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Way of the World
Page 2 Lost Creek Guide August 19, 2020
– Way of the World –
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by Bob Grand Times we are in call for leadership. There is no guidebook on what right thing is to do. All
The world never slows down, have you noticed? Election day is coming in November. In we can do is vote for who we think can do the best job and see what happens. I am afraid we reality, it will probably be a lot earlier with mail in ballots. I am not going to suggest who you all in for an experience that will not necessarily be pleasant. should vote for. That is up to you, as it should be. All I ask is that you look at the facts, think As always, your thoughts and comments are always appreciated: publisher@lostcreekabout them, and base your decision on who to vote for, whoever it is, on which candidate guide.com would best represent what you believe to be the best course for the future for you, your family, your town, your county, your state, and the country. There is a large percentage of voters who will not do that. They will either vote Democratic or Republican, blindly. I challenge you to LETTER TO THE EDITOR explain the difference between the Democratic National Committee and the Old guard Republican party members in Weld County. Do either really care about the people they are supposed to represent, or do they just want to maintain the status quo control of their organizations, the Letter to the Voters for Weld County Commissioner District 3 Race public be damned? In science it often happens that scientists say, ‘You know that’s a really good argument;
There is a quote often attributed to George Orwell, author of 1984, that goes something like my position is mistaken,’ and then they would actually change their minds and you nevthis: During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. He really er hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn’t happen as often as it did not say it. The point is, we live in times where statements are made by people who want should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens evyou to believe what they say. Supported by a media that plays extremely fast and loose with ery day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.” the truth. Because it is America you have a right to say what you think, that does not mean ― Carl Sagan that what you say is true. Be aware and be questioning. Just because it appeals to you on the Weld County Government has been coasting. It has been coasting for a very long time. When surface does not mean it is right. We have been going through a period that all Americans done correctly governing is of the people, by the people, for the people. We, the citizens of Weld should be concerned with. Being vilified because you disagree with someone is wrong. We County have abdicated our responsibility because it seemed unimportant and mundane. Roads have a right to our opinions, and we are entitled to voice them, protected by the United States got fixed, not quickly or well. The Sherriff’s Department grew, but could not retain qualified inConstitution. That does not mean you should fabricate a set of facts to support it. There is dividuals, because of low pay and morale. Morale is low within the department because jails are some justice. Nicholas Sandmann, the Covington High School student who sued the Washbeing used as storage facilities for humans who have mental problems. Weld County Governington Post for defamation, has settled his case for an undisclosed sum. There is still half ment has outsourced the management of the county wherever it can. The management of that a dozen more suits he has filed. It is unfortunate but all of us should be concerned that the growth is now in the hands of for profit developers. The fluid that has calmed the normal forces press and the government should pursue individuals for political objectives without having that would have brought change over the decades? Oil. The resource curse, often spoken of in consequences if it is proven they have violated the constitutional rights of anyone. Recently places like Nigeria or Congo, can effect places as small and localized as a county. there was an interesting piece about applying the Bivens Act (403 US 388 1971), where the Mistakes and bad decisions can be ignored or paved over when taxes from the sale of oil and Supreme Court established the right to bring lawsuit for financial damages against individual natural gas can be used to cover them. Pet projects like paved roads to county commissioner’s law enforcement officers acting under the color of Federal law, for violations of constitutional houses can be green lighted and justification for them never explained. A time of reckoning is rights. With the announcement this past Friday of the first guilty plea in the Russian investiupon Weld County which has relied on this as an excuse for true fiscal responsibility. In July gation one has to wonder how far up the chain the path will lead and to what criminal and civil of 2020 only 5 rigs are currently active in the state of Colorado. In normal times a rig count in actions might evolve. We all should be concerned. This time around it was the President and excess of 30 is considered normal. Oil and Gas tax revenue has been the proverbial tide that some of the people around him that were accused, and because many people do not like the has covered up Weld County’s naked swimming. It will not last. Oil and Gas in the Wattenberg President little was said. This time is was the President, if left unchecked who does it happen Field isn’t as easy or as cheap as it once was, and unless some dramatic new technology comes to next? You or a family member? along that refreshes and invigorates the Niobrara Formation it is unlikely that the Northern
