I support the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and the Antiquities Act of 1906. But I voted no to sending the letter to Secretary Zinke of the Department of the Interior because I don’t believe that we were elected to the Cortez City Council to advise the federal government. The city council does not have enough information to say with certainty that no changes are necessary.

The review by the Secretary of the Interior is to insure that the national monuments were designated and managed in compliance with the Antiquities Act. The Antiquities Act authorizes the President to declare an area a national monument to protect antiquities. The area shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management.

Colleges and museums can obtain permits to gather antiquities. The secretary shall make and publish rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Antiquities Act. The review is also checking to see if the designation was made without adequate public outreach and coordination with all relevant stakeholders.

I believe that the review is well within the authority of the secretary. I think that any group of seven people would have as much influence on this review as the seven members of the Cortez City Council.

I want it encourage people or groups to present issues that they have in regards to the City of Cortez. These issues are within our power to work on. That’s what we were elected to do.

It is difficult for the city council to remain nonpartisan and focused on the things that will make Cortez great again if we get caught up in county, state or federal issues.

Tim Miller

Cortez

Editor’s note: Tim Miller is a member of the Cortez City Council.