Good point re "a bunch of ultra-rich junkies" to quote you - they should open the doors for a few state funded people too. 

As for this, "County commissioners are famous for taking, uh....."gifts" from would-be developers" has 100% NOTHING to do with that. This facility meets the use allowance. 

Read this -
Commissioners: Cordillera decision tough but clear
http://www.vaildaily.com/news/commissioners-cordillera-decision-tough-but-clear/