Regardless of your political leanings, you should be outraged that an outside, big money, Koch brothers-funded organization is using La Plata County as a proxy for ousting “progressive” elected officials.
Gwen Lachelt was elected by a majority of La Plata County residents in both 2012 and 2016. Agree or disagree with her, but acknowledge the democratic process that put her in office.
In addition, the reasoning for the recall is bogus: Gwen’s attendance record is over 90 percent; all commissioners represent the county at state and national meetings. How could that possibly be a “conflict of interest?”
And no, there are not any ethics violations. This has been definitively proven over and over. The two other commissioners, one a Democrat and one a Republican, both oppose the recall.
If this ridiculous petition gets enough signatures, it triggers a special election. Guess who pays for it? Us, the taxpayers; our Clerk Tiffany Parker will tell you an election is a very expensive proposition.
What’s a better option? There is a regular election in 2020 when Gwen, who is term limited, can not even run. At that time the citizens of our county can again elect their commissioners without any outside, special-interest bullying.
So if you are asked to sign the recall petition, just say no way. It’s based on bogus assertions, is subversive to the democratic process and would cost us money we don’t have.
Laura Godfrey
Durango
