Unethical Conduct at Cerise Park: Montrose Deserves Transparency and Integrity

In the heart of Montrose, at Cerise Park during the Summer Music Series, a troubling scene unfolded. City council members were spotted soliciting signatures for a petition to recall an elected official. This event, funded by taxpayer dollars through the city's General Fund, Retail Sales Enhancement Fund, and Tourism Promotion Fund, should be a place for community enjoyment, not political maneuvering. Yet, there they were, turning a public gathering into a platform for personal agendas. This raises serious questions about ethics and the proper use of public resources.

I am particularly outraged by the actions of Judy Ann Files, Mayor Pro Tem and At-Large Council Member. She was actively asking attendees to sign the recall petition against County Commissioner Scott Mijares. Files voted to authorize funding for the Montrose Summer Music Series, which pays former City Councilor and Mayor David Bowman's company, Blue Sky Music, to manage the events. Her presence as a petitioner at this venue represents a blatant conflict of interest. How can an elected official who approved public funding for an event then exploit it for a partisan recall effort? This behavior crosses ethical lines and undermines public trust.

At the other end of the park, during the Friday night concert, former County Commissioner Roger Rash was also involved in the petition drive. Rash even appeared at my mother's door recently, pressing for her signature for this very same recall. This aggressive tactic feels invasive and desperate. Rash, along with former Commissioner Keith Caddy and current Commissioner Sue Hansen, seem united in their push to remove Mijares. What does this coalition reveal? It suggests a concerted effort by entrenched political figures to silence a voice exposing uncomfortable truths.

The recall petition against Mijares, filed by the Recall Scott Mijares Committee in July 2025, stems from his decisions as commission chair, including accepting the resignations of the county manager and attorney. Mijares has labeled the effort a "political stunt," and critics argue it lacks substance beyond personal vendettas. Yet, supporters urge signing the petition, claiming it addresses leadership failures. The publisher of the Montrose Daily Press has questioned the recall's motives, pointing to the fallout from forced staff changes under Mijares and Vice Chair Sean Pond, which led to further resignations and instability. This turmoil hints at deeper issues in county governance that Mijares is bringing to light.

Scott Mijares may not be a slick politician. He never pretended to be. But he is genuine and committed to honesty. As chair, he has pushed for accountability, uncovering layers of mismanagement that previous leaders preferred to keep hidden. The opposition from Files, Rash, Caddy, and Hansen tells a story: they fear exposure. Hansen, who opposed accepting the key resignations, aligns with those resisting change. Files, by petitioning at a city-funded event she helped finance, appears complicit in maintaining the status quo. This is just the beginning; months of reporting on city and county malfeasance reveal a pattern of self-serving decisions that prioritize insiders over residents.

Why does Montrose tolerate this cycle? We keep electing and re-electing the same individuals who fail to address pressing issues like housing affordability, infrastructure decay, and transparent governance. They sell us short, then attack those who dare to challenge the system. Mijares represents a break from that treadmill. His efforts to root out corruption, though messy, are essential for progress.

It's time to wake up, Montrose. You deserve leaders who prioritize ethics over expediency, transparency over cover-ups, and community needs over political games. Reject the recall tactics at public events. Demand accountability from Files and her allies. Support honest voices like Mijares who fight for real change. Our city and county can thrive, but only if we stop recycling the same flawed figures and insist on better. The future of Montrose depends on it.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a United States Air Force Veteran, father of five and grandfather of three, passionate about this country and the Constitution. 

Editor-in-Chief, Colorado DOGE Report.