Comments on: Glenn shares insights into Nestle decision

By: Joseph Thomas

Joseph Thomas — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:25:15 +0000

Big business wins again. You know we really need more plastic in the landfill, don’t you think?

By: John Graham

John Graham — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:19:53 +0000

Among the points that I found most interesting is the sentence … If not for Nestle’s eleventh-hour concession to grant a permanent, rather than 10-year, conservation easement on the land, Glenn said he would not have voted to approve the project.

What I hear is that Mr. Glenn believed Nestlé’s application did NOT meet the requirements of the 1041 and SLUP regulations, but with the prospect of a permanent conservation easement, he was able to justify approval. How can the prospect of a conservation easement be the tipping point in deciding if a project meets 1041 and SLUP criteria? I use the word “prospect” because that is just what it is. The County did not get any written confirmation of a conservation easement; it is not a part of the written Conditions. Also, a conservation easement is a complicated document that typically takes months to draft and contains numerous concessions, agreements, and details. The County has no say whatsoever in the drafting of this document. If it is done, it is done solely to Nestlé’s specifications and on Nestlé’s timeline. I seriously question if this is a responsible position for the County.

A second observation I would like to make concerns the quote from Mr. Glenn …. “Out and out denial of the permit . . . well you know what would’ve happened . . . we would have been sued,” When Commissioners start with an attitude such as that, how objective do you think the process can be? It shows the immense pressure that a company like Nestle brings to bear, particularly in a small County with limited resources In such a situation, the citizens of Chaffee County did not get fair and unbiased consideration by their elected officials. In my mind, that is clearly lack of due process. That is not a positive example of what good government looks like to me.

By: Chuck Rose

Chuck Rose — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 02:20:27 +0000

Once again Commissioner Glenn’s thoughtful and logical approach is one that should be admired. It is Mr. Glenn’s ability to empirically weigh the facts within the legal fence lines allowed that should be appreciated by all citizens regardless of their personal opinion of the Nestle issue.

Although I do not always agree with the Mr. Glenn, he remains my example of what a local elected official should be.
Thanks,
Chuck Rose

By: Anne E Vohs

Anne E Vohs — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:36:28 +0000

There is no emotion in fact…or is there. For some of us the facts DO lead to a direct correlation between action and non action. I also believe that Com. Glenn did do what he felt was right.

That said, the facts that are very apparent to some of us are just that. It does not change what we think or how we feel about this issue especially in the larger frame of cause and affect.

Reexamining any part of this picture should be done with all do respect to those that have a difference of opinion…and not taken as an issue that separates us but instead brings us all together for the greater good.

By: Bill Donavan

Bill Donavan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:47:31 +0000

Tim was wonderful to speak with. It was fascinating to hear the degree to which he wrestled with issues. In the end I realized that this is an emotional issue for many of us, but there is not much room for emotion in Tim’s job.

I doubt I could be as good a commissioner as Mr. Glenn because all I have to do is look at the pollution plastics wreak on our environment, and I would immediately be thankful that I was in a position to help stop this mega-corporation in their tracks, little discussion would be needed.

Were I to get past this issue, I’d likely again wrestle, for several seconds, over the significant data that points to Nestle being a bad neighbor, and bully, to communities like ours.

But, Tim claims that he did not look at these issues, and could not be a fair judge if he factored them in. I cannot speak for the other commissioners, but after a long and serious discussion with Tim about Nestle, I know he voted the way he did because he felt it was the right decision as a public representative.

I’ve never been so frustrated with such a fair and honest man.

Thanks again for your time Tim -bd

By: sue mills

sue mills — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:43:01 +0000

I have long held Tim Glenn in high esteem, and to be candid, I feel betrayed by his vote. Thank you for this excellent interview and thanks to Tim for his agreeing to do it. The points he makes give good insight into his reasoning. I also appreciate a recounting of some of the positives we did accomplish. It softens the blow.
That is not to say I believe this was a good decision…that is still beyond my comprehension.
I agree it is a divisive issue but I can’t believe the for’s and against’s are equally divided. I am convinced the majority here reflect people’s opinion around the globe. So you will see me joining in efforts to trip up Nestle and the other big water companies along their path any chance I get… until they fall and fail in their quest for getting more water rights.

By: earle kittleman

earle kittleman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:10:58 +0000

Great reporting! Thanks for seeking out the unflappable Commissioner Glenn.