November 1, 2026
Just next week we'll know two things. First, on Nov. 3, we'll find out whether or not the library's mill levy extension passed. (And a huge thank you for your donations, and, we hope, your vote in support!)
Second, we'll have a look at candidates for two library trustee positions falling vacant at the end of the year. On Wednesday, Nov. 4 (1 pm at the Board of County Commissioners hearing room, 108 8th Street in Glenwood Springs) the BOCC and library trustees will interview candidates for the two open library board positions.
A little background: three years ago, the BOCC took over the entire appointment process (advertising, interviewing, and selecting) of Trustees after not interfering for 16 years. Since then, they have replaced 5 of the 7 Trustees. Their purpose seems to have been to pressure the library into "protecting the youth" by restricting access to several adult Japanese manga titles that in fact no youth have shown any interest in. The BOCC has dismissed two longstanding board members with library experience. They have usually ignored library board recommendations.
Of the two positions expiring at the end of this year, one represents Silt (Adrian Rippy Sheehy is termed out). The other is at-large (John Mallonee of Glenwood Springs currently holds the position, and is eligible for another 5 year term). No public comment will be allowed at that meeting.
So it's important to note that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will have its regular meeting next Monday at 8 a.m., which does allow public comment. We need supporters to show up either to comment on candidates Monday morning, or to show that the public is watching the BOCC on Wednesday. Both meetings can be attended via Zoom. If in person, consider dressing all in red -- to indicate that library supporters are "well read."
Thanks to an open records request, we know who the candidates are. For Silt, there is Tela Forehand, Caleb Waller, and Jenny Zetah.
For the at-large position, attorney John Mallonee is reapplying. With just 5 years on the board, he now has seniority, with deep experience on the budget committee, and thoughtful review of several legal issues, including the First Amendment. Joining him are Kristi Gill (a frequent speaker at board meetings who has recently made statements about the One World Order and the Gay Agenda), Mason Hohstadt (a county public health official), Jamie LaRue (former director of the library), Nina Price (a local Republican), and Ashley Stahl (an LGBTQ activist).
The day after the interviews Thursday, November 5, the library board meets at 2 p.m. at the Silt Town Council room. They will be recommending two people for appointment. The BOCC will make its appointments the following Monday, November 9, again at 8 a.m.
Again, we don't know how the elections will turn out. But POGL was founded precisely because the BOCC muscled into library operations they knew nothing about. Their decisions may well result in the complete takeover of the library board, a clean sweep in three years.
Please consider taking action, by attendance, by speaking out, or by reaching out privately to any of the Commissioners to encourage them to respect the library board’s recommendations.
The details again. There are four meetings.
Monday, November 2, 8 a.m., Commissioners Meeting Room. An opportunity for public comment on the role of the commissioners in trustee selection.
Wednesday, November 4, 1 p.m., Commissioners Meeting Room. This is the interview process for the 8 applicants.
Thursday, November 5, 2 p.m., Silt Town Council. This is the library board meeting to make recommendations to fill the two vacancies.
Monday, November 9, 8 a.m., Commissioners Meetings Room. This is the meeting at which the BOCC will make the appointments.