The Dolores Library District Board took the unusual step Tuesday night, Nov. 25, of censuring one of its members. The board voted 4 to 2 at the special meeting to pass a resolution censuring trustee Hassan Hourmanesh “for conduct inconsistent with the standards and expectations of the governing body.” The censure is largely symbolic and he remains on the board. His alleged violations include disobeying open meetings law by sending emails to three or more other trustees; and denigrating the library district during an appearance before the Dolores Town Board on Nov. 10. At Tuesday’s meeting, Hourmanesh read a statement defending his actions. He said, “Trustees do not surrender their First Amendment rights when they are appointed to the board.” He said his emails involved no deliberations or decisions by the board and were therefore legal. Hourmanesh and Emily Wisner-Meyers voted against his censure. They told KSJD they have concerns about a number of issues with the library district, including transparency, policies about staff evaluations, and the process for evaluating the executive director, Sean Gantt. Board President Sandy Jumper told KSJD that despite some “blips and bumps,” the board has done good work during her four years on it. She also praised Gantt’s work as executive director.
Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.