people. Since we are already having an election this fall, there is no additional cost to the county. This is democracy in action!” Schlegel declined her request, replying “No thank you. FYI — we live in a Constitutional Republic that is based on democratic principles — not a democracy.” Duvall said the group is now circulating a petition to ask the Board of County Commissioners to put the question on the ballot. The petition is circulated locally and is not the same as a similar online petition, and Duvall says those interested in signing should contact her directly. “The sad part of it is, this is only a symbolic petition,” she explained. “The state of Colorado considers a county an extension of itself, and only a town, city or home rule municipality can circulate a ballot initiative,” she said. “In Elbert County, the BOCC approves everything that goes on the ballot, so we are simply hoping to get enough signatures and show them there are a lot of people who think differently than they do.”

to contact county commissioneRs Robert Rowland, District 1, 303-621-3132 robert.rowland@elbertcounty-co.gov Kurt Schlegel, District 2, 303-621-3139 kurt.schlegel@elbertcounty-co.gov Larry Ross, District 3, 303-621-3114 larry.ross@elbertcounty-co.gov To contact Elbert County Oil and Gas Interest Group: Jim and Jill Duvall, 303-646-3202 jduvall908@aol.com


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