PCEOC Resolution supporting our troops

A resolution expressing the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition's, (PCEOC) support for the U.S. troops and their families.

WHEREAS, men and women in the military are making huge sacrifices and enduring

            extreme hardships both during military service and when they return to civilian

            life after their service; and

WHEREAS, the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of current service

            members and veterans should be one of our highest national priorities; and

WHEREAS, 44% of those serving in the military are from rural America, while only 
            22% of the American population lives in rural America; and

WHEREAS, the men and women serving in the military should never be used for

            public relations purposes to promote private economic interests or to advance

            the real estate acquisition agendas of the Department of Defense;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PINON CANYON EXPANSION OPPOSITION COALITION:

1.         Supports the U.S. troops currently serving, as well as those that have previously

            served, and their families, irrespective of Department of Defense plans for the

            expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

2.         Welcomes military personnel and their families into our Southeastern Colorado

            Communities, irrespective of any Army promises of financial rewards or benefits

            which might accrue to our region.

3.         Will work to advance the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of U.S.

            troops and veterans irrespective of Administration or Department of Defense

            policies.

ADOPTED by the Board of Directors, Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition this 27^th day of December, 2010.

Election still results in support seen for southeast Colorado

Even while we are losing a committed fighter of no expansion and supporter of rural values in John Salazar we have maintained other elected positions, and have even gained others as we fight for our rights.

We have kept many that have fought valiantly and will continue to do so and gained some in other areas ...... and will continue to get support as newly elected officials become more aware of the real dangers and loss to this Country if any expansion is allowed.

Newly elected Las Animas County Commissioner Mack Louden will continue the fight...

State Rep Wes McKinley will continue the fight...

State Rep Sal Pace will continue the fight...

Newly elected State Senator Kevin Grantham has vowed to continue the fight....

Newly elected Governor elect Hickenlooper is standing with us......(his statement below)
Protecting Colorado's Ranchers: A Position on Pinon Canyon: As most ranchers and livestock operators in Colorado know, there is a great deal of concern about the Army's plans to expand the boundaries of Fort Carson's training facilities at Pinon Canyon in southern Colorado. It is not enough to oppose the use of eminent domain (condemnation) at Pinon Canyon. In an already fragile economy, it is not fair to add more pressure to landowners in the area. That is why we support the state legislative ban on the lease or transfer of state lands for expansion, why we support the Congressional moratorium on expansion activities and why we are opposed to the additional loss of productive land in agriculture and livestock production that would follow from Army expansion. It is important for the communities most impacted by the Army's planned expansion in Southern Colorado to have the ultimate say in whether they would agree to any expansion proposal. It has been clear to us that so far, communities in Southern Colorado are adamantly opposed to the loss of this land (even through leasing) and we believe Colorado's next Governor must stand with them.

Senator Kester has proven track record stopping Pinon Canyon expansion.

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition gives State Senator Ken Kester an A+ rating

PCEOC gives Senator Ken Kester, District 2, an A+ rating for his efforts to stop the Pinon Canyon expansion.  He is a legislator that has put his legislative efforts where his mouth is to keep Pinon Canyon from expanding.  

Ken, along with Wes McKinley authored and co-sponsored two separate bills in the past 4 years specifically designed to stop the expansion from the state level.  He was successful in getting legislation passed that withdrew automatic approval of the use of eminent domain by the Feds and now requires them to come before the State Legislature for permission to do so.

He also co-sponsored legislation with Rep Sal Pace and Representative McKinley that prohibits the State of Colorado from selling or leasing any State owned lands for the purpose of expanding the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. 

The future of southeastern Colorado hangs in the balance – we survive if Pinon Canyon isn’t expanded – we are eliminated if it does.

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition gives McKinley A+

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition gives State Representative Wes McKinley an A+ rating

PCEOC gives Rep Wes McKinley, District 64, an A+ rating for his efforts to stop the Pinon Canyon expansion.  He is a candidate that has put his legislative efforts where his mouth is to keep Pinon Canyon from expanding.  

Wes has authored and co-sponsored two separate bills in the past 4 years specifically designed to stop the expansion from the state level.  He was successful in getting legislation passed that withdrew automatic approval of the use of eminent domain by the Feds and now requires them to come before the State Legislature for permission to do so.

He also co-sponsored legislation with Rep Sal Pace and Senator Ken Kester that prohibits the State of Colorado from selling or leasing any State owned lands for the purpose of expanding the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. 

Wes McKinley thus has a proven track record on stopping the Pinon Canyon expansion. 

The future of southeastern Colorado hangs in the balance – we survive if Pinon Canyon isn’t expanded – we are eliminated if it does.  That includes almost all of District 64 that Representative McKinley represents.

Betsy Markey earns A rating for legislating against expansion

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition gives Congresswoman Betsy Markey an A rating

PCEOC has given Betsy Markey an A rating for her efforts to stop the Pinon Canyon expansion.  She is a candidate that has put her congressional votes and legislative efforts where her mouth is to keep Pinon Canyon from expanding.  

Betsy Markey co-sponsored and pushed for legislation that included the ban on funding for any expansion of Pinon Canyon.  She thus has a proven track record on stopping the Pinon Canyon expansion.  The only thing that keeps the expansion from happening at this point is the congressional funding ban that Congressman John Salazar and Betsy Markey have worked to get renewed each year. 

The future of southeastern Colorado hangs in the balance – we survive if Pinon Canyon isn’t expanded – we are eliminated if it does.  That includes a large part of the 4th Congressional District that Congresswoman Markey represents.

John Salazar earns an A+

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition gives Congressman John Salazar an A+ rating

John Salazar has earned an A+ rating from the PCEOC for his efforts to stop the Pinon Canyon expansion.  He is a candidate that has put his congressional votes and legislative efforts where his mouth is to keep Pinon Canyon from expanding.  He has a proven four year track record no one else has on stopping the Pinon Canyon expansion.

The future of southeastern Colorado hangs in the balance – we survive if Pinon Canyon isn’t expanded – we are eliminated if it does.  The issue has a great many manifestations in property rights, citizens rights, conservation, national defense, community planning, historical preservation, economics, and ethics. 

