As indicated in a previous update, we learned of an E-MAIL where County Commissioner Hilary Cooper announced her intention to resign from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) effective May 8, 2023 – a story that was confirmed by the TELLURIDE DAILY PLANET later that day. Since that time, the San Miguel County Democratic Party has posted a VACANCY NOTICE which provides details for how Commissioner Cooper’s seat is to be filled.

More details, a job description and compensation parameters can be found in the VACANCY NOTICE, but the process is summarized as follows:

  • Letters of interest from applicants are being accepted at this time.
  • Applicants must be registered Democrats who have been registered Democrats since April 2022 or before.
  • Applicants must be residents of San Miguel County, District One, since April 2022 or before. A link to the interactive map for Districts can be found HERE, and by clicking on the “Interactive Option Map” found on that page.
  • Letters of interest must include a short statement including the following from an interested applicant: 1) Confirmation of meeting the qualifications listed above, 2) a description of relevant experience, 3) why interested in the position and 4) contact information.
  • Letter must be submitted by email to smcdems.co@gmail.com  by 5:00 pm Monday, May 8, 2023.
  • Selection will occur no later than May 18, 2023.

This may all sound swift and simple, and in all reality it is!  However, with swiftness and simplicity comes the potential for pre-determined intentions or plans to further erode the relationship this community has with its local leaders.  Instead, we are hopeful that this also presents a golden opportunity for the exact opposite—a return to healthy balance and functionality, and a restoration of trust and respect that is so desperately needed in this polarized time of our local history.

We are truly at a crossroads for our community, so the team at the Last Dollar Collective has a very simple request:  WE CALL FOR OPEN-MINDED, ANALYTICAL, FAIR AND COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS TO THROW THEIR HAT IN THE RING!

For more information, or to engage in a discussion with the team at LDC, please email info@lastdollarcollective.com, but in the  meantime, we will continue to provide updates on developments to this important process.  And, as always, please consider contributing to help the Last Dollar Collective continue its mission of advocacy for this region we love.