Alicia Jean Vagts
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Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I strongly oppose the move to Home Rule under the current circumstances. While there are cases where municipalities and counties thrive under a Home Rule structure of governance, the rushed nature of this special election raises serious concerns. Transparency, impartiality, and honesty should be the foundation of any major governmental shift, yet the Board of County Commissioners has failed to provide the public with the time and information necessary to make an informed decision. They have repeatedly reneged on promises to attend public meetings which makes me question their veracity, commitment to all residents, and motivation behind this move. Additionally, I listened to the recorded Commissioners' Home Rule pitch to the City of Larkspur and it is clear they represent extreme partisan ideology, already have 21 handpicked candidates to represent their interests, and have no interest in representing all residents. Furthermore, it is evident that if the Home Rule Initiative passes, the BOCC and our city attorney intend to sue Colorado State as often as needed. Mr. Garcia said, "he will suit up and defend against (the liberal state government laws) as long as it takes". That is very concerning as a taxpayer.
Douglas County deserves leadership that prioritizes transparency, informed decision-making, and broad public engagement. I urge my fellow residents to take a stand against this expedited attempt at Home Rule and demand a fair, open process.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
I am eager to contribute my experience in negotiable instruments and corporate governance—specifically in document review, drafting, and negotiation—to the development of the Home Rule Charter. My experience serving on an HOA board and smaller neighborhood committees in Douglas County has provided valuable insight into community concerns and priorities.
I believe a well-structured Home Rule Charter is crucial for shaping governance that truly serves the residents, and I am committed to adding meaningful value to this process. Additionally, I aim to leverage my bridge-building communication skills to help mediate challenges that may arise, fostering collaboration and ensuring a thoughtful, equitable charter that reflects the interests of all members of the Douglas County community.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Transparency, decorum, impartiality, honesty, non-partisanship, adherence to the law, and a desire to communicate with everyone in a clear, concise, unambiguous, and organized manner. This includes timely communication to the residents of Douglas County to facilitate public comment.
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?
Impartiality: The Cornerstone of a Fair and Effective Home Rule Charter
A Home Rule Charter should be built on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. To uphold these principles, requiring financial disclosures for gifts, terms limits, increasing the BOCC to 5 or 7, allowing districts to elect their commissioners, and thorough conflicts-of-interest checks for Commission members is essential. This safeguard ensures that decision-making remains free from personal or financial bias. Even if, as George Teal publicly stated, the BOCC remains a conservative voice, adding commissioners increases the representation and the likelihood of better conversations.
Additionally, establishing clear guidelines for disclosing gifts above a set threshold would help prevent undue influence and reinforce public trust. An independent conflicts committee could serve as a critical oversight mechanism, ensuring these standards are actively enforced.
Leading by example is paramount—especially if concerns about conflicts within the BOCC already exist. By implementing strong ethical guidelines within the Charter Commission, members can set a precedent for responsible governance and demonstrate a commitment to integrity. Such measures don’t just strengthen the Charter but also help rebuild trust within the community, fostering a system that prioritizes fairness for all.
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?
No, on Unchecked Appointment Power:
If the Home Rule Initiative passes, we will have a mandate for true representation for ALL Douglas County residents.
I was surprised to learn that the Weld County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) holds broad appointment powers, power to determine its number of members, and authority to set salaries under Home Rule. If the BOCC is given such extensive authority, then the people should elect a new BOCC with the full understanding that they are entrusting them with a fresh slate of powers. Otherwise, appointment power over all positions should not be granted. Nomination power is a compromise to which voters may respond.
Under Home Rule, the people are the foundation—the "home." To reflect this, as many positions as possible should be directly voted on by the public. Appointment power can lead to consolidation of influence, tipping the balance in either direction and reducing the voice of the voters.
Our government must move toward a non-partisan structure that ensures fair representation for all. The only true mechanism we have for maintaining accountability is voting. We must empower the people, not just a select group of appointees.
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 consolidation of power. This is one of our biggest issues. We need to learn to work as a team in the best interest of the entire community.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
I recently had a conversation with Commissioner George Teal about a similar issue during the BOCC meeting. All three commissioners agreed that having three members was sufficient. However, I pointed out that expanding to five members isn't merely about voting power—it’s about fostering broader representation and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations that might not happen otherwise.
Commissioner Teal noted that adding two more members wouldn't change Douglas County’s conservative stance, as the majority would remain intact. If that’s the case, then increasing the number of commissioners shouldn’t be viewed as a challenge to ideology, but rather as a step toward more inclusive governance. The optics alone matter, but beyond that, having five voices at the table enhances dialogue, encourages compromise, and fosters growth.
Governance isn’t solely about the final vote—it’s about the discussions, the learning, and the seeds we plant along the way. As public officials, we work for the people and must avoid advancing personal agendas. Public input is essential in shaping policies that reflect the needs and desires of our constituents, and increasing opportunities for participation is one of the best ways to ensure accountability.
Expanding representation is about strengthening the democratic process and ensuring that all perspectives are heard. I urge us to consider not just the practicality of three members, but the benefits of five.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
Since moving to Douglas County, I have immersed myself in conversations with people from all walks of life—across the aisle, among strangers, friends, and acquaintances. I believe that understanding what people truly need, what they value, and where we find common ground in our shared humanity is essential.
My goal is to foster genuine connections and encourage authentic communication. I want to create spaces where open dialogue thrives, where voices are heard, and where ideas are exchanged freely. To that end, I would love to invite people to join me for a walk, coffee talk, or a town hall-style gathering—a welcoming environment where we can engage in meaningful discussions that bring our community closer together.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
I would have a third-party law firm review the draft at a minimum to ensure it complies with state law, is unbiased, equitable, and free from special interests. If possible, I would have select local groups review it and provide formal written comments to ensure the language was truly non-partisan and impartial.
Against home rule
YES
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?
NO
Should the future Home Rule charter grant the County discretionary power to regulate local elections differently from state standards (e.g., voting access, procedures)?
NO
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?
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