The only thing that keeps the expansion from happening at this point is the congressional funding ban that originates in the Committee on Military Affairs.  John Salazar worked to get on the Military Affairs Committee and is in a key position to renew the funding ban each year.  If Colorado loses Congressman Salazar’s position on that committee we are concerned the funding ban will not be renewed allowing the expansion to go forward.

Voting FOR John Salazar is a definite vote AGAINST the Pinon Canyon expansion.  

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USAF Flyover public scoping comment meeting next Tuesday in Pueblo

We hope many can join us in attending the scoping/comment meeting next Tuesday, the 19th, at the 6-8pm, Central HS, 216 E. Orman Ave., Pueblo.

We need to assure we make everyone aware of the concerns we all have relative to the onslaught of DoD efforts to remove us from our property.

The USAF proposed low level flyovers at such low altitudes would certainly disrupt and impede activities on the land surface. An example of that is the fact that the military is currently fighting the creation of wind farms because they interfer with their training activities. There is a conflict between the individual property rights and the rights of the military to conduct training.

Military training at 200 feet has a direct impact upon the land beneath it and should be considered as part of that property.  Just one more way to invoke inverse condemnation - they don't have to take it directly if they devalue its use it to the point it forces everyone to leave.

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Weapons or Wind and Sun - Alternative energy opportunities abound in SE CO

Doug brings some very important considerations to light in this latest piece of his investigative efforts.  Read more HERE
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Proposed AF Fly-overs in Northern NM and Southern CO part of expansion?

PCEOC has a number of concerns with the LATN Environmental Assessment (EA) that has been published by the Air Force, proposing low altitude training flights of C-130 and CV-22 Osprey in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.  Our concerns and questions are related to the following areas:

•    We are concerned that this EA (EA requires NO public meetings etc.. and is the simplest process required by NEPA) represents the segmentation of a larger foreseeable project; the militarization of Southeastern Colorado and the creation of Department of Defense facility for Joint Forces training through the expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

•    We are concerned about Noise Pollution and associated disruptions to wildlife, recreation and ranching activities and that flights at 200 feet will jeopardize buildings, livestock, and other man-made obstructions.

We are concerned, based upon our previous experience, with the credibility and value of the whole NEPA process. The original EIS which established the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in the early ‘80s was poorly done. It didn’t even conclude with an official Record of Decision which would have given us an understanding of why that decision was taken.  So we view the current EA with a large dose of cynicism.

The land within and surrounding PCMS represents the cultural heritage and history of our region as well as the entire western United States in significant ways.  We are deeply concerned with the increased training burden upon the region that LATN would represent.  The EA does not even include a complete description of procedures to protect archeological, paleontological and other cultural resources at PCMS.

And it is not just general cultural and historic assets that are at risk. It becomes very personal when peoples homes, lands, including  birth places, wedding sites and burial grounds are involved. Numerous historic and family cemeteries exist within the proposed flight area.

It’s a sad day for America when good, hardworking, patriotic American ranchers have to defend their homes and their way of life against an invasion by its own military in the form of low altitude flights.

SEGMENTATION and INDUCEMENT
We are concerned that this EA segments a larger proposal, treating the proposed action within this EA as if independent from planned future actions, including plans to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.  We believe that this segmentation is contrary to the intent of NEPA. We concerned that this EA will attempt to avoid an honest examination of the full scope of planning for the PCMS by splitting the project into smaller projects. We are concerned that by excluding known subsequent phases and associated project components from the EA, decision makers may not be provided with all necessary information to make a fully informed determination about the proposed action. We are afraid that the segmentation of this project may cause it to appear to be unrealistically acceptable to the reviewing agencies and the public.
All known phases of the future planned expansion of PCMS should be considered in the determination of the significance of the LATN proposal. While future phases of expansion at PCMS may be uncertain as to precise design or timing, their environmental significance should nonetheless be examined as part of this action by considering the potential effects of total PCMS build-out.

We believe that segmentation is occurring in the proposed action being considered within the EA for the following reasons:
•    Purpose: There is a common purpose between the LATN EA and the Expansion; namely the increased training burden imposed upon Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. .
•    Time: The actions; Increased training load at PCMS and LATN are being considered at the same time. Even as this EA is being developed, the Department of Defense waiver, permitting the Army to acquire an additional 418,000 acres, as well as congressional authorization to expand PCMS remain active.
•    Location: There are common geographic locations for the proposed additional LATN,  and the Expansion. 
•    Impacts: These actions; additional training load imposed by LATN and Expansion, share a common impact that if reviewed as one project by decision makers will result in a significantly more adverse impact than if reviewed in segments. 
•    Ownership: These segmented aspects of PCMS development are being undertaken by the same lead agency, the Department of Defense. There is good reason to assume a comprehensive awareness to assume the existence of, and relationship between the two projects.
•    Planning: The EA to conduct low-altitude training in Southern Colorado is obviously a segmented component of an identifiable overall plan. This proposal  fits into the development of subsequent phases and the approval of LATN would prejudice the objective consideration of alternatives in subsequent phases.
•    Utility: The current EA and the Expansion represent interrelated phases of one project and should be considered functionally dependent on each other.
•    Inducement: The approval of LATN will put additional pressure upon the Army to Expand and induce legislative decision makers in relationship to future expansion legislation.

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition

Opposing the expansion of Pinon Canyon is the most patriotic thing we can do....

Doug Holdread pegged it ....... READ HERE

Southeast Colorado voters ARE important - just ask McInnis!

McInnis' position in favor of Pinon Canyon expansion cost him the election. Southern Colorado was THE KEY to McInnis' defeat. He lost BIG in Las Animas County and all other counties that would be negatively impacted by an expansion.  In such a close contest the votes of people here MADE THE DIFFERENCE!  Thank you, everyone who voted against McInnis and his pro-expansion position.

The counties of Otero, Baca, Huerfano, Bent, Prowers, Crowley, Kiowa also carried Maes. Those are areas that will be negatively impacted by an expansion. So before anyone writes us off as 'unimportant' politically they need to re-evaluate their assessment!

And another interesting note is that even though the Springs Chamber 'endorsed' McInnis (because of his pro-expansion position) he LOST REALLY BIG IN EL PASO, TELLER COUNTIES......... hmmmmm.

See all counties voting tallies HERE

 

McInnis backs out on visits to southeastern Colorado

Gubernatorial candidate McInnis apparently had made arrangements to meet locally in Trinidad and in La Junta on August 2nd but never showed.  But then he shows up in Colorado Springs - probably the only place he really feels welcome. 


