New Clear Creek commissioners betrayed voters with stance on open-space buy
Editor:
We elect commissioners every four years who we believe are going to serve the best interests of the county. During the vetting process, we listen to their priorities and ask questions so as to determine who among the candidates would do the best job. We trust that candidates truthfully present their views. Hence, it is more than disappointing to witness recently elected commissioners succumb to politics as usual, warping into unrecognizable, twisted shapes that contradict positions stated when campaigning.
Such was the case on Friday, Aug. 16, when the county commissioners met to consider if the Open Space Commission should be allowed to negotiate to purchase the Snow Mountain (previously Williams) property on Floyd Hill — the meadow that many consider the gateway to the county, with its wetlands and wildlife habitat.
During campaign season, Commissioners Tom Hayden and Phil Buckland were asked if they would prevent the Open Space Commission from such an acquisition, and both said they would not. Buckland equivocated sufficiently to lead proponents of open space to know where he truly stood; Hayden, however, said he not only wouldn’t prevent such an acquisition but would purchase the property that day.
So to hear Commissioner Hayden deny the commission the opportunity to negotiate along with his litany of lame reasons why this property does not fit into an open-space designation was insulting. Hayden said new boards shouldn’t change positions made by previous boards; indeed, his recitation sounded eerily like a previous commissioner.
I thought elections were about change — after all, if it were not for elections, would women be allowed to vote? When asked about his change of position from campaign to present, Hayden replied: “That was then; this is now.” Big comfort for those of us who don’t expect our leaders to speak with forked tongue! No wonder people are cynical about politics!
Beware, kind citizens of Clear Creek County: If you think Tom Hayden is giving you a straight answer that you can count on, guess again. I wouldn’t suggest purchasing a used car from this man, and hope we remember his duplicity if he seeks a second term.
Etta Satter
Beaver Brook Canyon