4 The News-Press
February 10, 2022
Douglas County clerk under investigation by secretary of state R BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Douglas County Clerk and Recorder Merlin Klotz is under investigation over “potential unauthorized imaging of a Douglas County voting equipment server,” according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office. “The Douglas County clerk has failed to respond to an email request requiring disclosure of information about this potential breach in election security protocol,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold in a news release. The Secretary of State’s Office contacted Klotz after seeing a social media post attributed to the county clerk in which he says, “a full im-
RALLIES FROM PAGE 1
also launched a Change.org petition urging recalls of the four directors who reportedly plotted Wise’s ouster. The online petition garnered 7,000 signatures in less than 24 hours. An estimated 1,500 teachers called out sick today, forcing the district to cancel classes. On Feb. 3, hundreds of district staff and community members gathered outside district headquarters in Castle Rock protesting plans to remove Wise and steps the board majority had taken Jan. 25 to dis-
age backup of our server before a trusted build was done this year.” According to the release, Griswold issued an order requiring Klotz to disclose information regarding the imaging of the election equipment server by Feb. 10. The office sent Klotz an email Jan. 28 requesting he provide more details about the alleged backup with a deadline for response set for Jan. 31. He has not yet responded, according to Griswold. A spokesperson for Douglas County said they did not have any comment at this time. The post attributed to Klotz came from the social media site Telegram. Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters and Elbert County Clerk Dallas
mantle the district’s equity policy. Students, parents and teachers began arriving in front of district offices on Wilcox Street in Castle Rock around 12:30 p.m. The crowd steadily increased throughout the afternoon. As demonstrators chanted “transparency matters” cars passing by mostly honked in support. Some disagreed and yelled profanities. One man said, “Your equity is stealing my daughter’s future. Get back to work.” Nadene Klein, a teacher for the district, said she feels the current school board needs to be held accountable and abide by state laws in making decisions.
Merlin Klotz, the Douglas County clerk and recorder, poses for a portrait in front of one PHOTO BY ELLIOTT WENZLER of the county’s ballot drop boxes.
Schroeder are also being investigated by the Secretary of State’s Office
“They need to be transparent and Corey Wise deserves his due process,” Klein said. “I respectfully disagree with the board’s current point of view but I respect that they were elected. I will respect them in their decision making as long as they follow the law. I think a day out of school is worth saving three years of hardship.” Demonstrators had several messages as they participated in the event. Some were there to throw support behind Wise while others came out to fight making changes to the district’s equity policy. On Jan. 25, the board passed a resolution through a 4-3 vote that directs the superintendent to return in September with recommended amendments to the district’s equity policy. Caroline Newkirk, a 3-year district teacher, said the equity policy being dismantled is a problem. “It is an issue for me and a lot of other teachers,” she said. “A lot of time and energy was put into creating it and it should be honored so we can stand for all students.” Dwayne and Dawn Thomason weathered the cold temperatures and snow during the Feb. 3 demonstration to show support for Wise. Dawn, a secretary for the district, said Wise, “is a terrific person, fair and kind. He is a good person for the district and we are here supporting
for alleged unauthorized copies of election system servers.
M t v o
s him.” f Several demonstrators said they p disagree with board members alleg- d edly holding meetings and making H decisions without the entire board a present. Parent Sarah FitzSimons, a moth- y er of four in Parker, said she came w out to show support for transparency and her sister-in-law who has M taught in the district for 21 years. 2 “I am unhappy with this board’s t lack of transparency and not giving a (Wise) due process,” she said. “Then f they are blocking equity steps that are important in helping teachers W i get training to properly help and l teach students who are transgender.” A large group of students from Rock Canyon High School attended the lively demonstration. Several students, ranging between freshmen and seniors, said they participated in support of teachers. Sophomore Katie Dupper said she is standing up for equity and transparency in the district, while noting that she is excited to see that the demonstration was peaceful, fun and got the message across. “We just want to make sure we are headed in the right direction for years to come,” she said. “Our teachers need our support.” Sophomore Hailey Vetter said, “I SEE RALLIES, P5
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