Challengers Say Money Was Misappropriated From Economic Development Funds

Candidates for the County Commission in Garfield County, CO, have made funding for the annual Rifle Air Show a political football in the campaign.

On one side, Republican incumbents Mike Samson (District 3) and John Martin (District 2) support the use of money set aside for economic development to stage the air show. They say it showcases the airport, which can be an economic driver in the county, and brings visitors to the region.

However their Democratic challengers, Sonja Linman (2) and Aleks Briedis (3) both say the expenditure of $260,000 for the event was an inappropriate use of the money, according to a report appearing in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent newspaper.

The question came up during a joint appearance sponsored by the paper, KMTS radio, and the local Resort Association. Sampson said the airport (KRIL) is an "economic engine for our county," and Martin said that the event, which attracted 22,000 people who attended the show free of charge, promotes economic development.

Neither Briedis or Linman advocated doing away with the air show, but they both objected to where the money came from. Briedis indicated that the money in that account should be used for infrastructure "like investing in trails," and Linman said the funding for the show "seems excessive" while acknowledging that the airport is important to the overall economic health of the county.

FMI: www.garfield-county.com, www.rifleairport.com/rifle_airport-air-show.aspx