How organized advocacy drowned out everyday Coloradans at public hearings
By Scott K. James | Commentary, ScottKJames.com
How Colorado’s public comment process became a staging ground for organized activism – and why regular people never stood a chance
If Part 3 showed you the network, Part 4 shows you its megaphone.
Public comment is supposed to be the place where ordinary people get to speak truth to power.
Where Weld County ranchers, truckers, commuters, business owners, and taxpayers can show up and say:
“Here’s what this means for my life.”
But in today’s Colorado, public comment isn’t public anymore.
It’s been captured – professionally, methodically, and overwhelmingly – by advocacy organizations who have mastered the art of flooding the zone.
This didn’t happen overnight.
It happened t...