Douglas John Gilbert
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
Mixed response. It COULD make sense but has to be done in an open and measured process. As it has been rushed it does not make sense.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
This could be a positive development to improve broken governance and services in Douglas County. I was on the Castle Pines Home Rule Commission and we made substantial improvements in the quality of city governance and services. Not all was perfect, of course.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
The process has to be FOR the people -- fair, open, and responsible. More details on my website.
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?
A key element of my ideas will be to use the Nebraska non-partisan model (in effect since 1937). The BOCC should be expanded to at least 5 and better 7 members. Members should be elected in district in a two step process—open primary and top two final (Nebraska model).
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! If the County were to move from elected positions to appointments in some areas, the appointments should be made by an independent board or commission process.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
A charter should move towards 21st Century governance with robust citizen engagement. My proposal is to make this a required element of a new governance structure, e.g., registered citizen organizations.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
My history is very much to oppose these ideas. For example, I opposed voter suppression in the Castle Pines Charter through higher signature thresholds for initiatives. I have also advocated e-petitions in the City.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
A key in this area is meaningful outreach and listening. It's more than meetings or communications. This involves listening and learning, which is something I did routinely as a city council member.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
The groups represented by the Partnership for Douglas County Governments should be both involved and a part of a new governance structure.
Against home rule?
YES
If home rule initiative passes, are you 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?
both
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?
both
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?
I support a total in-district BOCC and expanding it to the size of a City Council, i.e., 7 members.