Commissioner Sue Hansen and Montrose County
Questions that Need to be Asked Answers that

Must be Provided Investigations

No More Delays or Excuses

Open Letter to:

• Montrose County Voters

• District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District

• Colorado Bureau of Investigation

• U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado

• Advocates for Transparent and Constitutional Government

This letter raises serious allegations of potential misuse of public funds, ethical violations, and related political misconduct involving current and former Montrose County Commissioners. These claims warrant prompt, independent investigation by appropriate authorities to ensure accountability and restore public trust. No delays or excuses should hinder a thorough review.

1. Alleged Misuse of Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) Funds

Voters approved a 0.75% Public Safety Improvement sales tax in 2007 to support public safety, with claims that the ballot language required no less than 70% of funds to be allocated to the Montrose County Sheriff's Department. Allegations suggest possible illegal transfers or misuse of thousands (or potentially millions) of dollars from these voter-restricted funds during the tenures of Commissioners Sue Hansen, Roger Rash, and Keith Caddy.

Key questions:

• Did the county permit or condone improper transfers of PSST funds in violation of the 2007 ballot measure?

• If so, does this constitute misuse of taxpayer money?

Related concerns:

• Commissioners Hansen, Rash, and Caddy allegedly endorsed a 2024 primary candidate with multiple federal tax liens, despite the candidate's qualifications being questioned.

• This endorsement reportedly violated a signed resolution requiring commissioner neutrality in pre-primary campaigns.

• The commissioners allegedly refused to support the Republican primary winner, Scott Mijares, in the general election—possibly because Mijares campaigned on investigating PSST funds and promised transparency if elected.

• Preference may have been given to a candidate less likely to challenge alleged irregularities.

Commissioner Sue Hansen (along with former Commissioners Rash and Caddy) should face recall consideration and full investigation for any role in these matters.

2. Alleged Violations of Colorado Ethics Laws by Commissioner Sue Hansen

Commissioner Hansen has been accused of multiple violations of state ethics laws, yet local media and supporters reportedly portray her positively as a professional. Critics claim efforts were made to discredit Scott Mijares (focusing on his personality) during his successful 2025 recall to shield Hansen from scrutiny.

Key questions:

• Why have authorities not pursued indictments for these alleged ethics violations? (Some claim they were first detailed in an August 25, 2025, report by the Colorado DOGE Report.)

• Why did the Mijares recall emphasize his behavior while allegedly ignoring Hansen's actions?

3. Involvement of a Former Montrose County GOP Chair in the Mijares Recall

The committee seeking to recall Commissioner Scott Mijares (successful in November 2025) reportedly included or welcomed a former local GOP chair described by critics as "disgraced" due to past conduct. Irony is noted in labeling Mijares "toxic" while associating with this individual.

Additional concerns about local media:

• Failure to report balanced stories, potentially making outlets complicit in incomplete coverage.

• One outlet allegedly published numerous critical comments from the former chair but refused rebuttals or coverage of his record.

• Reports suggest the editor may have faced threats against negative reporting, requiring investigation.

4. Alleged Violations by the Former Montrose County GOP Chair

• Campaign finance issues: Lack of accountability for 2020 donations; unauthorized use of funds for personal discretion (e.g., party dinners and gift cards); failure to file a final December 2020 report (now nearly five years overdue).

• Theft of a CD-3 candidate's campaign literature.

• Violent outbursts and disruptions at events, allegedly violating rights to peaceful assembly under the First Amendment.

5. Alleged Verbal Assaults

Reports describe threatening, abusive, or insulting language (including derogatory terms and profanity) directed at opponents, particularly women, across Montrose County and surrounding areas. Additional details reportedly appear in a November 11, 2025, Colorado DOGE Report.

Despite these allegations, Commissioner Hansen is often portrayed positively in media and social channels as a dedicated public servant, potentially part of a PR effort tied to future political ambitions after term limits.

Precedents Highlighting the Need for Accountability

Similar cases in Colorado underscore the gravity of such claims:

• Douglas County (2025): Lawsuit over alleged Open Meetings Law violations during non-public discussions.

• Colorado Supreme Court (2014): Ruling against unconstitutional use of public funds.

• Ongoing proposals for an Independent Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act to criminalize misuse of funds and breaches of trust.

These examples show that allegations of fund misuse, ethics breaches, and lack of transparency are taken seriously statewide. Montrose County deserves no less. Immediate investigation by legal authorities is essential to uphold honest government, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional principles.

Citizens await answers and action.

~Fite4Truth~