Jason Hamel
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
Home Rule is not inherently good or bad. However, this was a secretive process – it was not driven by public
request, but instead was set up to benefit only a small portion of our county. As such, I oppose Home Rule on
this ballot
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
I was frustrated and angry at how this process unfolded. The lack of public information, secrecy, and speed –
in an attempt to sneak this important decision on a special election ballot – demands that we have members on the commission who will bring light to the process. I will shine a bright light and fight to have a charter that is written with all county citizens in mind.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
It's important to develop a charter that is transparent on the goals and intent of each provision. It must reflect
and celebrate the different views of our county. As such, there must be ample time and effort to gather public
input
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?
We can’t be passive in how we seek public input. Having limited public comment in one location at
inconvenient times is unacceptable. We need multiple meetings at various locations and times to make it
accessible for more residents. We must also provide easier ways for residents to provide input through things like surveys and visiting civic minded organizations.
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?
Absolutely not.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I oppose such provisions, and in fact, support increasing the number of commissioners.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
I propose a three-step process to handle this. 1: Clarify the concern and attempt reason with the commission. 2: Be loud in my opposition and publicly denounce the efforts. 3: Hold my own public meetings, preferably with like-minded commission members, to engage the public. That will become public record and can later be used to educate county residents to vote no in the subsequent ballot to approve the charter.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
My goal on the commission will be to meet with any civic minded community organization that will have us. We also must hold meetings that vary in location and time to remove barriers to attend, whether to accommodate work schedules or calm fears of being in an unfriendly environment. In addition, we must visit residents where they are.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
Yes, input from a variety of stakeholders is important, but it must be done in an open and transparent way with
conflicts of interest clearly identified. I view the growing diversity of Douglas County's 380,000 plus residents as
a strength to be harnessed and not something to be feared.
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?
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 am proud to raise my family in Douglas County. Up until now, I have sat mostly on the sidelines. However, I feel that our way of life that brought and has kept all of us in Douglas County is being threatened. That is why I have stood up and am asking you to vote NO to home rule and vote for Jason Hamel in District 1.