After being in office just a little over five weeks, I would like to comment on an issue that is stirring tremendous community input. I’d also like to give a somewhat “big picture” explanation of some of the philosophies that guide this commissioner.First, I would like to comment on a recent story in The Gazette, “Lax interpretation of the law gives county commissioner big pay raise.” It is truly unfortunate that Ms. Mitchell and The Gazette, as well as KVOR radio have chosen to sensationalize what was a routine budget amendment procedure. The facts are as follows: The state legislature sets the salaries of our locally elected officials. Your El Paso County Board of Commissioners DOES NOT set its own salaries, nor does it have the discretion to randomly or “loosely” interpret the statute. The statute, C.R.S.A. ß 30-2-102, section (2.2) (a) defines clearly the salary I receive upon filling the vacant seat of my predecessor. It reads as follows: “On and after January 1, 2007, the annual salary of a county officer whose term of office begins on or after such date shall be as follows: Category I, County Commissioners, $87,300.”This is not a loose interpretation. It is the law set by the state.The action taken by the Board of County Commissioners on Monday was not to vote to increase my salary, which this board has absolutely no authority to do, but to amend the 2008 budget to reflect the higher amount, which was not reflected when the 2008 budget was approved in November of 2007. In fact, if Ms. Mitchell wanted to state the facts correctly, the new salary, mandated by the state, is not $87,000 but $87,300, a total difference of $25,940 from my predecessor’s salary. Ms. Mitchell also chose not to print any of my comments made during the meeting when I stated clearly that this was defined by statute, that this was not a vote to increase my salary and that I had absolutely no contact whatsoever with county staff during the time that the statute was being assessed and prepared for my arrival on the Board. I asked what my salary would be only after being elected by the vacancy committee on Jan. 19, having had no prior interaction on the subject. If anyone takes issue with the salaries of our county elected officials, they must take that up with our state legislature. I long for the day when we might be able to trust our media outlets, KVOR radio included, to report the facts without the sensational spin.As for an issue that I’d prefer to focus on, the proposed off highway vehicle park in the Corral Bluffs region of El Paso County is a hot button issue and one which deserves factual, objective discussion. This proposed park is in my district, and I have received numerous e-mails, voice mails and personal visits from folks on both sides of the issue. I have visited the site; I have reviewed copious research and listened to arguments. Let me be clear in that there is nothing currently on the board’s agenda addressing this issue. El Paso County is in the process of working on a master plan for the proposed park designed to answer many questions and put more information on the table for discussion. I must also be clear that, contrary to some of the information that has been put out there, there are no county tax dollars being proposed for use in the development of this park. All dollars would come from sources such as lottery funds, conservation trust funds and OHV fees already being paid by those who enjoy this type of recreation. Also, the park would not be run by El Paso County, nor would the county assume any liability in the running of the park.I am often asked to take a side, right now, on this issue. I have been extremely clear to everyone on both sides that I am collecting data right now and listening to anyone and everyone who wants to weigh in with me on this. I have repeatedly stated that I am focusing my concerns on the issues of private property rights, property value and the impact on the quality of life to those who are directly impacted.I cannot tell anyone how I will vote on a future issue like this because it is not only unethical, but illegal for me to do so prior to public hearings and presentation of any formal action item. I am most certainly not on the fence, but doing my job in the most objective way possible – something that has perhaps become somewhat uncommon in the world of politics. The bottom line is that I am seeking my answers based on what this will do to directly affected property owners and their quality of life, while appreciating the fact that many citizens are seeking a recreational opportunity like this in our county. I am also working to be sure that my colleagues are not making any premature decisions and that they, too, will be open to the public hearings and to the direct impacts of those who live and work in the area. If folks are angry because I have not made a specific commitment, there is nothing I am going to be able to do to make them happy. The fact is in this case, that without public hearings and due process, I would be absolutely wrong in making such a decision and using my position to forward one side over another without that public process. Again, there is not even anything on my desk on which to vote at this time and when that time comes, you’ll see me make that decision based upon the property rights/values and direct impact.You will find no other person who is more dedicated to listening to his/her constituents and who believes more strongly in this, our Representative Republic! I have said throughout my campaign and time since taking office that I make no promises on specific issues which will come before this board in the future. It would simply be wrong for me to do so, and I am committed to thoroughly collecting data and then making the right decision. That is the best that I can offer anyone and it is my commitment to everyone.Amy LathenEl Paso County Commissioner, District 2520-6412
