Matthew M. Lunn
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I will be voting No on Home Rule because it is not a community-led initiative. As someone who believes in local control, I prefer to have decisions made at the local level whenever possible. However, this process was initiated by elected officials behind closed doors and without public input—this is not local control.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
I believe in serving your community, and as a father of two great kids, I want to help ensure Douglas County is a wonderful place for everyone to live, work, and play. At a time when trust in government is down, my experience working with diverse stakeholders to find collaborative, innovative solutions is needed as the county looks to drastically change their structure, impacting the next generation of residents who call Douglas County home.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Transparency and accountability must be at the heart of the charter-writing process. This document will serve as the foundational framework for how our county government operates, so the community deserves a clear, open process that builds trust every step of the way—something we have not received up to this point.
Transparency means that residents should have the ability to understand how decisions are being made, who is making them, and why. That includes accessible communication, open meetings, and meaningful opportunities to provide public input. The county has outlined an extremely short timeframe to draft, receive comment, and vote on a major change to how our local government operates. This, combined with the fact that no public comment or discussion was had prior to calling for the vote on June 24 make for a process that lacks any real transparency.
Accountability ensures that those involved in writing the charter remain focused on serving the people and not special interests or personal agendas. The county has outlined a few issues they could explore should a home rule charter be developed, including debt and parks and recreation. This should cause concern and raise questions about accountability.
The county could take on a debt load beyond what is allowed in state law should home rule pass. This would allow the commissioners to fund projects from special interests, such as the Zebulon Project, a major sports complex in Sterling Ranch, or buying and pumping water from other regions of the state to support development. The Board of County Commissioners could also restructure how municipalities in Douglas County receive funds for parks, recreation, and open space which could decrease access to services, diminish local efforts to improve open space connectivity, and eliminate municipal efforts to address the needs of their populations.
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 believe the charter must be shaped through open dialogue with individuals from all backgrounds and viewpoints. That means actively listening to residents across the political spectrum, seeking out underrepresented perspectives, and being genuinely responsive to feedback. It’s not enough to provide space for input or even worse, present a draft charter written behind closed doors for public comment. If the voters choose to move forward with drafting a Home Rule Charter, we as a commission must demonstrate that the public comment we hear is being heard and reflected in the final product.
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. These positions hold significant power and public trust, and the people of Douglas County deserve a direct say in who represents their interests in these roles.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would strongly support language that would limit the consolidation of power.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
I have led and served on nonprofit and government boards and commissions at the federal, state, and local level, and I have a documented history of developing collaborative, sustainable solutions through community engagement. However, if there is a disagreement and you do not have the votes, it is important to put your opposition to a concept on the public record and clearly communicate to the community why you believe what is being proposed is not in their best interest.
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 and the hope I would have for all charter commission members is to meet people where they are, engage all residents of the county, not just those who hold similar views, and to engage in public business in public. All meetings need to be open and accessible with ample time for public comment.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
There should be the opportunity for the charter commission to engage in conversations with all impacted groups. Beyond engagement with residents, we should be hearing directly from municipalities, metro districts, water boards, the Douglas County School Board, and other impacted bodies to ensure we have a complete picture of the impacts that a Home Rule Charter would have.
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?
As a married father of two, a public safety executive, and a public policy expert, I’ve spent my life serving others. I believe in smart, accountable leadership that puts people first—and that same philosophy drives my desire to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission. Locally, I have the honor of serving as Chair of the Parker Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Commission. Through this role, I’ve worked closely with town staff, residents, and fellow commissioners to enhance the recreational opportunities and natural spaces that make Parker such a vibrant and healthy place to live. From expanding access to opportunities to supporting local events, I’ve seen firsthand how important community engagement is to the decisions that shape our communities. Now, I’m stepping up to ensure the community’s voice is included in the Home Rule Charter process. Join me and my partners with the DougCo Integrity Alliance who are stepping forward with a shared commitment to honest leadership, public accountability, and transparent decision-making—ensuring that our county remains a place where families like mine can thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I look forward to hearing from you, earning your trust, and working together to ensure a strong future for Douglas County.