The struggle for local control in Douglas County persisted until the Appeals Court's most recent decision, which came down on June 17, effectively maintained the schedule for a special election on June 24. Despite attempts by State Rep. Bob Marshall, Douglas County resident Lora Thomas, and Julie Gooden to delay the Home Rule Special Election, the Appeals Court has become the latest in a series of courts to refuse their pleas.
In April, the trio initiated legal action against the Douglas County Commissioners' Board, a move that was deflected when a district court judge opted not to take immediate action. Subsequent attempts to stop the election have been thwarted, with a judge denying a preliminary injunction on May 20, and no violations of open meetings laws being established, according to Douglas County. On June 8, the District Court denied the Plaintiffs' motion for an injunction pending appeal, followed by the June 17 ruling from the Appeal Court to let stand the Trial Court's decision.
Douglas County Commissioner and Board Chair Abe Laydon reaffirmed the commitment of the Board to uphold the electoral process, saying, “As your Board of County Commissioners, we remain steadfast in our commitment to defending our elections and the fundamental rights of every voter in Douglas County. We will not be deterred by the actions of those who seek to undermine our citizens’ right to vote.” His statement, obtained by Douglas County.
Commissioner George Teal did not mince words when he commented on the repeated legal actions of Lora Thomas, stating, “This isn’t just another court ruling; it’s the third strike for Lora Thomas, who seems to think our courts are her personal playground. She’s tried to weaponize our judicial system against the very people she once claimed to represent, costing our county hundreds of thousands, of dollars in the process. And each time, she’s been met with a resounding “not today” from our courts,” according to Douglas County.
