By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
What does it mean to defend the Constitution? Two commissioners say this is what it looks like.
On April 16, the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners voted 2–1 to send a formal Request for Federal Intervention to President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Commissioner Sue Hansen abstained.
The letter, authored by Commissioner Sean Pond and finalized with Chair Scott Mijares’ signature, argues that recent legislation passed by the Colorado General Assembly—particularly SB25-003—violates constitutional rights.
The message does not call for military action or oversight. Instead, it asks national leaders to review Colorado laws, advocate for liberty and support rural counties that are “committed to preserving and defending the United States Constitution.”
“We’re not afraid.” Mijares added, “We’re not politicians. We’re here to defend and protect the Constitution.”
A constitutional trigger
The letter asserts that Colorado is “stripping its citizens of rights once secured under the Constitution,” including protections related to firearms, family decisions and land ownership.
“The legislation coming out of this session is the most damaging in Colorado’s 150-year history.” Pond continued, “It’s a blatant violation of gun rights, parental rights and private property rights.”
Pond, a U.S. Navy veteran who has taken the oath of office more than once, said this moment called for clarity, not consensus.
“When you take that [oath]—I’ve done it twice in my life—and I take it very seriously. It’s the Constitution. It’s not the citizens of Montrose County. It’s not the progressives. It’s not the right or the left. It’s every citizen of the United States of America.”
He explained that the intervention letter was not about making noise, but about upholding foundational principles.
“I personally wrote the letter to President Donald J. Trump and brought it to the Board for approval because I took an oath to defend the Constitution – and that oath matters.” He added, “This isn’t just about Montrose County. It’s about the whole state.”
Pond and Mijares have been in contact with commissioners from approximately twelve counties who are interested in making a similar intervention request.
“I’d welcome other counties to join me in asking for federal intervention before our liberties are gone forever,” Pond said.
Crafted to be seen—and heard
Mijares didn’t just sign the document—he designed it.
He purchased heavyweight, oversized 10 x 17 paper for the final version, secured the board’s attested signatures, and rolled it into a mailing tube for delivery to the White House.
“I literally created a beautiful, kind of artistic document that looks almost like a proclamation.” He added, “It’s something people can put their fingers on… not just a piece of paper that gets lost in a folder.”
Other copies were sent to Rep. Lauren Boebert and Rep. Jeff Hurd. “We’re also sending one to any elected official who wants one,” Mijares added.
An abstention rooted in symbolism
Commissioner Sue Hansen abstained from the vote, explaining that although she had no procedural objection to sending letters of support, this one raised questions of representation.
“Often these are symbolic in nature… The board has a perspective, and it may not necessarily agree with everybody in Montrose County.”
Hansen noted the board sends similar letters on a range of state and federal matters and emphasized the need to remember that all 44,000 county residents deserve consideration. A request for comment was sent to Hansen. As of publication, no response has been received.
Residents speak out—for and against
During public comment, several residents offered opposing views about the intervention request. Others praised the commissioners for taking a stand.
Cliff Barr said it undermines the very idea of local control.
“You’re asking for cover from the lawless administration to impose your views on the 44,806 citizens and residents of Montrose County. We are the majority and are making our voices heard.”
Jennifer Rober questioned the logic of calling for federal help while arguing for constitutional limits on power.
“You are gonna have the feds come in and tell all of us how we should run the county? I think there’s a problem with that.”
Sandy Head, who did not speak during the public comment period but interrupted later discussion, added, “I disagree that you represent me in that letter… and I disagree with you sending it forward.”
But others said the action was long overdue.
Barb Hulet thanked Mijares and Pond directly.
“Thank you for your resolution. If Montrose County wasn’t looked at by Washington D.C. and by Denver, my commissioners that serve here in Montrose County would not have to be flying to D.C. to protect Montrose County.” Hulet added, “Nor would they have to be traveling to Denver to protect Montrose County.”
Why Mijares and Pond aren’t backing down
Mijares said the public backlash hasn’t changed his view.
“Our critics are saying we should stay in our lane. But I say that’s absolutely wrong. Without constitutional government—the foundation of which all of our state and local governments are built on — if we lose that, we don’t have any local government.”
Mijares continued, “When the Constitution and state law conflict, the supremacy clause says you go to the Constitution for your guidance. That’s what we’re doing. We’re fighting to preserve the rights guaranteed to all citizens.”
Pond agreed. “This isn’t about theatrics.” He added, “This is about the oath I took.”
The letter has already begun circulating among other counties. Whether they take similar action or not, Mijares and Pond said their board had a responsibility to act on behalf of the people and the Constitution they swore to defend.