Saturday, April 19, 2008

"Mora County residents torn over mineral leases"

"Knute H. Lee Jr. had a pitch for the eastern Mora County residents who showed up Feb. 10 for a barbecue he hosted in the Ocate Community Center: Lease out your oil and gas mineral rights through his Albuquerque company, KHL Inc.

A total of 116 people from surrounding communities turned out to chow down on barbecued beef brisket, chicken and potato salad, and to hear Lee's proposition.

"Several people were opposed to leasing," said Ojo Feliz resident Rose Josefa, who attended the event. "Many were interested in how the royalty and rental system works. The rest were quiet but not very welcoming. I didn't get the sense that people were jumping up and down over his offer."'