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.
The Forum contacted both Braden and Stout to give them a chance to address the matter. Braden told the Forum that everyone has the right to the First Amendment and “the ability to educate and petition our elected leaders and reach out to the press about issues in the public interest, such as protecting the Dolores River and its surrounding public lands.”
He said he assumes that monument opponents are doing the same thing with elected leaders that share their viewpoints. He said he’s done nothing wrong.
“There's nothing improper or unlawful about that conduct in either instance.”
He added Colorado Wildlands Project didn’t pay for Senator Bennet or his staff to visit the West End.
“For fifty years Coloradans have been working to safeguard the Dolores Canyon country. That work continues to this day and I’m proud to be part of a community-led coalition that reflects the diversity of the West Slope, from small businesses in Montrose County, to Colorado’s hunters and anglers, to under-represented communities in Grand Junction,” he said. “Finally conserving the Dolores Canyons National Monument will not, and never will be, about one person, one elected official, one business owner, or one conservationist, but rather about the vast majority of Coloradans who value public lands and understand that some places just deserve to be protected.”
