New Voice for Agriculture on SE Board
By Chris Woodka, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
Apr. 18–A calm, steady voice for farmers on the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District was replaced Thursday by a new director who will continue to carry that torch.
Carl Genova, the at-large director from Pueblo County, decided not to reapply for the position on the board after serving 20 years. Kevin Karney, an Otero County commissioner and rancher, was appointed this week by Pueblo Chief District Judge Dennis Maes to take Genova’s place.
“When Carl speaks, people listen,” said President Bill Long. “He thought things through.”
Genova’s parting words were simple:
“It’s time to do something different,” he said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve on this board.”
As a Southeastern board member, Genova was a constant advocate for farmers’ water rights, for protecting the state’s interests in negotiations with Kansas over the Arkansas River Compact and in opposing export of water from the basin by Aurora. Genova is also a member of the Bessemer Ditch board.
The board and staff presented him a blanket, plaque, cake, pie and — appropriately — a carved water buffalo.
Karney was sworn in on the board at Thursday’s meeting, along with three returning directors: Harold Miskel and Gib Hazard from El Paso County and Vera Ortegon from Pueblo County. Scott Reed from Prowers County was also reappointed, but excused from the meeting.
Karney is a fourth-generation Otero County resident who has fought for Lower Arkansas Valley water since becoming a commissioner in 1999. He helped create the WaterWorks! committee in Otero County in response to Aurora’s purchase of the Rocky Ford Ditch in 2000.
He has also assumed leadership roles with the Rural Water Providers, the Arkansas Valley Conduit Advisory Committee, the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District formation committee and the Arkansas Basin Roundtable.
“Being an elected official in the Lower Arkansas Valley for the past 10 years has given me a front-row seat to the water issues throughout Colorado,” Karney said. “The experience I have gained has prepared me particularly well for this position.”
The board also elected officers Thursday. Long will remain president; Miskel, vice-president; Reed, secretary; and Ann Nichols, treasurer.
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