Congratulations to all the newly elected Town Council members.
Surprisingly, we have noticed that Rory Burnett too had made the cut from the elections… and we surely wonder, when this debacle over the ‘removal’ of Mr. Bill Hudson (ref. the special Planning Commissioners emergency meeting on June 11 at 4:00pm… which some Council members may have missed because it was so hastily and shabbily created?) proceeds to the Town Council for review, will Mr. Burnett recuse himself? Since his employment is directly related to the Planning Commission debacle?
Bill Hudson has historically been providing factual information many times over the years which may, and did, cause many of us to pause and consider the facts and points before ourselves deciding on issues around the town and county. Naturally, these facts are not always embraced by some who tend not to adhere to every line and sentence in the legal documents (such as the Town’s LUDC) which are to guide their approach and decisions on the town’s future. Why? Because for some unknown reason, objectives — perhaps buried too deeply to ever be exposed — might complicate things and throw up a red flag or two, and that might just get in the way of their preferential opinions. Is this considered a ‘personal opinion’ similar to what some Town Planning Commissioners accused Bill Hudson of having? Approvals of all sorts, but ones that certain members are so intent on seeing approved — if only this ‘Bill Hudson’ character and his information could be silenced.
That is how it seems to those of us who objectively listened to the debacle that occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Town Council Chambers.
“This town needs some kindness,” we heard some commissioners say… and we ask, with commissioners who acted so aggressively angry at someone who by nature is a journalist — because he investigates thoroughly, getting to the truth of the matter, and reports all sides of an issue — is now the target of angry commissioners who may in fact have a hidden agenda… or is it ‘personal opinion’ to silence him, and yet call for kindness. Really?
What was observed on Wednesday afternoon was anything but kindness. In fact it was a railroad job, similar to what has been going on in our country’s capital of railroading, elimination of staff and inspector generals all because they do not agree with those who think they hold the power necessary to rush through their agendas.
We surmise this Planning Commission debacle is a giant conflict of interest and this wonderful little town does not shine from this sort of conflict or shenanigans. Embarrassment at its height, by adults who should know better and lead in more transparent and ethical ways — instead of looking for scapegoats.
Respectifically,
Michael and Pamela Kostin
Pagosa Springs, CO