Breaking News

July 28, 2025

Commissioner Sue Hansen Leaves BOCC Work Session

for Photo Op with Congressman Jeff Hurd

Montrose, CO – July 28, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen abruptly left a Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) work session this morning to attend what sources describe as a photo opportunity with Congressman Jeff Hurd. The event, centered on surveying the aftermath of recent wildfires in the region, has sparked criticism among local residents and fellow commissioners, who argue that Hansen prioritized political optics over her core responsibilities.

The BOCC work session, held at the Montrose County Public Works Board Room at 63160 LaSalle Road. According to sources familiar with the meeting, Hansen informed her colleagues, Commissioners Sean Pond and Scott Mijares, that she had a conflicting meeting but provided no further details. She then departed to join Congressman Hurd, a Republican representing Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, for a publicized tour of fire-affected areas.

Hansen’s decision to leave the work session has raised eyebrows, particularly given her role as a District 2 Commissioner. Critics argue that attending the work session is a fundamental part of her job. “The work session is where the real work happens,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s not just a meeting; it’s where decisions impacting our community are shaped. Leaving for a photo op feels like a betrayal of that duty.”

Hanson, who has served as a Montrose County Commissioner since her appointment in 2018 and subsequent election, her absence from today’s session has fueled accusations of prioritizing political alliances over county governance. Congressman Hurd, who recently attended a similar work session in Gunnison County to discuss local issues, has been labeled by some critics as a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) for his moderate stances, adding a layer of political tension to the event.

The wildfires, which prompted Hansen and Hurd’s joint appearance, have been a significant concern for Montrose County. On July 15, 2025, the county declared a local disaster emergency in response to three major fires, with pre-evacuation orders issued for zones 13, 14, and 15 in the West End due to the Deer Creek Fire. The BOCC has been actively involved in coordinating emergency responses, including fire briefings and community meetings, such as one held at Grace Community Church on July 15. Hansen’s decision to leave the work session for a fire-related event with Hurd has been seen by some as redundant, given the BOCC’s ongoing engagement with these issues.

Fellow commissioners expressed frustration at Hansen’s lack of transparency. “We weren’t informed about the specifics of her ‘other meeting,’” said an unnamed county official. “It’s concerning when a commissioner leaves without clear communication, especially during a time when our community is grappling with wildfire recovery.” The BOCC’s work sessions, held every Monday at 9:00 AM, are designed to facilitate collaboration among commissioners and staff, making Hansen’s absence particularly notable.

Public reaction on social media platforms has been swift, with some residents questioning Hansen’s priorities. “She’s supposed to represent District 2, not chase photo ops with congressmen,” one user posted. Others defended Hansen, noting her long-standing commitment to the community and suggesting the fire survey was a legitimate use of her time. Neither Hansen nor Hurd’s office has issued an official statement regarding today’s events.

As Montrose County continues to navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery and governance, Hansen’s decision has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and leadership. With the next BOCC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, at 9:00 AM, residents are watching closely to see how Hansen addresses the controversy and whether she will provide clarity on her actions.

---UPDATE---

As of 9:00 PM on July 28, 2025, new information has emerged regarding Commissioner Sue Hansen’s absence from the BOCC work session. Sources confirm that Hansen attended a meeting with Congressman Jeff Hurd and Jim Neiman, owner of Montrose Forest Products, a major employer in the region. The discussion reportedly centered on the Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act, a federal proposal on Public Lands Day to tie up 730,000 acres of public land in the Gunnison Basin. Shockingly, Neiman expressed support for the GORP Act during this meeting, a stance that has alarmed local stakeholders due to its potential to devastate Montrose’s economy.

Montrose Forest Products, part of Neiman Enterprises, is a cornerstone of the local economy, generating nearly $100 million in annual revenue and supporting hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. The company processes 350,000 board feet of timber daily, with 96% of its wood sourced from public lands, and has invested over $42 million in the local mill since 2012. However, the GORP Act could severely restrict access to these public lands, limiting timber harvesting and threatening the mill’s operations. Critics, including Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond, have called GORP a “land grab” that prioritizes environmental restrictions over the needs of rural communities, potentially locking up critical resources like timber, minerals, and water.

Commissioner Pond, a vocal opponent of GORP, has warned that the act could lead to uncontrolled wildfires, damage watersheds, and disrupt grazing allotments, ultimately harming Montrose’s agricultural and industrial sectors. “GORP locks it all up forever,” Pond stated in a recent commentary, emphasizing that the bill was driven by environmental activists rather than local stakeholders like ranchers, miners, or timber workers. Neiman’s support for GORP has intensified concerns, as Montrose Forest Products’ operations are vital to the region’s economic stability. A reduction in timber access could lead to layoffs, reduced revenue, and ripple effects across related industries, including transportation and retail.

Local residents and business owners have expressed outrage over the meeting’s implications. “Montrose Forest Products is our economic backbone,” said a local business owner who relies on the mill’s workforce. “If GORP shuts down their access to timber, we’re talking about hundreds of jobs lost and millions in revenue gone. Why would Hansen and Hurd entertain this without involving the community?” The lack of transparency surrounding the meeting has further fueled distrust, with many questioning why Hansen did not disclose her plans to attend this discussion instead of the BOCC work session.

This type of secretive dealing has fueled accusations that Hansen has been misleading the public for years, maintaining a public image of being “for the people” while shaking hands and kissing babies at the county fair. Critics argue she has betrayed her constituents’ trust. Similarly, Congressman Jeff Hurd, who presents himself as a conservative, is facing scrutiny. Some locals claim Hurd’s actions align more closely with left-leaning politicians like Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper or Governor Jared Polis. “Hurd isn’t even a moderate, he’s as left-wing as they come,” one resident remarked. Critics suggest the conversation with Neiman would have unfolded differently had Commissioners Pond or Mijares attended instead of Hansen.

Is this Sue Hansen and Jeff Hurd selling Montrose County down the river in hopes of pleasing their leftist overlords? Sure looks that way from this angle! Keep it tuned to codogereport.com as we will update you as we continue to monitor the situation!

For more information on Montrose County BOCC meetings and agendas, visit www.montrosecounty.net.