Gordon B. (Spud) Van De Water
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
Oppose because I am against the tainted process pushed by the current county commissioners. Their proposal doesn't pass the smell test—too many surprises, too vague about the need, too short a timeline, a rushed and expensive special election, no evident resources to support the work of the charter commission.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
I want to make sure that all voters are given an opportunity to be heard and to understand the pros and cons of moving to home rule. Developing a charter is a complex business that needs to be done right, especially since it will be hard to change it in the future.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Transparency, forthrightness, integrity, fairness, respect, inclusiveness, and a long-term outlook based on research and best practice.
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 favor having 5 commissioners representing five districts and serving a maximum of two terms. I also believe the charter commission meetings should be open to the public and press and there should be ample time and opportunity for public discussion.
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?
I would support having an appointed, competent coroner and surveyor. I would retain the other elected positions as checks on centralized power.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would support such provisions.
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 object if any of these changes were proposed and I would make my objections known to the voters.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
I am open to hearing all points of view. I particularly like to learn what research and best practice can teach us about creating an open, efficient and effective county government that represents the wishes of the voters.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
All groups directly or indirectly affected by the structure and governance provisions of a new home rule charter should be able to comment on the draft charter.
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?
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?
I believe county commissioners are promoting misinformation about the benefits of home rule. Voters need to be wary.