I think that local paper covered it unfairly. They cite two opposing views in depth when no such opposition showed at the final hearing.
Instead, after some initial confusion by Colorado City nearby, the P&Z staff recommended against approval. The local people in the area of the road were UNIVERSALLY in favor of it and got good guidance from their representatives and came back with proper efforts to make sure the County concerns were addressed. They were passionate and articulate in wanting a small remembrance of their relative and neighbor.
When the time for action was needed, one woman was positioned through long efforts to see these people got proper justice and the County handled it fairly to all concerned that appeared. That woman was you as you cite in your post above.
When someone abortively posted an article I went to the county site and listened to the entire hearing and read all of the documentation.
Damn, your Dad would be proud of you. I know I am and everyone on this website should be as well.