We noted the comments from Bob Gallagher, former consultant to Sand Ridge, about how Sandoval County officials allegedly misled him about the application by SandRidge for a zoning change and approval to drill. We were especially amused by his characterization of residents of Corrales and Placitas as “B.A.N.A.N.A.s’ – build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything.”
First, it was Sand Ridge that misled the County. SandRidge failed to disclose its dire financial condition. SandRidge was unable to provide adequate information about its process for drilling and how it would insure the safety of drinking water for over 100,000 residents of the area.
Mr. Gallagher states “… SandRidge had received word from (Michael) Springfield three weeks before the December meeting that the application would receive a recommendation.” Apparently Mr. Gallagher is unaware of how the process works. Sandoval County staff does not make the decisions. Decisions are made by the elected members of the County Commission and by the officials appointed by them to the County Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). The P&Z Commission took testimony from the applicant and comments from the public, along with the reports issued by their staff. At the end of that process they made a decision to deny the application based upon a lack of sufficient information.
Residents from all parts of Sandoval County, including Rio Rancho, participated in the democratic process. People in this County are concerned about their health, the environment, education, roads and economic development. And we participate in the process, as well we should.
The Board of the Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association is proud of its involvement in this matter and proud of all of the other citizen groups and individuals who participated. We witnessed democracy at work. We are not anti-business or anti-growth. We support the adoption of an ordinance to oversee and regulate future oil and gas drilling in the County. We recognize the need for a better economy in the area and in the County. We want to insure that any project that is proposed proceeds in a manner that is safe for all residents and safe for our land.
Ed Majka, President
Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association