Letter: Replace all 3 county commissioners

Editor:

Individually, our Larimer County Commissioners are fine men, but when acting in concert, they cannot be trusted.

One specific example of a betrayal is this: When the Bellvue Historic Foundation learned that Greeley planned to place a 60-inch pipe right along the river, and specifically through our farm, members came together, called meetings, presented findings to the Commissioners, had photo ops, etc. Many spoke of bad experiences with the Pleasant Valley pipe; all were disgusted with the process and concerned about proximity to the river.

The commissioners politely listened and on BHF’s behalf even wrote a letter to the Greeley Water Department (Dec. 8, 2011), suggesting the planned route was not good, more study was needed and that County Road 54G might be a better route.

However, eight days later (Dec. 16, 2011), Gary Buffington, director of Natural Resources and apparently knighted by the commissioners, signed a crossing agreement with Greeley (without any public notice) that granted rights of access and construction through Lion’s Park. This action gave the equivalent of final blessing to Greeley’s designs and was obviously in the works for a long time. Questions remain about Buffington’s authority to sign an agreement for real estate transactions normally reserved for the commissioners, but there you have it.

None of us locals affected by this agreement knew of this betrayal until a year later when we requested records via the Colorado Open Records Act.

Not only is it a travesty to rip apart 10 acres of public land by the river that has been preserved at taxpayer expense for wildlife, but it was a slap in the face to our family. When I belatedly learned of the double-dealing, I immediately called one commissioner and his shocking response was a laugh and “Oh, you’ve known all along that pipe is going through your farm.”

People elected to represent us should represent us, not Greeley. All three commissioners need to be replaced.

Rose L. Brinks
LaPorte