Zenger News tracked one new recall effort against local officials in Colorado from July 10-16, bringing the yearly statewide total to 12 efforts against 25 officials. The most recent effort is:
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Tommy Flower recall, Custer County, Colorado (2023): City Commissioner Tommy Flower.
- An attempt to recall Custer County District 3 Commissioner Tommy Flower in Colorado was initiated in 2023. Recall organizers said, “Commissioner Tom Flower has betrayed the Custer County Commissioner office, abandoned his Oath and is derelict in his duties. … The issue was related to overtime payment to Board of Health employees, which included his wife. According to the Ethics Committee, Mr. Flower’s actions constituted a breach of the public trust for private gain pursuant to § 24-18-103, C.R.S. Mr. Flower was fined, accordingly. Mr. Flower is a liability to the County. He has also created a hostile work environment at the Custer County Courthouse for some employees. At a December 2021 meeting, Planning and Zoning Director, Jackie Hobby, told the BOCC that her pending resignation was due to Mr. Flower’s continual harassment. The BOCC sanctioned Mr. Flower, by removing his management responsibilities and requiring him to attend sensitivity and leadership training. Mr. Flower needs to be recalled to save the county and a successor candidate needs to be elected.”
- In response to the recall effort, Flower said, “… I failed to publicly notify then-commissioner Jay Printz and commissioner Bill Canda that Cindi Flower was my wife when I discussed and voted on a motion to pay the employees of the Public Health Agency, of which she was an employee… I should have abstained from that vote due to a potential conflict of interest. I believe the body of work that I have performed as Commissioner in the last 5 ½ years speak to my dedication and commitment in serving the public to the best of my ability. …”
