Doug Leming (
First, using a recall to remove an elected official to get your way on an issue ends up killing democracy. When the other side starts doing the same, elected officials have no room to work on the interests of the community. We get campaign rhetoric only, and outside money starts overpowering local voices. See our nation’s capital for illustration.
In La Plata County, we still have a strong democracy. People expressed their displeasure with the first draft of the land-use code. Our commissioners and the planning staff are responding to us. And that is the second reason that Doug Leming’s view leads us astray.
Most people I talk with believe we need a new land-use code, but the initial version needs major revision.
In a community as diverse as ours, there are conflicting views, so regular folks need to get involved, learn, speak our minds and listen to others. We can get to a code that works from this draft, and I believe our planners will listen if we engage in the rewrite.
I think Lachelt is a very good commissioner, but if she is not your cup of tea, use the next election to elect someone else. Our elected officials do not write the code, nor should they.
Let’s turn our backs on this divisiveness, use the substantial power we have and do something real to govern ourselves.
Deb Paulson
Durango
