Over the last month, we have been observing developments here in Colorado regarding the progression of COVID-19. Governor Polis’ press conference on 3/27/2020 created major concern by presenting a dire picture of the pandemic's risks and imposing a stay-at-home order with severe economic and social costs. On our new COVID-19 resource page, we analyze the scientific basis for Governor Polis' order and...
Latest News
Oil and gas
Frustrated
by Dave Kisker I’m pretty disgusted. I attended two Weld County Commissioners’ oil and gas related work sessions on Tuesday, and while there were some very interesting developments, this was also a source of disappointment, frustration, or, even disgust. As many of you know, part of the mission of PURG is to keep an eye on government activities at any...
Weld County politics
Sean Conway Resigns
As first reported at the PURG Facebook page earlier this morning, it was announced at today’s Weld County Board of County Commissioners meeting that At-large Commissioner Sean Conway has tendered his resignation. When agenda item #5, “Consider Appointment of Sean Conway to Certain Advisory Boards” could not be addressed because of his absence, comments from Commissioner Kirkmeyer revealed that Mr....
Events, Oil and gas, Thornton pipeline, Xcel transmission line, Zoning
An Active Month Ahead
As we begin the second half of the year, a number of important topics are going to be addresses by the elected official in Weld County. Our new calendar page lists several of them, but in this brief summary, we add a little more detail. July 10 will be a very busy day, potentially. First, during the BOCC meeting, the...
Uncategorized
The PURG website is being reconstructed….please come back soon!
People United for Responsible Government (PURG) is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization formed to improve and promote the responsibility and transparency of elected officials of Weld County, Colorado. PURG is multi-partisan and welcomes discussion with and participation by all Weld County residents.
Uncategorized
Weld County–“In the zone”
Zoning. What is it? Why does it matter? How does it affect people? One of the most important tasks of government at any level is managing land use. By controlling what uses are approved at a location, a jurisdiction can cause orderly development or chaos. On the one hand, it's important to respect the right of a property owner to...
Ethics
“I didn’t know what I was voting for…”
With those words, former Weld County Commissioner Julie Cozad sought to excuse her vote to pay herself over $12,000 as reimbursement of her legal fees. She incurred these fees while fighting the ethical violation complaint that was brought against her in 2017 because she allegedly violated the gift ban in Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution. While a bit reminiscent...
Uncategorized
Data talks…BS walks
As a working scientist who was employed in "high tech" for over 30 years, I don't have much patience for unsupported rhetoric. I strongly support using all available evidence for decision making, so when politicians tell us to "don't worry, be happy", my warning antennas go up and I go into "alert mode". And, I don't care what side of...
Weld County Charter
Weld County Charter Proposals
Below are the proposed amendments to the Weld County Home Rule Charter, along with some comments for and against the proposals. These 9 items were the result of efforts by the 2018 ad hoc Charter Review Committee of which I was a member. (NOTE: The PRO/CON statements are mine, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of other CRC members....