Here's a story on his visit in the Gazette.

An excerpt:

"The chamber’s Stephannie Finley said McInnis won her group’s loyalty by his unwavering support of Army efforts to add 100,000 acres to the 235,000-acre Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, a Fort Carson training ground near Trinidad."

 

So, this writer's opinion is we all need to remember that Scott McInnis' law firm represents defense contractors and he sees dollars in his own pocket by supporting an expansion.  As Governor his loyalty is not and will not be with the people of Colorado as much as it is with those that feather his own nest.

Primary Republican ballot for Governor lists Dan Maes (who is against the expansion of Pinon Canyon) and Scott McInnis (who is for expansion).   Dan Maes has our vote.........

 

County questions Army proposals

County questions Army proposals

Helicopter Brigade effort is obviously intended to promote more desire for expansion of PCMS

So the Army advised 60 some days ago they wanted to erect 'clamshell' buildings on PCMS - one to be used for 'helicopter maintenance and repair'.  We asked then, 'Doesn't this suggest a variance from 'historical use limits' that the Federal Courts placed?'

And today then it was announced they are indeed looking at bringing an entire helicopter brigade to Colorado.  (see JULY 28 Pueblo Chieftain ) Suggesting it would help push the new southern gate access to Fort Carson, the Army is also trying again to manipulate/buy off local support via dangling hypothetical economic carrots for an expansion effort that cannot be justified.  

With the increased noise level and other associated issues relative to stationing a helicopter brigade at Fort Carson there will be additional pressures for expansion of PCMS.   

It appears to anyone wanting to take the time to look that they keep trying to utilize the current site beyond historic levels and to expand PCMS.  No matter what they say everyone should be looking at what they are actually doing because they are often two entirely different things.

Expanding PCMS is still a priority for the military and until such time as the Dept of the Army and the DoD revoke their  approvals to go forward with it one must assume they are indeed, going forward with that directive.  The only thing keeping them from doing so is the year to year funding ban that Congressman Salazar again got through committee for 2011.  It still needs to pass in the House and Senate too to remain in effect and we will continue our efforts to support that. 

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Pueblo Chieftain Editorial July 18, 2010

No means no
Chieftain editorial
Sunday, July 18, 2010

   A KEY House subcommittee has approved a budget bill that includes continuing the ban on the Army from spending any money to expand the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.

   The ban again is thanks to Rep. John Salazar, D-Colorado, who serves on the military construction subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. He first put the ban into federal legislation three years ago.

   Rep. Salazar is adamant that the Army should not be allowed to expand the site, where area ranchers fear that would devalue their property even if the Pentagon would never use condemnation to grow the site. And he was unequivocal.

Congressman Salazar and Congresswoman Markey advise 2011 Funding Ban across first hurdle

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman John Salazar and Congresswoman Betsy Markey announced that the appropriations funding ban for the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site in Southern Colorado will be included in the FY2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations.

Early this morning, the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies completed its work on the FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act reporting the act out of committee by voice vote preserving the Piñon Canyon funding ban for another year.  Congressman Salazar has used his position as the 3rd most senior member of the subcommittee to lead the fight against expansion. 

"I came to Congress to defend agriculture and fight for residents of the 3rd Congressional District," said Salazar.  "I will always defend the interests of landowners in Southern Colorado who have been living under the cloud of expansion for far too long.  As a 5th generation farmer and rancher, I understand their deep connection to the land and will do everything in my power to protect their rights." 

"This is an encouraging win in our larger battle for private property rights in Southeast Colorado," said Markey.  "Preserving the funding ban for this expansion sends a message loud and clear that our rights will not be trampled on, and I will fight every day for Colorado's farmers, ranchers and landowners against the threat of this expansion."

The Piñon Canyon funding ban will now move to the full Appropriations Committee and then to the House floor for a vote.  

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Army ignores/evades more laws

Just like the ban on spending, and the federal judge's ruling on historic use of the PCMS, the Dept of the Army chooses to ignore yet another law. 

Fort Carson has recently been found to once again having tried to avoid compliance with historical and preservation federal law requirements called 'Section 106'.  It was found that Fort Carson was planning on burying electrical lines on the current PCMS, yet they had failed to initiate consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and other entities as required by Federal law. 

After finding out from anonymous sources that the PCMS was preparing to bury approximately 8 miles of overhead electrical lines, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) contacted Fort Carson to determine if such a project was underway.  After confirming the project, Fort Carson indicated that they had mistakenly thought that they could review the project through the NEPA process and did not have to undertake Section 106 review.  This is the same excuse Fort Carson used in 2008 when they completed the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program (I3MP) at Fort Carson and the PCMS without any Section 106 review.  The I3MP project included approximately 125 miles of underground fiber optic lines, six communication towers and equipment shelters. 

After being told once again that they must comply with Section 106, Fort Carson initiated consultation for the underground electrical lines on June 24, 2010

Colorado Springs City Councilman attacks PCEOC efforts

Colorado Springs City Councilman Sean Paige has attempted to suggest fighting expansion is being unreasonable - as he wrote in a recent column for a Denver news source.

Here is his attempt at ridiculing and criticizing our efforts to stop expansion: PAIGE

And here are many responses that show Mr. Paige is obviously not seeing nor telling the entire story but only reporting those elements that support his city's justification for sacrificing southeast Colorado for their economic benefit: RESPONSES

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Pueblo Chieftain - Sunday June 27th

Fort Carson, critics fight over heavier Pinon use


Fort Carson will be sending two battalions of the 4th Infantry Division to the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in August for several weeks of training — signaling an Army effort to increase its use of the 238,000-acre training ground, even as critics argue that effort defies a U.S. federal court ruling last year.

Trinidad Times on Festival and John Salazar

Investigation sought on PCMS funding ban, court order

U.S. Rep John Salazar addressed the Piñon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition's (PCEOC) festival in Kim on Saturday afternoon. The festival also included regional artwork, music and a barbecue.

Randy Woock, Staff writer, TTi   •  June 22, 2010 U.S. Representative John Salazar called Thursday for an investigation into allegations that the U.S. Army is in violation of a federal funding ban on expansion attempts, as well allegedly defying a federal court order calling the Army out on the insufficiency of the 2007 environmental impact statement the Army had tried to use to justify its Record of Decision (ROD) to expand the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS).

