Day 26, Vince Makes the Right Decision

It has been 26 days since the July 25th deadline imposed on Vince Chowdhury to resign from the Jefferson County Board of Education by his fellow members. Finally after 25 days of digging in his heels and ignoring the the public's demand for his resignation, Vince has given notice that he is resigning from the Jeffco School Board effective August 21st. It is about time he decided to listen to the citizens of Jeffco and let the school district move on with the important business of educating children.


We, the organizers of the recall campaign, are grateful for all of the community and media support that we received throughout this time. We hope that this process has demonstrated to the students of Jeffco that a small number of people can make a difference. We stood up and took a stand against a domestic abuser and others rallied behind us. Societal injustices need leaders that are willing to put their busy lives aside and do something about them. Victims need advocates who are willing to expose their abusers and protect others from them. That's what Jeffco's anti-bully programs are all about. Protecting others, solving problems non-violently and taking responsibilities for one's actions. Vince's actions and words set a terrible example for the students of Jeffco but hopefully these students saw the bigger picture over the last few months.

With Vince's resignation, the recall campaign's work is finished. It's sad that the Jeffco Board of Education members, the Jeffco School District, the citizens of Jeffco, and Vince's family had to suffer through the last 25 days. We wish Kathy Chowdhury and her two daughters all the best as they move forward and begin to heal from this experience. Our hearts have been with you throughout these past two months.

More People are Talking about the Convicted Abuser

Colorado Independent has more on how someone convicted of 3rd degree assault on his daughter could still get 596 votes. Goes to show that even Mickey Mouse could get votes if his name were on the ballot.

What were people thinking? Maybe they hadn't heard about the Jeffco school board member, and former candidate for HD 22 in Littleton, who slapped and allegedly choked his daughter--all because she didn't open the garage door!

I guess it's up to you to show Vince Chowdhury what people think by attending the next Jeffco school board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 21st.

Beginning at 3 p.m. the board will be discussing "school board issues" (that's code for "Vince") and then consulting their attorney. My guess is, no rock will go unturned by the three Jeffco school board members who have asked for Vince's resignation already.

The regular meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Be there!

More People Coming Forward with Information About Vince's Abusive Temper

Vince Chowdhury's arrest for slapping and allegedly choking his 16 year-old daughter is bringing people out of the woodwork! People who have in the past been too intimidated by Vince's anger and threats to say anything publicly.

This is a part of the cycle of domestic violence and abuse. The abuser threatens the victim and tries to make the victim feel like it's her fault. Vince did this by saying it was his daughter's fault that he lost his cool when she wouldn't open the garage door. Now others, some referring to incidents that happened years ago, are contacting us.

It's hard to speak up about abuse. Oftentimes women are as frightened by how they'll be perceived in public as much as they fear their abuser. Abusers, and specifically Vince, has threatened people he associated with. People have seen him go into rages. I hope these people are willing to overcome their fear of Vince and his threats. Moreover, that these people are willing to go public with what they've seen and heard and even speak at the Aug. 21st school board meeting.

Reasons Behind School Board Recall Sharpen

I was saddened to read Vince Chowdhury's recent comments in the Rocky Mountain News this morning.  While I am still holding out hope that he will finally accept responsibility for his actions and set a good example for the children of Jeffco by stepping down, that is clearly not the case this morning.  Instead, Vince has attempted to divert personal responsibility by blaming this potential recall on a phantom vendetta and has verbally attacked the women charged with holding him accountable.

Perhaps a remedial summary is necessary for this elected official.  On June 25th, Vince physically assaulted his own daughter and threatened his wife, earning him a night in jail and three criminal charges against him.  On June 26th, he violated a protective order twice and once again was sent to jail.  He falsely listed the phone number to his wife's school on his arrest affidavit instead of his home and work numbers.  On July 8th, Vince pleaded guilty to 3rd degree assault and received a one-year deferred sentence that included mandatory anger management classes.  That same evening, fellow board members took time away from their families during their summer vacation to gather and publicly request his resignation.  They respectfully requested that Vince respond to them by July 25th.  

To the best of my knowledge, Vince has still not responded to  his own board members.  Instead, he has attempted to divert responsibility by stating that "everyone has pretty much destroyed my life", (RMN, July 11th) and "these are nothing but personal vendettas against me" (RMN, August 2).  Well, let me set the record straight.  We want him to resign for the following reasons:  

1.  His colleagues on the Jeffco School Board have formally requested his resignation.

2.  His actions violate the same student code of conduct that he is charged with defending and upholding.

3.  As an elected official, he should be held to a higher standard.  School board members set the moral tone for the district and Vince should be setting a better example for the students and staff of the district.

4.  His assaultive behavior and diversionary tactics send the wrong message to our children.  We want our children to understand that while everyone makes mistakes, you become a better person by acknowledging those mistakes and accepting the consequences.

5.  Vince is not the victim in this matter.  His wife and daughter are.