Urgent Update: Durango School Board Candidate’s Criminal Past Exposed

UPDATE: A new website launched last week has ignited controversy surrounding Jody Trampp, a candidate for the Durango School Board, revealing a troubling criminal history. The site, Defend Durango Schools, claims Trampp has a felony conviction and over 30 charges across Colorado and New Mexico, sparking urgent discussions about his suitability for public office.

Trampp, who confirmed he has a felony conviction, argues the website misrepresents his past, stating, “I have never been convicted of any violent crime related to the accusations being shared.” He is formally requesting retractions for any claims that imply he is dangerous. This controversy emerges just weeks before the school board elections scheduled for November 4, 2023, intensifying the scrutiny over his candidacy.

Court records confirm Trampp’s history, which includes at least one felony for driving with a revoked license, as well as multiple misdemeanor charges. In a 2008 incident, police found him driving without a license and under the influence of alcohol, leading to a felony conviction. Following this, he spent time in a halfway house and later in a state correctional facility after violating probation.

Trampp’s past also includes allegations of domestic violence and child abuse. While he faced charges, he was never convicted of these accusations. “We’ve all had youthful experiences in our lives,” remarked Anne Markward, one of the individuals behind the website. The site raises concerns about his ability to serve on the board, especially regarding his alleged history with children.

In response, Trampp emphasizes his transformation over the years, attributing his turnaround to becoming a primary caregiver for his daughter. “I grew up, I got tired of it, and I decided I don’t want to spend my life in and out of jail,” he stated. He claims the website distorts his past and does not reflect his current character or capability to serve on the board.

Despite the backlash, Trampp maintains strong community support, with many stepping forward to campaign on his behalf. Former state Representative J. Paul Brown, who endorsed Trampp on October 16, expressed surprise at the revelations, stating, “This is the first I’m hearing of it.” Brown indicated he would need to investigate further before deciding whether to retract his endorsement.

As the election date approaches, the implications of Trampp’s past and the community’s response are unfolding rapidly. Voters are left to weigh his history against his candidacy, as the debate over transparency in public service gains momentum.

The urgency of this situation cannot be understated as the community grapples with questions of accountability and trust in leadership. What remains to be seen is how this revelation will impact the upcoming election and Trampp’s campaign against incumbent Erika Brown.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.