Embattled Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas Resigns
Embattled Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas resigned on Friday, just weeks before the end of her last term in office. Thomas cited years of friction with fellow commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal, whom she accused of “evicting” her from her office space.
In a social media post, Thomas expressed frustration over enduring “4 years of hell” while working alongside Laydon and Teal, including experiences of “harassment, suppression, censorship, marginalization and outright cancellation.”
Thomas’ term was set to expire in January, with State Sen. Kevin Van Winkle slated to take over the seat. Thomas, who was first elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020, was limited to two terms in office.
According to Thomas, Laydon and Teal instructed county staffers to clear out her office space on Wednesday to make room for Van Winkle, despite there being a vacant executive office available for his use. Thomas described this act as “personal petty harassment” and the final straw that led to her resignation.
The ongoing disputes between Thomas, Laydon, and Teal have included censures, stripping of positions, and investigations, with Thomas even suing her colleagues in 2023 to recover legal fees incurred during the investigations.
Responding to Thomas’ resignation, Laydon and Teal issued a joint statement criticizing the timing of her interview with Denver7 and highlighting their efforts at reconciliation. They expressed gratitude for the upcoming collaboration with Commissioner-elect Kevin Van Winkle.
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