It is difficult for me to pick someone to endorse when I know both well. Matt Salka married into a very good family in La Plata County. He was mayor of Bayfield. A little over a year ago, at a candidates’ forum when questioned as to why he was a Democrat, he answered because that was the only way to be elected. We had great hopes that he would be a reasonable county commissioner. Sadly, we are disappointed. The big issue in La Plata County is the business unfriendliness of the planning department. Matt has had four years to make improvements and has done nothing, with the excuse that it takes time. In addition, he voted for county oil and gas regulations that are even more stringent than the state regulations after we begged the county commissioners not to do so. He has proved to be in the back pocket of the San Juan Citizens Alliance and the radical Democrat party.
Paul Black, on the other hand, has dealt with the planning department on a personal basis and knows just how bad it is. He will work to make La Plata County more hospitable. He is a businessman, and I am positive that he will be frugal with our tax dollars and get the job done. Please vote for Paul Black.
J. Paul Brown, former Colorado state representative
Ignacio
