About Lora
Lora Thomas is a third-generation Colorado native who grew up in Denver. Her life story is about overcoming personal challenges as a single mother and extraordinary career achievements serving in the Colorado State Patrol and as Douglas County Coroner before her election as County Commissioner. Lora does not just talk the talk, but walks the walk when it comes to limiting government spending, rooting-out corruption and inefficiency and keeping government lean and focused on adding value to the lives of those she serves. As Douglas County Commissioner, she has brought dynamic, effective leadership to Douglas County, and residents know that she is always available and approachable. Lora knows that leaders do not solve problems by dictating, but through action!
Lora has always been guided by two basic core values--supporting our state and federal Constitutions and her Christian faith. She has always been a strong supporter of individual rights—including the right to keep and bear arms—and is an active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Lora holds an A.A. in Criminal Justice degree from Arapahoe Community College and both a B.S. in Business (Finance emphasis) and MBA from Regis University. She is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Leadership Douglas County and the Leadership Program of the Rockies. Lora was also an Arapahoe Community College adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Program.
Lora knows firsthand how essential small businesses are to Douglas County. She began her own property management business when the State Patrol transferred her from Lakewood to Castle Rock in 1984. She rented out her home, managed it herself, and so began a twenty-year operation of managing 3 single-family home rentals in Lakewood and Castle Rock. As a property manager for 20 years, Lora supported many other small businesses necessary to her business such as plumbers, electricians, landscapers, painters, carpet cleaners and general contractors. In her two decades of property management, Lora has signed the front of many checks to other small business owners, and she knows just how important safety, security and affordability—including limited taxes, regulations and other government interference—are to everyone who owns, rents or manages property and small businesses in Douglas County.
In 2004, Lora Thomas started a consulting business that did contract work for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. She built the process to collect data from over 246 Colorado law enforcement agencies in establishing Colorado’s National Violent Death Reporting System. On Lora’s watch, in 2008 Colorado received an award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the highest quality law enforcement information in the country. The state renewed Lora’s contract every year until 2011 when she took office as the Douglas County Coroner. Lora maximized efficiency with the use of technology and relationships with others to keep constant pace with the numerous cases that needed to be researched and entered into the database. Understanding of the methods and technologies associated with information and data is yet another of the many fields in which Lora excels.
As a mother and grandmother who has raised her family right here in Douglas County, Lora knows that families are what make our County and communities strong and vibrant. But in order for others to enjoy the opportunities that Lora did, she knows the State Legislature needs to focus on what’s most important to our families and community: Public Safety, Affordability and the Education of our children—our future leaders!
Proven Leadership—Trusted Experience
First Woman Captain and Major in the Colorado State Patrol
Lora spent 26 years serving with the Colorado State Patrol, starting as a dispatcher and continuously earning promotions to higher positions of management with greater responsibility and authority. She progressed through the ranks from trooper to sergeant, and went on to become the first female captain and then major in the history of the Colorado State Patrol. During her career she was assigned to several duty posts throughout the state including Castle Rock, Lamar, Golden, Limon, Durango and Denver Headquarters.
Restoring the Douglas County Coroner’s Office to Efficient and Responsible Service
After becoming Douglas County Coroner in 2011, Lora slashed her annual budget by 33%, even as her caseload increased by 45%. Through her commitment to fiscal responsibility, Lora returned $1,485,448 to Douglas County taxpayers over her four-year term. When Lora discovered the theft of guns and prescription medications from the Coroner’s Office, she immediately contacted law enforcement, who apprehended and convicted a former employee. Lora then built a secure evidence room and established strict policies to prevent further theft. Efficient service and scrupulous-observation and adherence to the law became the hallmarks of Lora’s coroner’s office.
Getting the Job Done as County Commissioner
In her two terms as County Commissioner, Lora has fulfilled her promise to Douglas County residents to ensure government adds actual value to their lives. Just a few of her accomplishments include:
Worked tirelessly with health and government officials, businesses, educators and residents during the 2020 COVID outbreak to quickly restore normal operations in Douglas County
Obtaining an additional $220M for road construction/improvement WITHOUT RAISING TAXES!
Approving several property tax credits and mill reductions to provide REAL TAX RELIEF TO PROPERTY OWNERS!
Leading the effort to establish Douglas County’s very own health department, tailor-made to the needs of Douglas County residents
Leading the effort to provide $10M to improve school safety county-wide
Spearheading the establishment of a new Judicial District (starting in 2025) anchored by Douglas County to save tax dollars and better address the justice and public safety needs of our residents
Was instrumental in expanding the groundbreaking Douglas County Mental Health Initiative that provides appropriate care and services for those in need
Broke a long-standing logjam of federal red-tape to allow local water providers to increase storage capacity at Chatfield Reservoir