Pueblo County commissioners clash publicly over interim coroner appointment and executive-session disclosures

A heated dispute over the recent appointment of an interim coroner surfaced during commissioner comments at the Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 25.

An unidentified commissioner delivered an extended defense of her actions and record after being criticized for the appointment process, saying the accusations were "not rooted in truth" and that Commissioner Miles Lucero had disclosed a personal relationship with his preferred candidate and breached confidence by speaking about executive-session discussions. "I was accused by commissioner Lucero unjustly of lying and not being transparent through the process," the unidentified commissioner said.

Commissioner Miles Lucero responded that a recording of the prior meeting exists and proposed playing it for the public so they could determine the facts. "The video exists," Lucero said, and suggested the public view the meeting to "decide what the truth is." Other commissioners urged moving forward while acknowledging damaged trust and the need for better decorum; the board said it would seek to reaffirm a code of conduct and work to repair collaboration.

The exchange referenced the board’s recent actions to appoint an interim coroner and the community interest in restoring confidence in that office. No formal disciplinary action was recorded in the transcript; commissioners said they would continue conversations and that the board’s next meeting will be Sept. 30.

The transcript records the claims and responses during the meeting but does not include any independent evidence verifying the competing assertions.