Meis wrong to vote on drilling plan
I have lived here 32 years and have never seen a more flagrant insult to the land-use code and the people than what was allowed by the Mesa County commissioners Aug. 12.
Delta Petroleum Company made application to expand a drilling operation on six acres on the Grand Mesa near Vega Reservoir. Instead of waiting for the outcome of the pending application, they continued operations on the site as if it didn’t matter whether it was approved or not.
The County Code Enforcement Office had to issue a cease-and-desist order to stop them. The Planning Commission denied their permit. Delta Petroleum went to the commissioners to obtain a conditional use permit. One would expect an honest and objective review of the matter; perhaps some accountability for a company conducting a $36 million operation which requires them to operate with a permit.
Instead Mr. Meis acknowledges that he has several contracts with Delta Petroleum Company, but says that detail will not prevent him from rendering a fair decision. He voted to grant the company their permit. No consequence, no accountability, no apology, no fine and no penalty.
I proposed at that hearing that Mr. Meis recuse himself when making decisions about companies with whom he has a business relationship. After all, he was elected to represent the whole county’s interest, not just his and the energy companies with who he does business.
I also proposed that Delta Petroleum contribute $300,000 to a fund to assist low income and senior citizens on fixed income with their gas bills this winter. Delta has a responsible board of directors including former Sen. Hank Brown that I feel certain would consider such a contribution in lieu of a fine. But unfortunately Mr. Meis did not ask.
DAN ROBINSON
Grand Junction

Denver group’s claim about Buescher are wrong
A pro-business group has put out a flier about Bernie Buescher that is not honest. We don’t need Denver groups in our politics here in western Colorado.
Bernie Buescher votes with the Denver liberals time and time again. The headlines should have said “Denver-based Democratic interest group supports Buescher.”
Bernie Buescher and the Denver Democrats are not good for business and Mesa County taxpayers. We can’t afford their tax-and-spend mentality.
There is a much better choice for the state House of Representatives. It is Laura Bradford. She is a friend of business and taxpayers of Mesa County.
MIKE GREGG
Grand Junction

McCain’s comments show he’s wrong for Colorado
Presidential candidate and Arizona Sen. John McCain thinks that the Colorado River Compact of 1922 should be renegotiated in light of current demands on the river.  This sounds like he favors sending more water to the lower basin states of Arizona and California.
Water in Colorado and especially Colorado River water is already over appropriated. Our Western values, our way of life and our future economic vitality are directly linked to our water. There is no more precious resource in our state.
Sen. McCain is completely out of touch with reality in Colorado.
R. JEFFERSON SMITH
Grand Junction

Rec center would be great for youngsters in the city
I am 9 years old. I would like people to know that I support the campaign for a new recreation center in Grand Junction.
A rec center would be great because we could swim all year around. It would be a safe place to swim and exercise and hang out with your friends.
JED WILSON
Grand Junction

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