Dear Editor:
In the May 12 copy of the Herald-Times, Niki Turner writes, “someone has said when we go through difficult times, instead of asking “why is this happening”, we should be asking, “what can I learn from this experience?” Someone also has said, “when a person has been defeated and is downtrodden, offer him grace, love, and yes even forgiveness, even if he has harmed you personally.” Indeed, I learned that at Niki Turner’s church many years ago.
So why demonstrate such subtle, but clear partisanship and gloating in your editorial? Even the picture shown on the front page is partisan. Surely you have a more flattering picture of Mr. Moyer on file somewhere. Your overall message flies in the face of “kindness” (see bullet #1 of said article). Gary Moyer and his family, now defeated, need grace and love, not further humiliation. They’ve been a part of this community for many years. Though his style was rough and tumble, we knew that what we saw was what we were going to get. We knew he would be a no-nonsense, plain-spoken, often rough-around-the edges commissioner. Anyone who remembers his dad fully expected that Gary Moyer might tell you how the “cow ate the cabbage.” When he was campaigning, some of his rhetoric was just like his rough and tough, lumberjack Dad. Us old-timers, who played a part in electing him, knew that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Sure enough, Gary was willing to make tough decisions, even when such decisions were met with disapproval.
But no, instead of constructive criticism, Gary Moyer was personally attacked. And all the personal attacks didn’t stop there, they migrated to his family members. But you see, that’s where it always seems to go these days. Hit your opponent hard, get personal, get nasty and don’t let up, even after he’s defeated. To cancel someone rather than appropriately confront him is the new standard and it’s cowardly. And just for the record, Mr. Moyer was not always right; like all of us, he deserved to be confronted for offensive behaviors.
Watching from a distance, it appears that a good portion of Gary Moyer’s unpopularity was based on sour grapes. Everyone who led the charge in recalling Mr. Moyer, was, in one way or another, confronted for questionable behavior, held accountable, not reappointed or simply not hired for a job they were unqualified to fill. Yes, Mr. Moyer was perhaps too brutal in the public forum and seen as arrogant, but so too, are many of his detractors. Right after our last commissioner was elected, I was in the office of a county department head to get input about a matter needing resolution. I happened to ask about how the new commissioner would be received by county employees. The answer I received was somewhat shocking. Paraphrased, it was, “well let me put it this way, it’s a big waste of my time when a new one comes along because I have to train him on how to do his job” (expletives redacted). This individual just might be a tad bit above reproach if correction from a county commissioner is ever required. And sure enough…
Recalls are a nasty, expensive, divisive “fix.” Colorado Statue says a recall should only be done for “malfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties or due to a conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude.” This recall was based on none of these factors; it was, plain and simple, revenge-driven and sadly, paid for by you and me.
So, in the future, how about the citizens of Rio Blanco County make a pact. Rather than drag him/her and their families through the mud, if whoever serves doesn’t live up to our standards, let’s exercise the power we have and vote the “rascals” out of office! And, unlike those of us who are unwilling to run for Commissioner, let’s not forget, they’ve put their necks on the line to serve us; let’s hold them accountable, but let’s be gracious while doing so.
And Mr. Moyer, from at least 715 residents, thank you for serving as RBC Commissioner. As for those in favor of the recall, what’s done is done – you won, Mr. Moyer lost. There is nothing to debate and I’m not looking for one, I’m merely stating my opinion.
Paul “Buckshot” Sheridan
Thoughts expressed on opinion pages are exclusively those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Herald Times. You are welcome to submit signed letters on matters of local interest to [email protected], mail to PO Box 720, Meeker, CO 81641 or drop off at 304 4th St., Meeker. there is no charge.
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