Pueblo Chieftain on candidate statements at Festival

Pols rail against expansion

Tells crowd they are ‘patriotic’ for opposing Army's plans.

CHIEFTAIN PHOTO/ANTHONY MESTAS 

U.S. Rep. John Salazar speaks to landowners and citizens

at a meeting in Kim sponsored by a group that opposes the 

proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. 

Posted: Sunday, June 20, 2010 12:00 am

By ANTHONY A. MESTAS

KIM — Candidates and elected officials from across party lines stood united Saturday against the proposed expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site.  Billed as the Pinon Canyon Preservation Festival, members of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition invited several politicians to speak.

All speakers agreed the threat of the proposed expansion of the 238,000-acre maneuver site east of Trinidad looms over the entire region.

"Don't ever let anyone tell you that it is un-American to stand up for your ranches and farms. Don't you ever let anyone tell you that you are un-American," U.S. Rep. John Salazar told the crowd of more than 100 people.

The Colorado Democrat said that without farms and ranches the country is dead.  "As long as I am in Washington (D.C.) the Army will not expand its Pinon Canyon," Salazar said drawing applause from the crowd.

Pinon Canyon Preservation Festival was held June 19, 2010

It was a success!! Many, many supporters were there and the candidates and office holders that presented their positions were greatly appreciated. BIG thanks to all that put so much time and effort into making this event possible-from the artists and their beautiful works to the cooks and helpers in the kitchen to the band and the poet to the techical experts and the laborers and all the rest. Thanks to everyone and thanks to those that attended, brought desserts and made this event a success!!

Check out our  FB page for more info and pictures

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CCA Gubernatorial Town Hall June 15th

The Colorado Cattleman's Association held a town hall for Colorado gubernatorial candidates yesterday in Pueblo and there were positions and discussions on the pinon canyon issue by all three candidates.

From Steve Wooten, CCA Board and VP for PCEOC:

We, PCEOC, Had a good day!

Dan Maes emphatically announced that he opposed any expansion of the PCMS.  He received the only audience applause during several points in his presentation.

John Hickenlooper announced that he opposed the expansion of PCMS.  (After having met with landowners and PCEOC on Sunday the13th he determined that the ranchers/agriculture would always have his support against the expansion.)

Scott McInnis announced that he believed that Eminent Domain should not be used by the military and that any landowner has the right to sell to anyone they so choose. He got off this topic as fast as he could while the others explained their decision to defend the ranchers and communities of SE Colorado.

Thank you all,

Steve

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition

Preservation Festival Newsletter


June 2010 Newsletter

===================================

Press Release: Candidates to present views on the expansion of Pinon Canyon

Pinon Canyon Preservation Festival June 19th in Kim

Public invited to listen and to view displays, eat BBQ and more!


For immediate release June 7, 2010 

For more information, contact:
Lon Robertson, 719-980-5114
Steve Wooten, 719-384-5813

KIM, Colorado—The Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition will be hosting an event called the ‘Pinon Canyon Preservation Festival’ from 1pm to 8pm on June 19th, in Kim, CO. Besides information and art displays at multiple locations in the town of Kim, there will be a BBQ dinner, music, poets and a silent auction. This festival will also be an opportunity for many elected officials and candidates to present their views and proposed actions relative to ending the expansion of Pinon Canyon.

June 19th 2010 Preservation Festival taking shape!

The Pinon Canyon Preservation Festival is taking shape!  The event slated for the afternoon of June 19th will have a lot of things for people to see, watch and listen too.  With multiple venues (locations) in the town of Kim there will be many options for people to consider.  From listening to a Cowboy poet to listening to individual and duet singers/guitar players or hearing what many candidates positions are relative to Pinon Canyon expansion.

Check out FB postings and/or sign up to let us know you're attending!  CLICK HERE

Attendees will have also have great opportunities to look at (and even buy) artwork from artists from all over the region that have compiled a significant number of works with the subject of Pinon Canyon.  Displays of family history and heritage from the region will be available in a third venue and presentations relative habitat preservation, eco-region facts and more can be found as well.

That evening - beginning at 5pm will be a BBQ sandwich meal as well as a silent auction of items donated to the Coalition for the purpose of supporting our efforts to keep the expansion from ever happening!

So we hope to see you there to spend the afternoon with us and support our efforts to permanently stop the expansion of PCMS!!!

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Economics of Expansion - Segment 4 - Economic Lessons from the 1983 Creation of PCMS

Economic Lessons from the 1983 Creation of PCMS

In 1981 the Army estimated the creation of PCMS would bring $1 to $5 million of salary revenue to Southeastern Colorado.  The actual salaries paid at PCMS since 1983 are less than $220,000 annually. The Army estimated $68 million would be spent on construction at PCMS.  A local contractor estimates that less than $1 million of this was spent in Southeastern Colorado. Today the Army estimates $9 million annual input and a one-time $140 million construction project from PCMS expansion.  Will history repeat itself?  In 1983 the Army promised Las Animas County “payment in lieu of property taxes” on the 250,000 acre original taking.  26 years later payment in lieu of taxes has never been fully funded.  In the 1980’s the Army promised to buy materials and supplies from local communities for maneuvers at PCMS.  The Army spent 2.5 million on their most recent training maneuver at PCMS.  This money stayed in the Ft. Carson vicinity, none was spent in Southeastern Colorado.

“Fool us once, shame on you; fool us twice, shame on us.”

State Assemblies held yesterday: Voters listening to Pinon Canyon opposition and other groups

Link to today's story in the Pueblo Chieftain

Link to today's story in the Greeley Tribune

Link to today's story in the Denver Post


From the Greeley Tribune:

Republicans back Buck and Maes; Dems pick Romanoff

Staff and wire reports,

LOVELAND — Voters at Colorado's state assemblies from both parties were in an anti-establishment mood Saturday.

