During a recent public meeting in Montrose County, community members voiced frustration towards County Commissioners Scott Mijares and Sean Pond. Many felt embarrassed by their handling of local issues, especially regarding the hiring of Public Health Director Mirza Ahmed. About 20 minutes into the discussion, things turned tense when resident Ken Dolezal confronted Mijares, leading to Dolezal’s removal from the meeting.
Mijares defended himself and Pond, insisting they never aimed to fire County Manager Frank Rodriguez or Ahmed, despite rumors swirling in the community. He remarked, “No one on this board has asked for them to be fired.” Many residents, however, were unconvinced, expressing concerns about Ahmed’s background with the World Health Organization and his qualifications.
Ahmed, who has lived in the U.S. legally, previously worked with WHO for five years. Despite some public skepticism, the county commissioners unanimously approved his hiring after panel interviews in February. Mijares had questioned the process, suggesting that Rodriguez repeatedly referred to Ahmed as “doctor,” even though Ahmed’s medical degree from Bangladesh does not hold the same recognition as U.S. degrees.
This hiring process has sparked significant public response. Many citizens came to support Rodriguez and Ahmed, emphasizing the importance of unity among county officials. Local leaders like Tonya Maddox criticized the divisive atmosphere. "What I’ve seen, I’m embarrassed by," she declared, urging commissioners to apologize to each other and focus on community needs.
Mijares and Pond have faced backlash for their decisions, with some residents suggesting that their actions could expose the county to legal challenges. Dolezal even stated he might take legal action if the circumstances warranted it. This reflects wider concerns about governance in many localities; a recent survey found that 65% of residents in various counties feel elected officials prioritize personal agendas over community interests.
The situation highlights an ongoing struggle in local governance, where transparency and open dialogue can be overshadowed by personal conflicts. As the commissioners move to address rumors and repair community trust, it’s crucial for them to engage constructively with residents to foster a cooperative environment. Only through collaboration can they truly serve the community effectively.
For more on how public health directors are appointed and the legal frameworks guiding them, you can refer to Colorado Revised Statute 25-1-508, which outlines the responsibilities involved. Source: Colorado General Assembly.
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