On Friday, December 6, 2024, our former colleague Lora Thomas, without informing our Board of Directors or County Human Resources, decided to resign as Douglas County Commissioner for District III, effective immediately.

She chose to step down before the end of her second term, knowing she had the same opportunity to continue governing in her role until January 14, 2025. At this point, the new district commissioner for District III would take office.

Contrary to what was reported, her leadership environment included an office of the same size with the same view, adjacent to the office from which she served for six years. CRS §30-11-101(1)(c) grants the county authority to control the use of county real and personal property when the Board of County Commissioners believes it is in the best interest of the county and its Interests lie residents. This would include assigning an office or vacating an office to make improvements for a new commissioner.

With this moment in the rearview mirror, it is important that our board presses on, focusing our attention on the people’s issues and seizing the opportunity to govern in the public interest as our newest commissioner was elected to this seat in November.