Looks like the La Plata County Republicans are at it again.
After failing to remove State Rep. Mike McLachlan from office with an ill-conceived recall effort in 2013, they are now trying the same dubious tactic on County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt.
Recalls should only be used in extreme cases of gross misconduct or major ethics violations, neither of which Lachelt has committed. Voters shouldn’t be allowed to remove a democratically elected official simply because they don’t like her policy positions.
Gwen Lachelt was elected twice by La Plata County residents, and her history as an environmental advocate was well-documented each time. She testified before Congress about the BLM Methane Rule well before the 2016 election. If this action was so controversial, La Plata County residents had every opportunity to remove her last November.
The fact is, the majority of La Plata County values Lachelt’s positions on the environment and public health. And the timing of this announcement is more than a little curious. Some residents, particularly in the rural parts of the county, have worked themselves into a frenzy about the Land Use Code revision. Apparently, these people believe putting another Republican on the board of county commissioners would result in a more palatable LUC.
The irrational fear of a new land use planning document is driving this absurd recall petition. Republicans could not remove Gwen by election, so they are turning to this back-channel scheme.
Please do not sign this misguided recall petition. This underhanded process is the opposite of democracy.
John Wickersham
Durango