Expansion Economics - Segment 3 Land-based Economics vs Bureaucratic Dependence

Land-based Economics vs. Bureaucratic Dependence

Much of the productivity of the lands surrounding Piñon Canyon is invisible to the casual observer. A 100,000 acre expansion of PCMS would cost (in lost productivity) the communities of Southeastern Colorado $27 million to $76 million annually, according to economic data compiled by former Rep. Marilyn Musgrave and Rep. John Salazar.  This includes tourism and hunting revenue, cattle  and hay sales, and agricultural salaries. Wind development on a 100,000 acres would generate an additional $25 to $35 million annually.  Gas fields east of I-25 could also become a reality as energy prices rise.

The Army estimates PCMS expansion will bring $5 million in salary and $4 million in maintenance costs annually to the local economy.  A good trade?  Pro-expansion politicians say expansion is about jobs. They are right in some ways; expansion is about the loss of private sector jobs and businesses in southeast Colorado in order to create tax payer funded jobs near Ft. Carson.
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Expansion Economics - Segment 2 Land and Water - The Foundation

Land and Water- The Foundation

The economy of Southeastern Colorado has always been land and water based.  While peaks in the energy cycle have driven times of great prosperity in Walsenburg and Trinidad with coal at the turn of the century and gas more recently, agriculture has always provided the sustainable economic baseline. Both economic drivers require land. 

Looking forward, land will remain central to the local economy as high energy costs drive alternative energy development.  Wind and solar will provide addition jobs and economic stimulus to the region. These alternative energies are compatible with existing agricultural production.   Jobs in Colorado’s clean energy economy grew more than twice as fast as overall jobs between 1998 and 2007, according to the Pew Charitable Trust.  Witness the wind turbine factory under construction in Pueblo.  People will always eat; agriculture will remain a stable economic platform as food security becomes a priority in an un-stable world. Agriculture also maintains a beautiful and healthy landscape that will draw people and industry as the northern front-range trends toward pavement and congestion.

The Piñon Canyon struggle is about Southeast Colorado land. But this struggle is a symptom of a larger problem.  The money and political power of urban areas threatens to extract more rural resources.  Water, like land, is a cornerstone of agriculture and the explosive growth on the frontrange has an unquenchable thirst.  Western Slope water, Lower Arkansas Valley water, and Lower Platte Valley water will move to the front range in the coming years.  Individually, the power of rural communities is small.  However, in unison these communities have a chance to find solutions to these resource problems that will not destroy the rural agricultural economies.
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Coffman endorses Tipton - does that mean Tipton will be an ally for Coffman on expansion?

Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman, an avid supporter of expanding the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver site, has endorsed Republican congressional candidate Scott Tipton.  Tipton, who released the endorsement on his web site on May 4, said that  "I am deeply honored by Congressman Coffman's endorsement."  In accepting the endorsement, Tipton refused to disavow Coffman's position on Pinon Canyon.

Coffman has been clear and open about his support for expansion at the Army's site in Southeast Colorado.

On June 17, 2009, Coffman stated in a press release  "I remain convinced that the Army's plans, which do not include eminent domain, are fully justified and necessary ."  In a story from the Colorado Springs Gazette on April 20, 2010, the headline read 'Congressman [Coffman] proposes condemnation ban to help Pinon Canyon Expand.'  The story notes that his proposal, by allaying land-seizure fears, could also avert an all-out expansion ban that Congress has placed on the project annually as part of the Pentagon budget bill, according to a Coffman spokesman.  That is, his proposal is really an effort to keep expansion alive.

In 2009, Coffman threw a tantrum when Governor Ritter signed a bill making it more difficult to condemn land at Pinon Canyon.  On June 2, 2009, Coffman said that "the Governor clearly has no concept about the training and readiness needs of our combat forces. By signing H.B. 1317, a bill that blocks the Army's ability to expand training areas, the Governor has sent a very clear message that the men and women who serve our nation in uniform are not welcome here.  I think he would be more sympathetic if the U.S. Army were to declare itself a terrorist organization."

With his endorsement of Tipton, has Coffman found himself an ally in his crusade to allow the Army to turn thousands of acres of ranch land, many of which has been in family hands for generations, into more training ground?  If so, then would Tipton's election likely move supporters of the expansion one step closer to victory and opponents one step closer to the loss of their land?

NOTE: Tipton has been on record as voting for bills that are against PCMS expansion and we are awaiting a reply from his office as to whether his position has in fact changed or does he remain against expansion considering Coffman's endorsement.  PCEOC Admin.

Congressman Mike Coffman Endorses Scott Tipton for Congress

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Expansion Economics - Segment 1 Pinon Canyon History

Piñon Canyon History

The history of Fort Carson expansion goes back nearly 40 years.  In the late 1970’s opposition by citizens in Pueblo and El Paso Counties, who were concerned about negative economic impacts in their region, blocked a proposed expansion of Ft. Carson proper.  Several years later the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) was created 150 miles southeast of Ft. Carson where those who feared negative impacts would be out of sight and out of mind.

The creation of Piñon Canyon was possible only by means of the largest condemnation action in U.S. history. The Army promised economic stimulus, but the community of Southeastern Colorado has received only financial hardship from a 235,000 acre black-hole in an economy driven by land and water resources. Meanwhile, federal dollars have flowed into the Ft. Carson vicinity, creating dependency on the federal government.  History is poised to repeat itself with a proposed expansion of PCMS.  However, this time the Southeastern Colorado Community has rallied in unity and built a political platform to stop expansion.

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Letter to the editor - Pueblo Chieftain May 9, 2010

Rep. Mike Coffman recently sponsored legislation (HR 5067) to prohibit the Army from expanding Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site through condemnation. Coffman favors expansion and wants his condemnation ban to replace the congressional funding ban that has stopped expansion for several years. He argues that his legislation protects property rights in Southeastern Colorado since it would allow "willing sellers" to offer land to the Army.

Rep. Coffman's view of property rights is incomplete in two ways. First, he assumes  the federal government can participate in private "free markets." His assumption is wrong. The federal government is a buyer with unlimited resources that would impose a drastic change of land use. Their mere presence distorts the market. The threat of expansion already has driven all potential buyers except the Army and speculators out of the market.

