Broomfield City Council debates censure of Councilmember Marsh Holshon over email comments

In a heated Broomfield City Council session on March 26, 2025, the council voted 5-4 to censure Council Member Marsh Holshon for his recent conduct, which included unsubstantiated claims against City and County Manager Jennifer Hoffman. The censure stems from an email Holshon sent to a fellow council member, where he accused Hoffman of "gross negligence" and "sabotage," language that many council members deemed disrespectful and damaging to the council's integrity.

Mayor Pro Tem Schaff initiated the censure discussion, emphasizing the need for council members to uphold standards of respect and professionalism. "This ongoing pattern of unprofessional behavior is detrimental not only to the effectiveness of council but also to the work environment for our staff," Schaff stated. The council's decision to censure Holshon was framed as a necessary step to maintain decorum and accountability within the council.

During the meeting, Holshon defended his statements, arguing that they were expressions of frustration regarding the management of city resources, particularly in light of recent water rate increases. He insisted that his comments were intended for private discussion and not meant to be public. "This vote is not about silencing dissent; it is about holding ourselves to a higher standard," he said.

The censure sparked a robust debate among council members, with some expressing concerns about the implications for free speech and the lack of established procedures for such actions. Council Member Cohen highlighted the potential chilling effect on council members' ability to express their opinions freely, while others argued that Holshon's language crossed a line that warranted formal disapproval.

Public comments during the session reflected a mix of support and criticism for both Holshon and the council's decision to censure him. Some residents called for conflict resolution rather than public reprimands, suggesting that the council should focus on constructive dialogue rather than punitive measures.

As the council concluded the session, discussions about future actions, including the possibility of exploring alternative methods for public engagement during meetings, were also on the agenda. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing the underlying issues that led to this contentious situation, as they seek to restore trust and collaboration within the council and the community.