County, Opinion

Guest Editorial: Better City, a question of the economy?

By Jay Sullivan, Ph.D.
Special to the Herald Times
RBC | Half a century ago the straight pipes on the International 4100 drowned any hope of a radio station. The ever-tightening concentric furrows plowed around the fields prepared the soil for next year’s crop. Hawks circled overhead hoping that the plow would turn up a ground squirrel here and there. Rabbits ran for cover as the farm dog trotted ahead of the tractor in the furrow. There is a lot of time to think on the seat of a tractor. Sometimes speculation turns to wonder as you realize that one seed in prepared ground sprouts into a stalk of wheat. At the sunshine end of that straw stalk a head of grain is formed. The average head contained 56 kernels. Plant those 56 kernels and your yield is 3,156 grains. Three thousand one hundred and fifty-six grains planted produce 9,897,216 new kernels. The wonder of this is the realization that this is the creation of new wealth. Year after year nature and the farmer nurture a new crop generating new wealth. Food production is an economic driver.
According to “Strategies and Tactics” there are 10 global economic drivers or spheres of influence that deserve our attention. These are:
1. Food
2. Shelter
3. Clothing
4. Government
5. Transportation
6. Communication
7. Information Processing
8. Energy
9. Industrial Metals
10. Entertainment
“Strategies and Tactics” also notes that commercial banks, mortgage banks, thrifts, insurance companies, pension funds and professional money managers need to be considered as aggregators of financial transactions. They combine and redistribute wealth as a function of their business.
After some time on the seat of the tractor and a few rounds of the field it seems to me that all of the economic drivers are interrelated. Further these drivers support each other. The tractor would not exist without industrial metals. You need communication to sell your product. Energy turns the wheels. Transportation links the supply chain, and so on.
After further consideration, it seems to me that economic drivers are cyclical. They each individually have and all together they have ups and downs. Value of goods and services fluctuate with market conditions. Abundance and scarcity in one area has an impact on the other areas to differing degrees. This means that there must be some mechanism of control to keep this system of economic drivers in balance.
These mechanisms are called general economic systems and are segmented by allocation mechanism. (Harvard Business School) Three are highlighted here. (There are more than a dozen listed in the Wikipedia article on economic systems.)
The basic and general economic systems segmented by allocation are:
Market economy: “hands off” systems, such as laissez-faire.  (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_economy, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laissez-faire) capitalism)
Mixed economy a hybrid that blends some aspects of both market and planned economies. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_economy)
Planned economy: “hands on” systems, such as state socialism, also known as “command economy” when referring to the Soviet model. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_economy)
The capitalistic economy of the United States is the singularly most successful mixed economic model. It is successful because it takes advantage of both the freedom to innovate and the control of a planned economy. INSEAD, The Business School for the World, published “The 4 I’s of Economic Growth.” Notes that, “The U.S. has enjoyed levels of productivity above that of other countries for the last 100 years.”
So now Better City seems poised to focus on the tenth economic driver to improve the economy of Meeker. One of the keys to their proposition is the use of the Government Economic Driver by the establishment of an Urban Renewal Authority to initiate and stimulate the tenth economic driver Entertainment. As Bob Dorsett notes this allows for the use of tax increment financing (TIF). As Dorsett notes funds are collected from special districts such as schools, recreation districts and so on. Whether nor not this is a legitimate use of an Urban Renewal Authority to fund entertainment infrastructure is an open question. But, there is a larger issue.
Seemingly, Tax Increment Financing has the potential in this case to freeze or limit income to schools. But is this is a rob Peter to pay Paul scenario? Sure we want growth, but do we want an expansion of entertainment revenues to limit school funding? We well might if the project were successful. However, consider in the Wikipedia article on TIFS the unintended consequences of a TIF include:
With successful revitalization comes gentrification with higher property values and taxes, and the exodus of lower income earners. [13][14]
“Successful city revitalization can’t be achieved by megaprojects alone — signature buildings, stadiums or other such concentrated development efforts. Instead, “it must be multifaceted and encompass improvements to the cities’ physical environments, their economic bases, and the social and economic conditions of their residents.”
— Mallach and Date 2013
After another round or two on the tractor seat more questions arise. Is the purpose of the TIF to mitigate the risks to the potential wealthy investor at the expense of education? How does the support of a mega project like this one contribute to the overall financial stability and health of the community when not all factors may not be equal and fair? Consider transportation as an economic driver for this project. Meeker suffers from being off the beaten track. In what way does transportation have to improve in order to get the people here who need to be engaged for the concept to be viable?
From the view between the driving wheels of the tractor come an even more disturbing question. Fifty years ago the John Deere Poppin Johnny made the rounds in the fields. Agricultural survival depended on doing more with less. Unfortunately, government regulation required the farmer and rancher in Rio Blanco County to be continuously leaner and meaner. Bigger was better and the little guy went the way of the family farm. Food is a staple. We consume it every day. Yet we did not protect the producer and we lost agriculture as an economic driver. There is no parity in agriculture. Meeker doesn’t have a single implement dealer. We can’t even host a farmer’s market. It is a national disgrace that we did not protect the family farm. We did not protect mining, manufacturing and the service industry. Our systems are compromising education as most of our faith is put in technology as the salvation of future generations. Many sing the song of salvation with the chorus of “Innovation will save us! Innovation!”
It is, I believe, time to ask, “How do we protect the economic drivers as we consider the building of the latest trend?”
So here we are with a wing and a prayer. Are we really trying to plow the fields of economic prosperity with an entertainment option? The hawk is circling overhead while the rabbit runs. Are we planting the right seeds?

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  • Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
  • 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.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Jake Blazon at bat for the Meeker Cowboys. The MHS team brought home two wins against Olathe and lost two against the North Fork Miners. The location for this weekend’s games has not been announced due to weather and field conditions. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
14 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
The 2024 Meeker High School boys basketball team held their awards banquet last week. Jace Mobley was named Player of the Western Slope League and all-conference, Ryan Sullivan all-conference, Jonathon Fitzgibbons all-conference, Ethan Quinn honorable mention all-conference, Jacob Simonsen honorable mention all conference. Mobley will play in All State games. Coach Klark Kindler was named Western Slope Coach of the Year. Left to right: Bryan Rosas, Simonsen, Quinn, Fitzgibbons, Mobley and Sullivan.
15 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
21 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
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.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
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
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
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.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
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.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
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.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
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.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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