Meeker, Stories

Colorado’s newest senator visits Rio Blanco County

RBC — Rio Blanco County residents who showed up to hear what Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet had to say also had a chance to make their voices heard.
phmkbennet18They hope Colorado’s junior senator was listening.
“I really hope that he heard what was said and will actually take it to heart and act upon some of the issues,” said Elaine Urie, a member of the Rangely Town Council.
But Urie, for one, doesn’t have a lot of confidence that will happen.
“My heart tells me he was chosen because he is just like the rest of them,” Urie said of Bennet, who was the surprise choice by Gov. Ritter to replace Ken Salazar, after Salazar was nominated by President Obama to become the interior secretary. “That is, far left. It goes in one ear and heads out the other, and he is back to doing the agenda of the far left. Our governor chose him, and I am sure that choice was for a reason — for his agenda. My hope is that he is for the people, and not some of the people. Time will tell.”

Still, even in Rio Blanco County, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by a more than four-to-one margin, the fact a U.S. senator would pay a visit to remote northwest Colorado was appreciated.
Bennet made an appearance April 14 at Kilowatt Korner in Meeker during a tour of the Western Slope that included stops in Steamboat Springs, Hayden, Craig and Glenwood Springs.
“We certainly appreciate Sen. Bennet making himself available for questions,” said Rangely Town Manager Peter Brixius. “He made all of us feel very at ease as he took questions from the group and did his best to provide us with honest input on several topics.
“I was, however, disappointed with the senator’s understanding of the technologies that have the promise of being the answer to Colorado’s revenue shortfalls. If the senator is looking for a shovel-ready project for Colorado and the nation and is serious about energy independence that satisfies environmental concerns and our needs for energy independence, Rio Blanco County and northwest Colorado have some answers.”
Brixius asked one of several questions posed to Colorado’s junior senator dealing with energy development.
“We’re an optimistic group here in Rio Blanco County,” Brixius said. “We believe we have a lot to offer, in terms of what makes Colorado great. There have been millions of dollars spent on research here in this county on oil shale and clean coal technologies. I just want to get your take on how they fit in (with the administration’s energy plans).”
Bennet’s response followed the company line that more research was needed.
“I think that we should continue to support research into clean coal technology,” Bennet said. “I don’t think we’re there. We have, potentially, enormous assets, and it’s worth the investment into research.
“On the oil shale, I think even the energy sponsors themselves say we’re 10 years away from knowing some pretty critical answers, like how much water we’re going to have to use to develop it, and how much energy it’s going to take to develop it. I support the current research and development work that’s going on. Secretary Salazar put some of that work on hold in order to have the opportunity to examine it, which I think was the appropriate thing to do.”
The senator’s comments did not represent the sort of enthusiastic endorsement for oil shale development some in the audience would have liked.
“I think some would argue that clean coal technology has already arrived and that the technological hurdles of oil shale have all but been resolved,” Brixius said. “If the U.S. government would stop putting roadblocks in place and start clearing the road, as three countries in the world already have, oil shale production would be a valuable commercial enterprise.”
Dick Welle, general manager of White River Electric Association in Meeker, said there is a difference between oil shale research and development now and what happened in the 1980s, when the industry came to a screeching halt, resulting in a mass exodus of jobs from the area.
“The difference … we all need to remember that was artificially supported by funding from the federal government,” Welle said. “That’s a lesson I don’t think we need to go back to. These guys today are spending hard dollars in the Piceance Basin. I don’t support that the federal government artificially support them in the marketplace, or we will go back, possibly, to the bust-boom cycle in the ‘80s.”
Bennet said he didn’t want a repeat of what happened before, either.
“In one day, virtually, in 1982, 2,100 jobs were lost, the consequence of what happened the last time this came around,” the senator said. “We need to be mindful of that. This cyclical nature … I don’t live here, and I don’t presume to know, but I know enough about how these economies works, that the more cyclical it is, the higher the highs and the lower the lows, the harder it is for people to live their lives. We need to figure out how to construct an energy policy in this country where we are much less susceptible to those fluctuations.”
Michelle Hale, chairwoman of the Rio Blanco County Democratic Committee, said she liked “most” of what the senator had to say about Colorado’s energy sources.
“I liked the fact that he said we need to use what is available, while in the transition to green energy,” Hale said. “He also stated that he would like to see continued research on oil shale. I didn’t hear that he was not for oil and gas. I think we need to add coal to that as well.”
Hale would have liked to have seen more people turn out for the senator’s visit. About 40 people attended the one-hour session.
“I was disappointed by the lack of people who were there,” Hale said. “Regardless of where they stand (politically), this is a representative who gave his time to hear what our concerns were. There were more high school kids than town or county representation, and it’s a block away from the courthouse. There cannot be complaints, if there is no participation.”
John Strate, who teaches social studies at Meeker High School, brought some of his students to the meeting with the senator.
“I think overall my students were impressed that he took the time to come to Meeker,” Strate said. “Oftentimes both students and voters here feel like they are not represented, because we live in such a small, rural location. The students told me that they were impressed that he gave his views, despite the fact he was most likely aware his views would not align with many of his constituents in our community.
“My reason for taking students was that I am a firm believer that apathy is one of our primary issues as a nation,” Strate added. “If we want to fix that, there is no better place to start than with students. Anytime I can involve students in the democratic process firsthand, I feel like I am doing something to address the problem.”
Rangely’s town manager said he hoped the views expressed at last week’s meeting made an impression on the senator.
“I hope that Sen. Bennet realized from this visit that the residents of our county are respectful, but anxious to be a part of the dialogue that is both give and take,” Brixius said. “We want many of the same benefits of a clean environment with a strong economy. I hope that he will realize that you can have improvement in renewable energy development, without killing the goose that lays the golden egg.”

Comments are closed.

Come say hi!

@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Thank you, advertisers!