Lora Thomas
X: LoraThomasCO
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Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
As a former County Commissioner who has researched home rule, I am OPPOSED because it does NOT give the county the ability to OPT OUT of state laws as the county commissioners are currently promising. All a home rule county can do it change the STRUCTURE of government, i.e., change term limits, salaries of elected officials, make some elected officials appointed or create a council to oversee commissioners like Weld County did.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
As I told the local paper, I want to be on the Charter Commission to watch the foxes in the hen house - Teal has said that he and 10 people will write the Charter. There must be a broader coalition that that because ALL members of Douglas County need to be included in this process. I am NOT one of the candidates who were hand-picked by the commissioners to do their bidding. I have experience standing my ground with the commissioners, and will stand up for the rights of Douglas County residents.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
The most important values to guide to charter-writing process are transparency, listening to all members if the public and ensuring the Charter aligns with required state law and the Constitution. Being cognizant of current funding of County operations and being responsible with taxpayer dollars is another important value to be included in the Charter.
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 have a long documented history of listening to the public AND being responsive. I have published a newsletter for over four years which has provided me with the ability to have two-way conversations with an extraordinary number of residents. I do not only listen to one side of the aisle.
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 don't believe that the county commissioners should appoint any of the currently elected officials because there has never been a time that a qualified candidate failed to apply to run for any of the elected positions, including Surveyor. If we had a Board of Commissioners that appointed qualified citizens to the current advisory boards, it makes sense for the commissioners to appoint these positions. Perhaps there needs to be a Charter requirement that the Partnership of Douglas County interviewed candidates for all advisory boards and the Commissioners were required to appoint candidates for these advisory boards that were recommended by members of the Partnership of Douglas County.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I am OPPOSED to consolidating power in the hands of 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 respond to fellow Charter Commissioners as I have done with current county commissioners who limited or stopped citizen comment by voicing my disapproval. With 21 Charter members it could be possible to build a coalition of Charter members to include all voices.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
I have a reputation to being responsive and open to meeting with all members of the community to facilitate good government. I will continue to publish the newsletter that I have written for 4+ years to keep constituents up to date on the goings-on of the Charter Commissioner.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
The Partnership of Douglas County governments which represents many of the governments in the county needs to be included because municipalities as well as the Highlands Ranch Metro District, the Library, Fire Departments and others already have a working framework that makes them an ideal partner for this project. Metro districts, chambers of commerce, the County's advisory boards as well as the many boards and commissions that commissioners serve on need to be included. Water districts, fire districts and law enforcement agencies should be consulted as well.
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?
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 interested in exploring 5 commissioners instead of three but first would like to hear input from other Charter members before making a decision. As a former County commissioner I understand many aspects of the responsibilities of County Government as well as funding sources, and from that aspect, I believe that I would be an asset to the process.