Charles (Chuck) OReilly
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Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose the move to Home Rule because there is little for voters to gain. However, Home Rule does offer a lot of opportunities for special interest to profit and for abuse of power by our County Commissioners. That desire for power is reflected in the desire of the County Commissioners to be on the commission and write the rules that we will have to obey.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
I wish to be on the commission to ensure that the Charter reflects the conservative values of Douglas County voters and to protect the county from increased debt that will benefit special interests and protect taxpayers from the higher property taxes that will result from the debt. Look at what happened to the taxpayers in Meadows Metro District.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
The conservative values that empower voters and result in smaller and more transparent governments at both the county and Special District level and lower property and sales taxes.
Approach to Governance & Representation
How would you ensure that the charter reflects the needs of all Douglas County residents - not just those in power or politically aligned?
I plan to be watchful for the articles that will cause, now or later, higher debt for the county and higher property taxes. In addition, I will find ways to educate the voters of such articles as they are developed during the sixty (plus or minus) days that will be available to write the Charter.
Checks and Balances
Should the County Commissioners have the power to appoint any or all elected positions such as Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, Coroner, and/or Surveyor without a public vote as well as other boards such as library board, planning commission, water commission and others?
The short answer is NO! Instead, the County Attorney should be an elected position. That way the County Attorney would understand that he, like all the other elected officials, answers to the voters of Douglas County, not the individuals that appointed them.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would support charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
First I would let my fellow commissioners know that I opposed such Changes. If they continue with such changes, I would alert reporters about the path the commission is taking. Finally, I would voice my opposition to the approval of the Charter if it would contain the controls and limits stated above.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
Those that do not trust this process should vote "No" on the June 24th ballot. Then they should vote for Steve Boand as their only At Large candidate and only the most conservative individuals in their district. Contact me for recommendations.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
There are individuals and groups that I would recommend that should NOT be involved shaping the charter. The County Commissioners should not be commission members. Those with special interest should not be involved at all. Finally, the motives of those eager for Home Rule must be understood so that it is the voters that benefit from the Charter, not those seeking control and favorable treatment.
Against home rule
both
If home rule initiative passes, are in favor of...
Do you believe the Board of County Commissioners should retain sole authority over appointing library trustees, rather than allowing an independent library board to do so?
NO
Do you believe Douglas County should use Home Rule to opt out of the state minimum wage?
YES
Should the future Home Rule charter grant the County discretionary power to regulate local elections differently from state standards (e.g., voting access, procedures)?
both
Do you oppose converting currently elected county positions—such as sheriff, coroner, or clerk and recorder—into appointed positions under a Home Rule charter?
YES
Do you support preserving current term limits for county commissioners and other elected officials and maintaining current campaign finance law any future Home Rule charter?
YES
In a future home rule charter, should the state, not county commissioners, retain the sole authority to approve changes to elected officials’ compensation?
YES
Do you support expanding the number of commissioners to 5, with 3 of them being elected by district and 2 at large?
YES
Are you prepared to stand alone, if necessary, to defend principles of transparency and fair representation?
YES
Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
How the commissioners started the Home Rule process troubles me. The fact that the commissioners want to be on the commission troubles me. The fact that those with special interest were invited to the March 25 meeting troubles me. The fact that there will be only 60 days to write the charter troubles me.