October Ann Levy
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I absolutely oppose the move to Home Rule. This process was decided by the County Commissioners behind closed doors with no meaningful public notice or input. We have to assume that no public comment was wanted by the Commissioners. They hand-picked 21 people to run on the ballot as Home Rule Charter Commissioners so they would not have any opposition and could have the charter written is such a way as to consolidate their power. They want a new county charter written in 60 days which is virtually impossible, especially in light of the fact that state rules allow 240 days to develop a competent Home Rule Charter. This has not been a democratic process, the citizens voices have not been heard and this is not the way government should be run in Douglas County.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
If Home Rule should pass, we need people on the Charter Commission who are committed to transparency and honesty and will stand up to the County Commissioners. I would like to serve in that way. Douglas County should not rush into adopting a Home Rule Charter that our citizens have not initiated, but if that happens the Home Rule Charter Commission must include representatives from all sectors of our community, not just people secretly chosen by the County Commissioners to rubber stamp their policies.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Home Rule is a complex issue-oriented process that will take more than 60 days to NOT GET IT WRONG. Comprehensive, thoughtful analysis must be done to prevent rushed decisions. Transparency and fairness are vitally important.
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 reach out to representatives from various community groups in Douglas County to ensure the charter reflects the diversity of our residents. I would invite citizens from differing political and socio-economic backgrounds to review the charter and provide input.
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 Commissioners should not have the power to appoint elected positions. Elected positions should remain elected by public vote.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would definitely support provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials.
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 vehemently oppose changes of that kind. I would be very verbal in my dissent and take to social media to get the word out to citizens.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
This process was done in the dark with no meaningful public notice or input and that must be stopped. Numerous town halls and listening sessions should be held as well as surveys with citizen comment. Any and all Charter Commission meetings should be open to the public and live streamed. I would reach out to the citizens with notices and information via all social media avenues.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
We need to preserve local control for special districts like School, Water, and Metro districts. Citizen advisory boards such as COSAC (County Open Space Advisory Committee), Parks Advisory Board and Board of Health should also be involved.
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 Home Rule election will waste $500,000 in taxpayer money and has already resulted in a lawsuit because the process lacked transparency. It was a deal done behind closed doors, violating Colorado Open Meetings law. This is not about empowering the citizens of Douglas County - it’s about cementing control for the County Commissioners. Home rule does NOT allow local governments to exempt themselves from existing state laws. Very recently, Weld County lost a home rule court case and was forced to follow state redistricting laws. If the Commissioners try to “opt out” of state law, the lawsuits will commence and all court cases come at a high cost to taxpayers. However, if Home Rule should pass, we need people on the Charter Commission who are committed to transparency and honesty and will stand up to the County Commissioners. I will be one of those people from District 1, along with 5 other like minded individuals.