I must reply to the Jan. 3
Wells tells a fanciful tale of calling the Blanding Chamber of Commerce and being treated poorly by a spokesman for the organization. As a result, he calls for a “boycott of all businesses in the county” and, in effect, declares economic war on an entire county.
The problem is, there is no Blanding Chamber of Commerce. The organization has not existed in any form for well over a decade. There is no spokesman or policy or statement for an organization that simply does not exist.
The San Juan Chamber of Commerce is based in Monticello and the executive director and assistant are both women. There are no men who would have answered the phone. No one associated with the chamber would have spoken to Wells in such a way, let alone someone who would properly be called a spokesperson.
Whoever answered whatever phone Wells happened to call is not an authorized spokesman for local business.
So I must ask, is Wells an authorized spokesman for “rafters, hikers, bikers, Utah backcountry enthusiasts and tourists in general?”
I am the president of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce. The San Juan Chamber of Commerce is committed to welcoming everyone to our beautiful corner of the earth.
In addition to finding spectacular sites, we are committed with helping you find world-class accommodations, great meals, friendly service and a great experience while you are here.
We are also committed to helping to strengthen business throughout the economy. While we are rich in scenery and experiences, we are also one of the poorest counties in the United States. Poverty is a very real and painful reality for too many people in San Juan County. Economic development is of critical importance.
A frustrating reality of life in San Juan County is we are subject to gross mischaracterizations and, all too often, outright fabrications. I am afraid that Wells’ letter may play well in areas where the lack of knowledge of basic facts makes it easy to manipulate public opinion.
This is a large and remarkably diverse county, with a full range of views and opinions on just about every topic. It is a mistake to assume that everyone thinks the same in San Juan County.
Frankly, we need your support, not a declaration of economic war.
Bill Boyle, President, San Juan Chamber of Commerce
Monticello, Utah
Editor’s note: Bill Boyle is also the publisher and editor of the San Juan Record.
