The Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners and the partnering governmental entities have an obligation not mentioned in the Herald’s March 5 editorial: Article II, Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution bill of rights: “All persons have certain natural, essential and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; of acquiring, possessing and protecting property; and of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.”
Everyone involved in this process of planning should recognize and accept that there is a fundamental tension between the constitutional inalienable rights of all persons and the regulatory reach of government. The Constitution is supreme.
Dick Norton
Durango