Governor reaching out for your inputDear Editor:Many times we hear citizens “complaining” about government and their processes. Many times these concerns are legitimate, and Governor Hickenlooper is reaching out to Coloradoans to seek their input! The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) is working with each county and region of Colorado to determine the current hindrances to economic activity and growth.The Meeker Chamber of Commerce, Rangely Chamber of Commerce, Rio Blanco County and the towns of Rangely and Meeker realize the importance of establishing a current economic development plan and are working with the OEDIT to provide feedback to the Governor.Some of the major concerns that have been acknowledged deal with governmental regulations and permitting (oil/gas and on a residential level), air and water regulations, monitoring and implementation, sales tax revenue leaving our county, an ever increasing cost to “do business” in Rio Blanco County and Colorado, lack of affordable housing and the never ending fight to get severance tax dollars back to the impacted counties. If you have other comments to share with the state, get involved and provide your opinion! This is our opportunity to influence the state process. The public needs to be involved to get the most accurate representation. So, what can you, as a concerned citizen, do to get involved?Go online to www.advancecolorado.com/bottomup and take a quick 11 question survey. These survey results are compiled by the OEDIT and emailed to me on a weekly basis. So far, we have had about 115 surveys completed. I will be using these survey results and input from the upcoming public meetings to report to the OEDIT regarding the major factors which affect our economic development in Rio Blanco County.We will have two public meetings so residents can “voice their opinion.” The first meeting will be Wednesday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Weiss Room of CNCC in Rangely. The second meeting will be Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Extension Hall in Meeker. If you would like more information, you can contact me at (970)878-5510 or email [email protected].
Katelin Cook
Executive Director, Meeker Chamber of Commerce