Our Governor and the state legislature have a very unpleasant budget experience to deal Colorado fields will be as cost competitive as the Texas and California fields are, much less the with, a significant revenue shortfall. This year the pain was offset by having large COVID 19 Saudi, Russian and even Venezuelan fields are. Good news is that we will always beat the cost payments to dip into that were not scrutinized very hard as to where they went, not so in the and difficulty of production of Brent, North Sea Oil. Bad news to be Norway or The United future. Colorado, by law, has to have a balanced budget. Our entire state budget needs to be Kingdom! Speaking of Norway, Did you know that they have a sovereign fund that they use to reviewed, line by line, something the federal government would be wise to do. Do not hold maintain fiscal and political independence? Weld County could have done something simiy7our breath. Did you know that the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission raised the lar, but the Republicans chose to lobby for a 51 st state. We must stop this silliness and short mil levy used to fund operations rate it charges oil and gas companies 36% to fund operations sighted way of dealing with the problem faced by the county. One way or another the county including the five new full-time paid Directors at $150,000 per year each? Did anyone ask will have to diversify out of oil and gas and into its primary source of its wealth, the people of what the level of oil & gas exploration is projected to be and does the COGCC staff of 140 really Weld County. need to be at the same staffing level that was supporting almost twice the production rate that Barbara Kirkmeyer has been County Commissioner for District 3 from 1993-2001, 2008- is being forecasted? The Governor and the state legislature have a tough task, I do not envy 2020. She’s now running for State Senate 23 because she has been term limited twice now at what they will have to do but do it they must. You think you hear squealing at the county fairs? the county level. Her Republican replacement is Lori Saine, whose sole claim to fame is an ar
The RTD has the same issues, aggravated by a continuing reduction in ridership. The new rest for trying to board a plane with a loaded 9mm, and being called by Denver’s weekly Westnormal of working from home generated by the COVID 19 has changed RTD demand and word, “Colorado’s Nastiest, Most Clueless Politician.” Lori is leaving her term limited position will continue to do so. Will we continue to follow a theoretically plan for urban transportaat House District #63, to continue employment in governmental bureaucracy having failed at tion demand or will we realize and accept demand is changing, not that I am convinced it was the state level and bringing that failure to a more home level, Weld County District 3. Where there to begin with. Why don’t our elected officials start asking questions? Tax monies are not her cluelessness, and poor decision making can continue the legacy left by Barbara Kirkmeyer unlimited. Someone will eventually ask how come we are paying full salary and benefits for of ignoring the needs of Southern Weld County and it citizens the same way she’s ignore comgovernment employees, who for many, are providing a shadow of services that they did before mon sense and good taste. She hopes to use District 3 like Kirkmeyer is, as a home base while COVID 19. Unpleasant to talk about, you bet. The reality is someone needs to be asking what they plot their never ending climb for ever higher political office. Are we really just a jumping are the options? The old normal is dying. Where is the reality to face the new world we are board to them? Can’t we encourage them to seek greener pastures in private industry, somedealing with? Small business owners, the core of our economy, the core of our employment thing neither one knows anything about? I know I plan to vote for them to spread their wings opportunities, are facing challenges every day just to survive. When will government employand experience what the rest of us know all too well. ees begin to taste the realities of life? In my view only when we hold our elected officials acMichael Welsh countable. Perhaps then, we might see more solutions being developed. Democratic Candidate for Weld County Commissioner District 3
Education is not exempt from the issues we are all facing. Going back to school is important for our young people. It represents many challenges to both parents, school districts and the young people themselves. This is all uncharted waters. Colleges have the same issue. Online learning programs are very real and how do you balance an infrastructure that was designed to support in person learning to something way different. Change will have to come. Like in business there will be those who do better than others and they will survive. Those that don’t, won’t.
The Los Creek Guide, L
Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com Our deadline is 7 lcgnews.com working days before publication 105 Woodward - PO Box 581 Keenesburg, CO 80643
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