If a board member has some technical expertise, on a complex subject, at times that may be of value. But the risk is that that person will lack the ability to participate on a wide variety of subjects. Critics of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission point to the fact that its members can be employed in the industry, and that that has to bias their viewpoint on issues that challenge the industry s dominance. The answer to who can make the best decisions lies outside the industry. Overlaid with that mission, now, is the requirement that surface owners interests be taken into consideration.
Colleges do just fine no, better because their boards include few if any educators.
What goes on in the classroom is left up to the top educator, while the board takes on the issues that an educator who has spent most of his life in education has limited experience at. Board members have to believe in the need to remove minerals from the ground, but beyond that they should come from a variety of working backgrounds. Contents copyright 2001, the Durango Herald. All rights reserved.