Juli Watkins
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose Home Rule in Douglas County because our current commissioners did not follow standard protocols of transparency and public input and are rushing it through (creating an unneccessary $500K cost to taxpayers). Fast tracking the process does not allow for building a well-designed Home Rule Charter that is representative of and serves all Douglas County residents, and not just the ideologies of the current Commissioners.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
The Commissioners had already hand-picked a slate of conservative candidates to serve when they announced the resolution. To create a comprehensive and fair charter, input from a broad and diverse representation of the community is necessary. I will bring a perspective that will not simply fall in line with the politics of our current Commissioners. And I will advocate for it to be inclusive and in the interest of ALL members of our community.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Integrity is important. This process was initiated without much of it, and if it passes, it will be imperative that those elected to lead the Charter Commission will do so with transparency and with a commitment to the long-term well-being of the community. Back-room deals and ulterior motives should have no part in it.
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 mandate public input and lots of it. I would study how other counties/municipalities have established their own Home Rules, and ensure that past successes and failures are clearly communicated to the Commission and to the community. I would work hard to be a voice for those who are wary of the motives of initiating this charter to ensure that it will serve the best interests of everyone 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?
I believe there should be a process for Commissioner appointments that includes public input and clearly defined expectations for those positions to allow for removal if necessary. The current elected positions (Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, etc.) should remain elected positions.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would not support charter provisions that further consolidate power. Home Rule should be enacted to support the community's well-being, not to bypass state laws and policies that exist for that same reason. I would fight any proposed measures that would marginalize or exclude any members of our community.
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 fight any proposed measures that would marginalize or exclude any members of our community. Ensuring that the entire process is transparent will be integral to building an effective charter.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
I would advocate for community outreach to ensure that all voices are heard. Although this should not be politically driven, it will be important to listen to diverse opinions and push back when they are minimized or disregarded.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
I would like to see input from a broad cross-section of our community, including business leaders, nonprofit leaders, school district officials, as well as ordinary residents who chose to make Douglas County their home because of the qualities that drew them here.
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 a dedicated and passionate volunteer committed to strengthening our community. I chose to make Douglas County my home 15 years ago because of its natural beauty, abundant outdoor spaces, strong public education system, and—most importantly—the remarkable people who live here.Over the years, I’ve observed a troubling pattern in county-level leadership marked by persistent turmoil, infighting, and, at times, questionable practices that have undermined public trust and reflected poorly on our county. While our local government is largely dominated by conservative leadership, I’ve found that some elected officials appear to overlook the responsibility to represent all constituents—not just those who voted for them.I believe it's time for a more balanced and inclusive approach. I bring a moderate perspective—one that values tradition, but also recognizes the importance of serving our entire community. Conservatism need not be synonymous with intolerance or exclusion. It can, and should, reflect values that honor all voices and promote a thriving, united Douglas County.