Julien Bouquet
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Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose the move to a Home Rule because it allows for more power to be given to a handful of local elected officials, while taking power away from the local communities.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
If I were elected to the Home Rule Charter Commission, I would specifically advocate for more listening sessions from our local communities to hear if moving towards a Home Rule is what Douglas County wants. I believe my experience as an elected official for this county gives me knowledge to advocate for a wide range of viewpoints.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
I believe the charter-writing process needs a wide range of voices to be involved. This would include the school district, town councils, chambers of commerce, local businesses, and other local stakeholders. The more voices involved, the better.
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?
It starts with speaking with the major stakeholders that I metioned in the question above. This charter is a major decision that should not just be made by those in power, and/or those who have certain political beliefs. This is a decision that needs involve ALL major stakedholders.
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, the County Commisioners should not be appointing elected positions. This directly takes away the will and say of the county residents. The more power that is concentrated in the hands of three individuals, the more this can lead to corruption and an abuse of authority.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I support limiting the consolidation of power in the hands of a few officials. The more say from the public the better.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
You start with trying to persuade your fellow commissioners of the consquences of their actions. If not, you may need to take legal action against any proposed changes that would reduce public input.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
It starts with listening sessions with a variety of voices who are key stakeholders in Douglas County. Local elected officials are important, but you need to get input from chambers of commerce, political parties, county employees, school district employees, nonprofit organizations, really anyone who will be impacted by this.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
I believe the following stakeholders should be involved: mayors, town councilmembers, school board directors, water district members, chambers of commerce, small business owners, homeowner associations, youth organizations, nonprofit organizations, and any other groups interested in the process.
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?
This is a process that will waste taxpayer dollars and give much more power to a small number of individuals. We need to protect the voices of all our communities in Douglas County. I am firmly against home rule.