Steven Arthur Boand
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I am opposed to the fast-track home rule process now underway. A Charter Commission needs more than 60 days to make that determination and develop a common-sense charter.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
Having served as a County Commissioner and Castle Rock Mayor, I understand the differences between municipal and county home rule. They are significant. If Douglas County moves to home rule governamce, I want to make sure that our quality of life is preserved, maintained, and even enhanced.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
Careful and thoughtful consideration of our values and why we have the quality of life we currently enjoy. I want to make sure that common sense governance is integrated into a home rule 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?
State law requires that a Charter Commission hold at least three public hearings. The charter Commission is independent of the Board of County Commissioners. Charter Commission hearings need to be held across the County to ensure that all perspectives are heard!
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 support appointment of the Surveyor. I am will to listen to arguments for the appointment of some officials (such as the Coroner) that have specific technical and experience requirements. I do not support the appintment of a Sheriff, County Clerk,or Assessor.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
We need to LIMIT the CONSOLIDATION OF POWER in a few officials. Elected officials work for the People and need their guidance and advice on key community issues.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
The will strongly voice my opposition continue my work to enhance public input and democratic process. As a Commissioner, I held more than a dozen town hall meetijngs across the County every year. Executive sessions need to strictly follow Colorado law The Business of the People is Public!
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
I believe that the County needs to employ a variety of outreach tools if the charter process moves forward. Both online and "town hall" type meetings need to be held. Public outreach will require a substantial investment of time by Charter Commission members. They must be committed to the public input process.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
The list is long and includes homeowners associations, community associations, community run metropolitan districts and water districts. Residents in Larkspur, Castle Rock, Sedalia, Highland Ranch, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Parker, Perry Park, Franktown, Roxborough, open space and park advocates, and rural residents, and more all need to be heard.
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?
NO
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 will listen to all perspectives presented to the Charter Commission. I am a fiscal conservative, a conservationist, and hold moderate perspectives on many issues. I look for solutions for We the People. Thank you.