Angela Thomas
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FB - Angela Thomas Community Organizer
angelathomas4commissioner.com
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose. The process by which this movement came to be was done illegally in my opinion. When I consider local control I see that as a bottom up process not a top down process. The secrecy in planning this leads me to believe that their are ulterior motives. The time being allowed for this is far less than what the statute allows. How thorough can a charter be if it must be completed in 8 weeks.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
If this ballot measure passes, it is important to me that we have people on the commission who represent all people in Douglas Co, not just members of their own party. When running for county commissioner in 2024 I made it clear that I am about all people in Douglas Co, not just those who may agree with me on issues.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Transparency is most important with input from the public. Charter Commissioners must look at this from an unbiased point of view allowing for people from all walks of life to be fairly represented.
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 believe that first and foremost we must move to 5 commissioners for some decentralizing of the power base. I want to hear from people from all walks of life how best Douglas Co. can serve them.
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, they should not be taking away the people's voices in being able to have a say in who is elected to the official positions. I will oppose any move to do so.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would support provisions that limit the consolidation of power.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
I would certainly stand up for the people. We are after all government, by, for and of the people as it says on the wall of the county commissioner hearing room. To limit public input is in direct conflict with the provision.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
I believe that we must have many more than the 3 public meetings as dictated by state law.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
This should be a bottom up process. The public's input is critical to creating a charter that would meet the needs of ALL people in Douglas Co. No one should be excluded from having a voice in this.
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?
If this measure passes, and I am elected to an at large commission seat, I will stand up for fair and equal representation for all people of Douglas Co.