Last Thursday, the Forum was sent, by a few different citizens, a link to a website called Medium, through which a series of texts were published in a story called “Abuse of power and privilege by the proponents of the Dolores River National Monument Proposal.”
The story, or blog, states that someone requested to view conversations through the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), conversations between representatives of the Colorado Wildlands Project, specifically Scott Braden, and city council members in Grand Junction, specifically Anna Stout.
CORA requests are made through the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. And, the coalition defines public records as “all ‘writings’ made, maintained or kept by the state or any agency, institution or political subdivision ‘for use in the exercise of functions required or authorized by law or administrative rule or involving the receipt or expenditure of public funds.’ This means the content of the record must discuss some public business, as opposed to purely private matters. The definition of public records also includes the ‘correspondence’ of elected officials, with some exceptions.”
“Writings” are defined by the coalition as “books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings or other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, as well as digitally stored data, including electronic mail and text messages. The definition excludes computer software.”
The Medium story is mostly a thread of text messages between Braden and Stout, their discussions about the monument. Personal discussions have been redacted, but what’s visible appears to be collaborative support for the monument and working to get it designated in 2025.
The thread states confidence that Senator Michael Bennet is on their side: “Bennet is our main ally.”
It indicates enthusiasm for monument status: “Think of how it’s going to feel when you’re standing beside the president when he signs the proclamation here in 2025!”
Regarding Braden’s request of writing op-eds for bigger media sources in support of the monument, Stout said, “I am your tool. Use me as I’m useful.”
The Medium story says this about the texts: that they show unethical behavior, “perceived power” over state senators, unreported gifts and political favors, and unethical media coverage.
West End leader and monument opposer Aimee Tooker said the CORA documents point to collusion.
"The perceived control over the senators is probably the most disturbing part of this document,” she said. “Government officials, like the senators and former mayor and current councilwoman Anna Stout, are supposed to protect the people …”
Tooker said the texts point to a lack of impartiality and a lack of listening to the people and what they want. She wants those in the Dolores River Valley to be heard, and for government to work for the constituents.
She added she feels larger news outlets are not covering those living in the small Western Slope communities, those most affected by the monument proposal.
“They tout unbiased reporting, impartiality, credibility and the pursuit of truth. It is now time for the media to get the answers and speak for the voiceless,” she said.
Tooker has other questions too. She said if a presidential proclamation “doesn’t allocate funds to the management of a monument and the Department of the Interior is underfunded and understaffed, how will it be managed?”
She also wants to know, “if we are to have civil discourse or informed conversations, how does this process of not including the local communities first play into that?”
Tooker questions why proponents traveled all over the state, and U.S., to garner support, instead of working with the local communities first. And, she wants to know why proponents are using polling data that clearly doesn’t include enough participation to promote a monument.