From 'The Westerner'

Friday, April 23, 2010

Expansion foes question Coffman offer on Pinon Canyon

Opponents of an Army proposal to expand its Southeastern Colorado training base Wednesday rejected a congressman’s attempt to ban the Army’s use of eminent domain to secure additional land. "Mr. Coffman has been attempting to open a door for expansion all along. It looks to us that this bill is not something we need. We've already got eminent domain off the table," said Lon Robertson, a Kim rancher and president of the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition. Robertson said Coffman's bill asks that funding be allowed and if that happens it opens the door to expansion. "The best way to keep eminent domain away is to keep the funding away from the expansion. The funding ban that is in place already takes any threat of condemnation off the table, so this is a redundant bill that Mr. Coffman is offering," Robertson said. The rancher said Coffman’s motives were puzzling. "I guess we are scratching our heads more than anything right now. We are wondering why he is offering something that is already there and why is he trying to open the door to something that is not necessary." more

Land and Water-The Foundation

The economy of Southeastern Colorado has always been land and water based.  While peaks in the energy cycle have driven times of great prosperity in Walsenburg and Trinidad with coal at the turn of the century and gas more recently, agriculture has always provided the sustainable economic baseline. Both economic drivers require land.

Headlines confusion..... different Walker - nothing to do with Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site expansion

While there is a 'Walker' that owns a large part of the PCMS desired expansion area the 'Walker' in the news yesterday is a totally unrelated 'Walker' and has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EXPANSION OF PCMS.

Leave the Black Cloud around long enough....

The following quote was taken from the article linked/described below:

"Today, Prospect Heights finally shows what the state and city governments want everyone to see: decay. The decay, though, isn’t the work of callous markets that left the neighborhood to perish. It’s the work of a developer wielding state power to press property owners to sell their land “voluntarily.” It’s also the result of a half-decade’s worth of government-created uncertainty, which stopped genuine private investment in its tracks.”

PCEOC March 2010 Newsletter

PCEOC Newsletters

Caucuses Indicate Pinon Canyon position is a BIG issue!

March 19th, 2010 - Pueblo Chieftain - Chieftain.Com

TUESDAY’S CAUCUSES showed that Colorado is in for some tough political fighting among both Democrats and Republicans leading up to the primary election.   For Democrats, the main bout for the U.S. Senate pits former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff against appointed incumbent Michael Bennet. In a straw poll, Pueblo Democrats gave the edge to Mr. Romanoff.

However, Sen. Bennet has a huge war chest, much of it money from East Coast liberals. And he’s been endorsed by President Barack Obama, although in recent by-elections that endorsement has not resulted in victories.

Pueblo Republicans gave Evergreen businessman Dan Maes the edge over former Rep. Scott McInnis in a straw poll in the governor’s race. That may have been a result of tea party supporters who are seeking more conservative candidates — a backlash to the liberals who control Congress and the Colorado Statehouse.

Pueblo was one of 13 counties in which Republicans showed more support for Mr. Maes than for Mr. McInnis. It’s clear that, if Mr. McInnis is to win the governorship, we highly recommend that he reconsiders his position on Pinon Canyon.   Mr. McInnis’ support of the Army’s proposal to buy up more ranchland around Fort Carson’s Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site may play well in Colorado Springs. But it turns off many Southern Coloradans who know full well that shutting down the ranches in Southeastern Colorado will directly damage the economies of Pueblo and the nearby farm communities.

Gubernatorial Candidate says 'NO' to Pinon Canyon expansion

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Hickenlooper opposes Pinon Canyon growth

John Hickenlooper

By NICK BONHAM
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

March 14, 2010 12:07 am

If residents of Southeastern Colorado don't support the expansion of the Army's Pinon Canyon training facility, gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper said Saturday he doesn't support the expansion either.

  "With the way (the expansion) was presented, I'm a 'No,' ” the Denver mayor said in an interview before the Pueblo Democratic party's St. Patrick Day's fundraiser, held at the Union Depot.

  "Unless there is a deal embraced by the residents of Southeastern Colorado that they feel is better for their community, it's hard for me to support it. I don't think the military is so foolish that they want one part of the community to thrive at the expense of another."

  Hickenlooper is running against Republican Scott McInnis, who supports the military's position on site expansion.

  Hickenlooper, dressed in an Irish-green blazer, said he's not anti-military. "There is no reason why this state shouldn't be incredibly pro-military," he said.

  Part of his campaign will be to visit farmers and ranchers in Las Animas County who live around the site.

  "Hearing their side, hearing what their specific issues are and seeing if there's any kind of solution that addresses" the expansion is a priority, Hickenlooper said.

  Despite being an urban mayor, Hickenlooper said he should appeal to rural voters because of his agricultural roots that trace to his grandparents, who were farmers. When he was a restaurant owner, he bought from Colorado food producers.

  "What the agricultural community needs is a governor who can be a salesman and who can actually promote their products, and not just in-state. That creates the value of what they produce," he said.

  Through his business background and his six years as mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper said he's well versed in economic development, business growth, the workings of government and teamwork.

  "It's about surrounding yourself with talent, making sure what everyone is supposed to get done, what their time line is, having a way of being transparent and holding everyone accountable. It's creating a real team. Isn't that what the governor's supposed to do — bring the whole state together?"

nickb@chieftain.com

Ask your CO State Representative to vote against HB1205

We are opposing HB1205 a Colorado Bill that will be heard on the floor of the Colorado State House - likely this Friday. The concern is that this bill will allow a potential back door to expansion of Pinon Canyon.  It provides opportunities for greater influence and limitations placed by the military on zoning and planning within 2 miles of any military installations. Counties, Commissioners, The Farm Bureau, homebuilders, and others are opposed as well. We ask you call your Colorado State Representative and ask them to vote against HB1205. Look up your Representative

National Ag Day March 17th - We'll celebrate in Denver at Noon at the Capital!!

Many of us as individuals will be there - to help our legislators remember how important ag and property rights are to the State of Colorado and the nation!

From the Farm Bureau: 

National Ag Day celebration on Mar. 17th at the Capitol in Denver. The Ag Day celebration will coincide with the Senate Judiciary committee meeting in which the committee will consider HB 1188 the ‘Right to Trespass’ bill.


This will be a great event in which to celebrate Colorado Agriculture and also to defend it against legislation like HB 1188.

When: March 17th 2010, 12:00pm
Where: Capitol Building West Steps, Denver
Why: To celebrate National Ag Day and to help kill HB 1188.

The press conference will take place on the West Steps as 12:00 and will finish at 12:30. Legislators will be provided a sack lunch immediately afterwards and this will be an opportune time to connect with your legislator and talk about HB 1188.

