As El Paso County prepares for the Buc-ee’s appeal, residents deserve an answer to a simple question: If evidence matters to the Board of County Commissioners, why is the public being given fewer tools to present it?
At the July 23 hearing on P261/P262, residents spent weeks preparing a coordinated, fact-based presentation tied directly to the approval criteria. Speakers organized their evidence, practiced their remarks and worked to avoid repeating one another.
Then, shortly before testimony began, the Chair announced that public speaking time would be limited to 90 seconds, down from the customary three minutes, and residents could not transfer their unused time to another speaker.
The community adapted. Residents reorganized during lunch, practiced and timed their presentations and delivered evidence anyway.
During the Board’s discussion, Chair Carrie Geitner emphasized the importance of evidence repeatedly. At approximately 6:16:48, she stated, “our job is to evaluate evidence.” She also said she wished the opposition had provided more specific evidence concerning traffic and safety.
Residents had presented evidence on those issues.
Now, as the Buc-ee’s appeal approaches, residents have been told the public may have as little as 60 seconds to speak and will not be permitted to use PowerPoint or digital presentations.
That raises a legitimate concern.
The Buc-ee’s appeal involves whether the proposed use fits within the County’s Land Development Code. That requires evidence, comparisons and explanation, not simply opinions.
No one is asking for unlimited public comment. The Chair has a responsibility to manage a large hearing.
But fair process should also mean giving the public a meaningful opportunity to present the evidence the Board says it needs to make its decision.
If evidence matters, let the public present it.
If public participation matters, establish clear, consistent rules in advance.
And if the County expects citizens to understand the process, give them a process that is transparent, predictable and consistently applied.
This isn’t anti-development. It is a request for something every participant deserves: a fair opportunity to be heard.
Marti Zehr-Breedlove is an El Paso County resident. Opinion pieces and Letters to the Editor reflect the views of their authors, not The Monument Independent. To submit one, email [email protected].