Toxic Environment and Resignations Plague Colorado House Democrats

Colorado House Democrats continue their infighting and claims of a “toxic work environment” – allegations that are directed more at each other than the opposing Republicans.

Recently, two representatives, Ruby Dickson and Said Sharbini, resigned claiming it too difficult for them to work in the environment under the golden dome. Most insiders would agree the recent “extraordinary” special session made many squeamish about the possible battles yet to come.

Now, with the exits of both Dickson and Sharbini in House Districts 37 and 31, Colorado Democrats have initiated the process of selecting replacements.

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As for HD37, a meeting with a candidates' forum will be livestreamed to ensure transparency. Four candidates are vying to complete Dickson's term, with Ashish Vaidya and Chad Clifford running in the June 25 primary election. On the other hand, Kevin Biehl and Nathan Wilkes have not filed for the primary.

Ashish Vaidya, an educator and community activist, has garnered endorsements and aims to prioritize issues affecting the Asian American community, among other Democratic priorities. While Vaidya's candidacy may bring attention to important issues, Democrat critics argue that the focus should be on fostering a less toxic and more collaborative work environment that benefits all constituents.

In HD31, Democrats will convene to select a replacement for Sharbini. Contenders in this race include Julia Marvin and Jacque Phillips, both of whom also plan to participate in the June primary.

These resignations and the subsequent actions taken by the Colorado House Democrats have raised concerns about the internal dynamics within the party. The toxic work environment cited by Dickson and Sharbini highlights a lack of unity and cooperation among Democrats, hindering their ability to effectively serve the people of Colorado.

READ MORE:

• REP. EPPS & REP. MARSHALL REMOVED FROM COMMITTEES FOR VIOLATIONS OF DECORUM

• ANOTHER DEMOCRAT MEMBER OF THE COLORADO HOUSE RESIGNS DUE TO CAUCUS DIVISION

• COLORADO STATE REP. RUBY DICKSON RESIGNS CITING TOXIC LEGISLATIVE ENVIRONMENT

• SOCIALIST TIM HERNÁNDEZ CHOSEN BY DEMOCRATIC VACANCY COMMITTEE

Critics argue that the behavior exhibited by the Democrats not only undermines their own party but also hampers the possibility of bipartisan collaboration. The acrimonious atmosphere in the state Capitol serves as a glaring example of the partisan gridlock that has become all too common in today's political landscape.

As the selection process for the vacancies in House Districts 37 and 31 unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Colorado House Democrats can address the underlying issues that have led to the toxic work environment. The outcome of these races and the subsequent actions taken by the party will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.