The Judiciary Committee will convene at 1:30 in the Old Supreme Court room and we need as many cowboy hats and farm caps in the audience as possible!

Buses
Some County Farm Bureau’s are organizing bus trips to take members to and from the Capitol on the 17th. Buses will be leaving from around the state so members will have to drive as little as possible to meet the bus. Please contact your regional manager for additional details and to find out which bus departure will be closest to you.

Richard Connell- (970) 216-2041
Tony Hass- (719) 680-0619
Ron Brink- (303) 386- 6849
Jayde VanCleave- (719) 648-7947
Dana Thompson- (970) 227- 1783

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition Mark your calendar and come show your support for 'NO EXPANSION OF PINON CANYON' !!

Support Rural Colorado Event

Are you on FB? Check out our Fan numbers.....Rising!

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition

Nature in Southeast Colorado

From the La Junta Tribune: "Romanoff well received in La Junta"

Full story at LaJuntaTribuneDemocrat.com
Posted Feb 22, 2010 @ 02:28 PM

La Junta, Colo. —

Andrew Romanoff has been one of Colorado’s most popular politicians since he rose to prominence as Speaker of the House and on a cold, blustery Saturday night in La Junta, he proved it once again, drawing more than 50 people from both sides of the political aisle to the Koshare Kiva to hear him speak about his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Romanoff faces a major challenge trying to unseat incumbent Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, the former Denver Public Schools superintendent. Bennet was appointed last year by Gov. Bill Ritter to replace former Sen. Ken Salazar, who was tapped by President Barack Obama as U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Then, last week, Obama appeared in Colorado to campaign for Bennet, a move that left many Democrats crying foul over the fact that Obama “was throwing his weight around” even before Romanoff and Bennet could square off in an Aug. 10 primary election. Both candidates will face the challenge of earning a place on the ballot when Democrats meet for their state assembly this summer. Each needs to earn at least 30 percent of delegate votes to qualify for a place on the primary ballot.

Romanoff acknowledged he’s a “burr under the state’s saddle” currently, challenging an incumbent in a state that turned blue (indicating Democratic Party dominance) during the last General Election. But with a solid record of service at the Statehouse, in-depth knowledge of the state and solid name recognition, he believes
he is ready for the challenge of taking on Bennet, then the status quo in Washington, D.C.

About Congress he said adamantly that it is “so broken and so dysfunctional that something has to be done” to straighten it out. He also said he believes people in Colorado think this is a time of “so much peril and discord” they’ve lost their trust, even as they’ve lost their homes, jobs and even their lives” fighting in wars halfway around the globe.

Grazing necessary for sustainable ecosystems...

Here are the facts:

Shortgrass prairie makes up approximately one third of Colorado, and only about 40 percent of this prairie remains. Much of what's left is degraded because of development, highways, and water projects. And in this instance the biggest threat in this region is from the Army.

Grazing by large ruminants is a keystone process of the grassland ecosystem. A keystone process is one that has significant impact on the entire ecosystem. Grazing begins with the plant-grazer interaction but the effects of grazing are critical to species at all levels of the system.

'Heartening'

Today's story in the Pueblo Chieftain about Andrew Romanoff's position on a permanent ban against expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site is, indeed 'heartening'......

Feb 15th Editorial - Pueblo Chieftain

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Are you part of your Party's Caucus process? It's started....

You could help effect a platform change/endorsement for your party if enough of us present language for a resolution such as:

"The ______________ Party opposes the U.S. Army's attempted land grab of additional lands surrounding the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in Southeastern Colorado and supports the enactment of a permanent and binding congressional ban on expansion of the Site"

 

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Opposition Groups Honored by LaJunta Chamber

From the LaJunta Tribune

Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition and Not 1 More Acre! received the award together, with Lon Robertson and Steve Wooten accepting for PCEOC and Jim Herrell acccepting the award on behalf of Not 1 More Acre!

Newspaper publisher Candi Hill, who presented the award with Adela Licano and Chamber President Chandra Ochoa, said the two groups "have made significant contributions to protecting Southeastern Colorado's lifestyle and heritage. Through their efforts, ranchland in Pinon Canyon has been protected against expansion by the U.S. Army. Both organizations understand and appreciate the value of agriculture to this community. They are committed to protecting a way of life that impacts every person here. There will be future battles to protect our heritage and we hope both organizations know that they have the support of the communities they are helping to protect."

Hill said the groups should be congratulated "for being the voice of not only the agricultural community but for all people of Southeastern Colorado." Robertson said four years ago when PCEOC was started, people warned him the group couldn't win against the Army in its haste to expand it 238,000-acre training site southwest of La Junta.

"As a community we are here because we don't give up," Robertson said.

Herrell said even though the groups have succeeded in getting a congressional funding ban on expansion of Pinon Canyon and a moratorium on leasing or selling state land to the military, "it's like hitting a home run in the fifth inning. It's nice but there's still a lot of work left to do."

Herrell said the Army's plans to expand the site by 418,000 acres still stand. Congress needs to take the plans off the table, he said.  Herrell called the people of Southeast Colorado "among the most patriotic you will find in America," adding that the example set by the two groups in opposing expansion of Pinon Canyon means parents here "can still look their children in the eyes and tell them to stand up for what they believe in."

The two groups received a standing ovation from the crowd before they left the banquet stage.


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A reprint from Doug's Pilgrimage Blog.......

The two major political parties are subverting the democratic process in our state. They are, perhaps unwittingly pushing people like me toward the "Independent" column. First it was the Republican elite who got together behind closed doors to anoint Scott McInnis as their candidate for governor, long before the primary process had a chance to work. They even drafted a platform, a document which has traditionally been part of the party caucus process.

Now it's the Democrats who are subverting the primary process. President Obama is on his way to Denver to give his blessing to, and raise mega-bucks for Senate candidate, Michael Bennet. Such an endorsement would be fine if the primary process had been allowed to play itself out and Bennet had emerged as the party's choice. But that's not the case. There's another strong, viable Democratic candidate in the race; former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, Andrew Romanoff.

Read the rest of Doug's blog here: http://purgatorypilgrim.blogspot.com/

Romanoff opposes Pinon Canyon - Pueblo Chieftain

Friday, February 05, 2010

Romanoff opposes Pinon Canyon expansion Calls for ‘total ban’ on the enlargement debate.

