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Commissioners appoint two planning commissioners after contested public comments; one appointment draws formal opposition from Kiowa
Summary
The board appointed Daniel McCallum (District 3) and Diana Estrem (District 2) to the county planning commission. Estrem’s appointment generated both strong written support and a formal public‑recorded opposition from Kiowa town officials who alleged disruptive conduct; commissioners said they reviewed complaints before voting.
Elbert County commissioners on March 12 appointed two residents to the planning commission: Daniel McCallum to represent District 3 and Diana (Deanna/Diane) Estrem to represent District 2. Both appointments were considered during the board’s action session.
The board confirmed Daniel McCallum by voice vote without extended discussion. His appointment proceeded from the agenda item and passed with unanimous support.
Diana Estrem’s appointment prompted extended public comment. Commissioner Schroeder nominated Estrem and described her as a diligent, research‑oriented candidate with experience as an election‑judge volunteer. Schroeder said he had long worked with Estrem and valued her integrity and attention to detail.
Kim Boyd, town administrator for the Town of Kiowa, delivered a formal statement opposing Estrem’s appointment on behalf of Kiowa’s board and the Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority. Boyd alleged repeated disruptive conduct by Estrem at town meetings, including an incident where she left a phone and a recording device in a seat during an executive session and other instances of confrontational behavior; Boyd said the district attorney declined to prosecute and advised a civil action if the town wanted to pursue it. Boyd also cited a heavy number of public‑records requests and frequent emails from Estrem that she said strained town resources.
Other speakers supported Estrem. Debbie Alum, a long‑time county resident and former Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority president, said Estrem’s research and willingness to ask difficult questions were assets. Danny Wilcox described Estrem as someone who enforces regulations and holds applicants to the county code.
Commissioners said they had delayed the appointment briefly to perform additional vetting after complaints surfaced and to allow time for submitters of concerns to come forward. After considering public comment and written letters of support submitted by citizens and community leaders, Commissioner Schroeder moved to appoint Estrem. The recorded vote stated “All in favor? Aye. Abstain. Motion carries.” The transcript does not identify which commissioner abstained; commissioners said they changed the vetting process to address this sort of contested nomination going forward.
The board also accepted the appointment of Daniel McCallum to the planning commission by motion and voice vote earlier in the meeting.
Board chair Byron McDaniel apologized to Estrem for the contested public process and thanked her for volunteering. Commissioners directed staff to attach letters of support to the appointment’s administrative record.
