Gentlemen:
In November of 2006, we presented you with the results (as well as a description of methodology) of a scientific survey which we had performed (at no cost to the county) by a professional, independent, Colorado-based, nationally-recognized polling organization to determine the sentiment of county residents on our Master Plan. Unlike our Planning Commission, we consulted with our county Land Use Dept. professionals to determine what kind of information would be useful in their work, and incorporated their input into the design of the 5 questions asked of randomly selected, likely Montrose county voters. The results (with a 95% confidence level) clearly demonstrated that a significant number of our citizens were unfamiliar with our Master Plan; but, of those who were- two thirds were in favor of updating it (as mandated in the document itself) and using it (as a basis for density and zoning ordinances) to manage growth in our county. We also published the results in the Montrose Daily Press.
Since that time, we have observed the 3 dominant members of our Planning Commission frustrate the will of the citizens- as expressed in the results of its own subsequent survey- by inventing a plethora of lame excuses- to delay, protract, and stonewall any efforts to move forward on this matter. Furthermore, the PUBLIC RECORD REPEATEDLY DOCUMENTS their undeniable pattern of treating their “customersâ€? (the public) with contempt, their co-workers (other Planning Commissioners & professional land use staff) with insult and disdain, and their superiors (you- the BOCC) with acrimony and insolence. They have regularly embarrassed, disgraced, and dishonored themselves by demonstrating an egregious ignorance of basic democratic principles, and by violating the public trust while serving in their official public capacity - placing their own agenda (consistent with their development and real estate backgrounds) above that of their constituents’… THAT- not their personal views- is their failure.
We presented you with a letter titled “Planning Commission- Vote of No Confidence” on 29 January 2007, clearly documenting these allegations, and asking for relief in whatever form you determined best. We followed that up with subsequent letters on the 6th and 18th of February 2007, as well as personal visits to your office. (copies attached)
Additionally, we published a piece entitled “Master Plan Revision Process” in the Montrose Daily Press on 16 March 2007 (copy attached) which summarized our grievances… and asked why our county government allows this debacle to continue? This Planning Commission - under the direction of these 3 commissioners - has been completely dysfunctional. Rather than creating an inclusive and cooperative environment, bringing citizens together to discuss possible SOLUTIONS to our very real growth issues, they have engaged in divisive and caustic rhetoric which has unnecessarily divided our community. No one is suggesting that our farmers and ranchers (whose excellent land stewardship is responsible for the rural and agricultural heritage that we all enjoy) abdicate their private property rights, or “donate” their land to county open space. If the citizens of this county value that heritage, then we better be prepared to step up and fund it… in whatever form that takes. But first we have to facilitate some discussion… wherever that takes us. This Planning Commission has PROVEN unwilling and unable to meet this fundamental responsibility.
The only entities who benefit from the status quo are the short-term speculators and fly-by-night realtors and developers, who have no long-term stake in maintaining our quality of life. Communities who have instituted growth ordinances have not surprisingly benefited from rising property values- precisely because quality was maintained.
The citizens of this county have waited long enough. We again ask you to review the record, exercise some basic leadership and simple courage, and act in the best long-term interest of Montrose County. No more… no less.
(enclosures)
Respectfully- John Cossick
cc: Montrose County Land Use Dept., Montrose Daily Press
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