Not All for One and All for Water: Commissioner Lora Thomas Hinders Progress Towards Comprehensive Water Plan in Douglas County
The formation of the Douglas County Water Commission has been met with controversy due to the public criticism from Commissioner Lora Thomas, whose inability to work with her fellow commissioners has been hindering progress towards a developing comprehensive water plan for the county.
While Commissioners Laydon and George Teal have had the best interests of the county in mind when proposing the water commission, Thomas has been quick to dismiss the initiative as "redundant and expensive." She argues that the county already has the South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) working on a long-term water plan.
However, Laydon points out that the SMWSA plan does not include rural parts of the county, making the need for a comprehensive plan all the more necessary. The goal of the commission is to bring together water experts from all over the county to develop a cohesive plan that benefits all residents.
Yet, Thomas continues to push back, estimating a cost of $200,000 for the creation and implementation of the plan. But Laydon disagrees, stating that this will be a staff exercise with volunteer board members, and no funding will be required.
As the process has moved forward, each commissioner has submitted a list of names for the unpaid Water Commission Board, but the once again, Thomas has been the odd one out. She did not endorse any of Teal's recommendations for her district, claiming conflict of interest due to their past contributions to Teal's campaign.
In contrast, Laydon's recommendations include individuals with extensive experience in water resources, including a former director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. He has also emphasized the importance of having board members sign conflict-of-interest forms to ensure impartiality.
Commissioner Laydon named Merlin Klotz and Donald Langley, both of whom serve on the Parker Water and Sanitation District; former Colorado Water Conservation Board director James Eklund, also a water attorney; and, James Meyers, whom Laydon said has 40 years of experience in water resources.
The interviews with potential board members will be held in the next week, and Laydon hopes to have the commission operational within two months.
While the formation of the Douglas County Water Commission has faced its fair share of opposition, it is a necessary step towards securing the county's water supply for future generations. Despite this, Commissioner Lora Thomas remains a roadblock to progress. Her term ends next year, and two candidates have already declared their intention to run for her seat. Both have expressed their commitment to working closely with commissioners Laydon and Teal if elected.