Montrose County Republican Party Official Statement
in Support of Commissioner Scott Mijares
The Montrose County Republican Party stands firmly behind Commissioner Scott Mijares, a dedicated public servant whose leadership has brought principled, conservative governance to our county. Elected in November 2024 with the support of 18,129 Montrose County voters, Commissioner Mijares has consistently acted in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) and the duties of a County Commissioner, prioritizing the interests of our community over bureaucratic entrenchment.
Commissioner Mijares has taken decisive steps to strengthen Montrose County. He addressed the unlawful hiring of the Public Health Director, ensuring compliance with state law and protecting the integrity of our county's processes. His efforts to resolve the dispute over the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) demonstrate his commitment to public safety, aiming to provide our Sheriff's Department with the resources needed to recruit, train, and retain skilled deputies. Additionally, Mijares is working to enroll the Sheriff's Department in the Fire and Police Pension Association of Colorado (FPPA), further supporting our law enforcement.
As a successful entrepreneur, Scott Mijares brings a wealth of professional experience to the Board of County Commissioners. Alongside his wife, Julie, he built Hawaiian Woodies, a vintage postcard company, for over 20 years before founding Wild Horse Wine and Whiskey in Montrose in 2021. His proven business acumen drives his push for sound financial practices, transparency, and efficiency in county operations, including reviewing departments to deliver meaningful savings for taxpayers and increasing awareness of taxing agencies to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The recall effort against Commissioner Mijares, launched by a small group of leftist activists and a handful of former Republicans, lacks merit and is rooted in personal agendas rather than substantive issues. This "feelings-based" campaign, built on a bed of lies, seeks to undermine the will of Montrose County voters who demanded change in the last election. We question the motives behind this recall: What are they hiding? Follow the money. This effort appears designed to sow chaos and dictate who can serve on the Board of County Commissioners, disregarding the democratic process.
The recall proponents have failed to identify any specific violations of the requirements for a County Commissioner under CRS guidelines. Commissioner Mijares has upheld his duties with integrity, representing the conservative values of our community, values of family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility. His leadership reflects the principles Montrose County cherishes, standing firm against an extreme leftist agenda amplified by mainstream media narratives.
We are fortunate to have a conservative Commissioner like Scott Mijares, who defends our county, our land, and our way of life. The Montrose County Republican Party calls on our community to reject this baseless recall and support Commissioner Mijares as he continues to deliver transparent, accountable, and effective governance for all Montrose County residents.
Commissioner Mijares' Rebuttal Points Included on Petition:
- Mijares violated Colorado Open Meetings Law, CRS §26-6-402. He conspired with another commissioner to force the resignation of the county manager and county attorney. Key decisions regarding county government were made and continue to be made outside of public meetings.
Response: There was no violation of CRS 26-6-402, no secret meetings. Rodriguez and Whitmore made it clear to the two new commissioners that they had no respect for the voters to choose who they wanted to lead our county forward. Their “WE’LL SHOW THEM WHO RUNS THIS COUNTY” attitude lead to their voluntary resignation when they realized the game was over.
- Over half a million taxpayer dollars have been wasted on severance packages, backfilling positions, and unnecessary outside legal fees.
Response: County Manager and County Attorney were awarded a severance payment equal to 6 months of their trailing salary. The total severance paid was $177,395.00. The BOCC approved up to $10,000.00 for outside council if needed. Not $500,000.00 as claimed by recall committee.
- Mijares attempted to halt previously approved North Campus construction project, exposing the county to a breach of contract penalty and wasting staff hours, before retreating under public pressure.
Response: On December 18th, 2024 the outgoing board committed the County to a $24,000,000.00 North Campus building. This decision was of grave concern to our Finance Department. As a result Mijares made a motion to pause the construction to review the implications of the project on the County Budget. This was a hasty decision made just 27 days prior the old board leaving office.His motion was not seconded - there was no impact on the project.
- Mijares demoted the Public Health Director, then changed his decision weeks later, eroding confidence in the county’s ability to provide essential health services.
Response: Colorado Revised Statue 25-1-508 states, “The Public Health Director SHALL be selected by the County Board of Health”. This did not occur. The BOCC voted to follow Colorado law and a new Public Health Director was appointed by the Board of Health. There was no loss of essential services to citizens.
- Mijares’s unpredictable actions have created instability, resulting in a toxic and fearful work environment for county employees.
Response: Commissioner Mijares has increased integrity and accountability to the BOCC by following the law and increasing transparency. This comes despite the efforts of certain individuals who wish to undermine his efforts and sow chaos.
This recall effort is without merit and hurts the people of Montrose County.
PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION.
THEY ARE NOT AFTER SCOTT, THEY ARE AFTER YOU. SCOTT IS JUST IN THE WAY.
Want to Remove Your Signature?
If you feel you've been mislead and have already signed the Recall Petition, you can revoke your signature. Contact the Montrose County Election's Department to remove your signature from the petition.
elections@montrosecounty.net
317 South 2nd Street
970-249-3362 Ext. 3
Please include your first, middle, and last name; your date of birth; and address, so they can match your voter record on the petition.
Protect Kids Colorado Petitions
will be ready in August!
To meet our petition goal, Montrose County needs 2,200 signatures or 55 petition packets filled. This can be done easily if we get enough help. Can YOU carry a petition and gather some signatures from your family and friends? Many hands make work light, if we all work together!
To help, click on link and sign up here:
https://www.protectkidscolorado.org/
