Dear Editor:

I am sure this letter will anger some of my North Fork/Delta County neighbors but they have had their say, now it's my turn. First: Delta County has a 30,000+ population.

Second: 300-500 turn out at the meetings regarding energy developments. That's only approximately 10%+/- of the populace. Yes, yes, I know, there are children in the population figure and they don't vote (yet), but I hope you can see where I am coming from as to the numbers involved.

What about the silent majority's thoughts regarding these issues? What would the results of a straw poll be if one was taken and the silent majority voted as well as the dissidents? Also, I do not believe the comments of two Paonia realtors are the opinion of the other realtors as a whole. I personally know (owning rental units) that energy related employees are constantly trying to find housing closer to their jobs rather that the long commute from Montrose or Palisade.

What will happen if the coal mines shut down for lack of resources? I am positive the organic farmers are NOT going to support this valley. If the environmentalists are successful in closing down the energy fields, what will this do to the local economy? These energy related employees spend tons and tons of money in this valley as well as producing the energy to keep the so called environmentalists from freezing in the dark.

Larry M. Head

Hotchkiss