Emily Suyat
dougcointegrityalliance.com and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576235482421
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose the move under this board of county commissioners. Home rule is a massive change in government structure and the process has been rushed, secretive, and expensive. The way the commissioners have said they want to use home rule will open us up to lawsuits and cost taxpayers even more money.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
This commission needs transparency and critical minds, not rubber-stampers. My role as a leader in gun violence prevention in Douglas County since 2017 has given me insight into our commissioners’ persistent efforts to force their personal agendas and opt us out of state laws that they don’t like. I’ll be a watchdog.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Transparency, inclusivity, and fair-mindedness—the charter commission members should not be committed to a specific outcome before the process begins.
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 would invite groups across the political spectrum to be a part of reviewing the charter and I’d seek input from groups representing and/or serving marginalized communities in Douglas County.
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. At this time, these positions should stay elected.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I’d abolutely support provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands a few.
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 be be very vocally opposed to this and I’d let the people of Douglas County know about my specific concerns.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
Transparency, accessibility of information, and words-matching-actions create trust. We must keep the charter-writing process in full view of the public—no more hiding. I’d work for charter commission meetings to be streamed and open the public.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
The school board should have a seat at the table, as well as Douglas County municipalities whose regulations might conflict with the county charter. Water boards and metro districts should also have a chance to review. I’d also invite groups across the political spectrum, not just the conservative groups that commissioners favor.
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?
NO
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?
I’ve lived in Parker for 23 years and raised my kids here. My law degree and six years as leader in the gun violence prevention movement in Douglas County has given me insight into how government works locally and at the state level. DougCo residents deserve to be informed about what their local government is doing in and out of public view, which is why I started the podcast Red County, Blue State. I’m voting NO on home rule, but I’m ready to be a strong voice on the charter commission if it passes. Douglas County belongs to all who live here, not just a select few.