Burning Bridges in a Disgraceful Way

You might think that in Douglas County, where we pride ourselves on integrity and respect, our elected officials would at least show some class. But no, let's talk about Lora Thomas, the former Douglas County Commissioner who couldn't get enough of the spotlight, even at the expense of decency.

First, let's remember Kendrick Castillo. Here was a young man who didn't think twice about laying down his life for his classmates—a hero by any standard. So, what does Douglas County do to honor him? We renamed a street after him, Lucent Blvd to Kendrick Castillo Way, a fitting tribute to a young man who embodied everything our community stands for: bravery, sacrifice, and the kind of courage that makes you want to stand up and salute.

But here comes Lora Thomas, who apparently decided that her own drama was more important than celebrating this young hero. Not only did she not vote for the renaming the street on August 27, 2024 – yeah, you heard that right, she didn't even show up for the ceremony (but Governor Polis did). She chose the very moment of Kendrick's memorial ceremony to hold her own press conference. A press conference for what? To announce her resignation, which, by the way, was 5 short weeks before her term was actually up. Talk about timing, or rather, the lack thereof.

She claims she was "forced out." Oh, please. If you're going to go down, do it with some dignity and class. Instead, we got a spectacle of self-pity while the rest of us were trying to honor a real hero. It's like she was playing a game of "who can be the bigger victim" and chose the worst possible moment to do it.

And let's not forget, she's been at odds with her fellow commissioners for years, accusing them of all sorts of nonsense. Yet, here's the kicker: when it was time to step aside gracefully, she chose to burn bridges instead. She could have left with some semblance of respect, but no, she had to make it all about her.

In Douglas County, we celebrate those who give, not those who take. Lora Thomas, with your exit, you didn't just burn bridges; you torched the entire community's moment of remembrance. Shame on you for turning a day meant for honoring a selfless act into a stage for your own petty grievances.

Let this be a lesson in leadership, or rather, a lesson in how not to lead. We deserve better, and thankfully, with your departure, perhaps now we'll get it.