Panel opposes Piñon expansion

The Las Animas County Democratic Party’s executive committee on Saturday adopted a resolution opposing the proposed expansion of the Army’s Piñon Canyon maneuver site.

“We believe there are other options,” Commissioner Jim Montoya said in a statement. “We are not anti-Army or unpatriotic; 240,000 acres have already been taken. We are not willing to displace those ranchers and lose our heritage.”

State Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak, who attended the meeting, said the action is consistent with the state party’s platform adopted last year.