Andrew Romanoff

Calls for ‘total ban’ on the enlargement debate.

By PETER ROPER
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

February 05, 2010 12:06 am

 Andrew Romanoff says the four-year fight between the Army and Southern Colorado ranchers over the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site has gone on too long and — if elected to the U.S. Senate — he would permanently block any future expansion of the 238,000-acre training area near Trinidad.

   "We need a total ban on (the Army) expanding Pinon Canyon," the former Democratic speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives said in an interview Thursday. "The ranchers down there deserve to have this fight come to an end once and for all."

Romanoff opposes Pinon Canyon expansion; Calls for a total ban on the Pinon Canyon debate - Topix

Romanoff opposes Pinon Canyon expansion; Calls for a total ban on the maneuver site enlargement debate - Topix

Poll update from Rasmussen on Colo Senate race: Bennet, Romanoff trail Norton

News forwarded from


Poll: Bennet, Romanoff trail Norton

By: Jessica Taylor
February 5, 2010 10:21 AM EST

Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet is trailing in his reelection bid by double digits, according to a new Rasmussen Reports survey that shows him losing by 14 percentage points to Republican Jane Norton.

Norton, the state's former lieutenant governor, is up over Bennet by a margin of 51 percent to 37 percent, with 7 percent undecided. Norton's edge has grown slightly since last month, when she held a 12-point lead.

The poll also shows Bennet losing to two other Republican contenders, former state Sen. Tom Wiens and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck.

Former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, who's challenging Bennet in the Democratic primary, runs closer to Norton in the poll, losing by only 7 points.

Bennet's reelection hopes will get a boost later this month, when President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Denver to raise money for him. Obama plans to speak at two fundraisers on Feb. 17.

We need more common sense......

From our Facebook discussion page: "It is always good to see politicians standing up on principle instead of towing party lines. And as you suggest they should all be recognized and supported when they stand for principle. We need more common sense on these issues.  All Colorado representatives in my opinion from both sides of the isle should be standing for our fellow citizens." Rich Hand

Western Slope water and Southeastern/Eastern Plains - all on McInnis' chopping block?

More terrifying threats from McInnis as reflected in the Montrose Daily Press:


"McInnis vows his first trip after he’s elected governor will be to the Pentagon to tell its leadership that Colorado is back in play and wants to expand on its established military environment, which includes a number of installations besides the obvious ones most know in Colorado Springs."

Besides condemning all of us in the southeast, and the thousands of jobs we support, McInnis will undoubtedly also be going after Western Slope water and agriculture as well.  Urban areas that McInnis wants to see grow on the Front Range are pushing just that already.


From the Pueblo Chieftain article 'Gunnison: Should state study drying up cities?':
Front range group "has urged the state to look at drying up Western Slope agriculture as a strategy [for water supply] along with Eastern Plains reduction in farmland"
and
"Gunnison turned that around, saying the state is hardly looking at the real problem:  Increased urban demand" .

Along with the attitude that the Southeast corner of the state is apparently completely unimportant, if McInnis is elected we now know we also run the risk of losing all of our state's agriculture.  East and West.

Got Food?

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Colorado Springs HAS NOT lost military jobs like some would want you to believe

Claims made by gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis during a campaign event in Windsor on January 27^th are more than just misleading.  McInnis reportedly told attendees in Windsor that military basing decisions during the past year have cost thousands of jobs in Colorado, and that a bi-partisan bill blocking the sale of state-owned lands to the Army is to blame. [http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100128007 ]

McInnis was referring to Department of Defense, Army, and Air Force decisions during the past year, which have affected Colorado Springs and other military locations nationwide.  For example, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates canceled the planned creation of three additional brigades, which would have been part of the Future Combat Systems. [ http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0609/061009cdam2.htm ]. 

One of those brigades had supposedly been slated for Fort Carson yet last April the Army decided to relocate Division West headquarters to Fort Hood in Texas, which resulted in the relocation of about 300 hundred people, [http://www.army.mil/-newsreleases/2009/04/03/19239-force-structure-actions-at-fort-hood-and-other-installations/ ] and in May the Air Force decided to locate its Cyber Command in San Antonio, Texas, rather than in Colorado Springs. [http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2009/05/11/daily38.html ]

McInnis tried to imply that those decisions were prompted by a bill enacted last summer with broad bi-partisan support but his implications don’t hold water.   He was referring to HB1317, which blocks the state from selling land to the Army for the expansion of Pinon Canyon.  But McInnis is wrong on two important points:

1. HB 1317 was signed into law in June, after the basing and troop-strength decisions had been made, so it is unlikely that it had any influence upon those decisions. And
2. the basing decisions did not cause a loss of jobs in Colorado. In fact, the military population has grown in the state. For example, during the past four years Fort Carson has experienced its largest population growth since it was founded in 1942  [http://search.carson.army.mil/pao-news/press-releases/]

Published reports in fact indicate that Fort Carson has actually grown by several thousand troops, and that the Army has received millions of dollars to fund new construction.  For instance, the base added 6,500 soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters and its 3,800-soldier 1st Brigade Combat Team [http://www.fortcarsonblog.com/2009/04/30/fort-carson-will-gain-a-division-headquarters-unit-this-summer-and-it-will-lose-one-too-post-officials-announced-friday/] 

According to Fred Crowley, senior economist at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, these additional troops created about 5,000 new jobs in Colorado Springs. [http://csbj.com/2009/07/02/military-spending-vital-to-springs-economy/]

So, McInnis’ claims are completely wrong and in fact Colorado has become ever more dependent upon the military and federal dollars.  However, the majority of true conservative Republicans as well as the majority of Democrats and Independents all over the country understand that throwing tax payer dollars at local economies does not resolve the economic downturn.  Instead it robs dollars from people and businesses that create stable productive private sector jobs. 

McInnis continues to spout non-truths and misconceptions, and if allowed he would nationalize land and steal jobs from the southeast Colorado economy.  His "job math" does not include the jobs he would destroy in southeast Colorado by expanding Pinon Canyon and tying those federal subsidized dollars to the military does not make them effective or necessary.  Our military should not be an economic tool for politicians and southeast Colorado shouldn’t be allowed to be sacrificed let alone because of some make believe scheme by Mr. McInnis.