Steve Johnson
www.stevejohnson-homerulecommission.com Instagram stevejohnsonhomerulecommission
Values & Motivation
Do you personally support or oppose the move to Home Rule? Why or why not?
I oppose the move to Home Rule. The manner in which this has come about is so contrary to our democratic process. It is a blatant attempt to lock the majority of residents of Douglas County out of any further democratic processes and guarantee to current elected officials total control of their futures at our expense.
Why do you want to serve on the Home Rule Charter Commission?
We can do better than this in Douglas County! I have lived here 40 years and seen solid and progresive growth up to this point. I also can recognize when something is less than honorable for the majority and attempting to influence for the benefit of a select few. This is my chance to call out the unneccesary and inequities that will impact us for years to come.
What do you see as the most important values that should guide the charter-writing process?
This needs to be an open and transparent process, and it has not! This so far has been nothing short of a poor attempt at hoodwinking the residents of Douglas County. This also has not been a democtratic process and for the people. Isolating residents for those in power and a select few is not a value Douglas County has.
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 will approach this charter with the interest of all residents of Douglas County, and what will continue to bring progress with our city, state, and federal partners. I will not just rubber stamp this process or back down to elected officials and those finding themselves politically aligned with the current elected officials.
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?
Absolutly not! Additionally, the County Commisioners should not be put in a position where they are exempt from the elected positions they sought under the current term limits.
Would you support or oppose charter provisions that limit the consolidation of power into the hands of a few officials?
I would support any provisions of a charter that contiues to provide checks and balances and represents the importance of the democratic process we should expect of our goverment.
Resistance to Extremism
How would you respond if fellow commissioners proposed changes that would reduce public input, centralize control, or limit democratic participation?
While I expect proposed changes that reduce public input because that has occured up to this point, I want to make it perfectly clear that this process has to represent the best for all of the citizens Douglas County and not a select few. I will resist any changes or tactics that do any of the above. That is the bottom line.
Community Engagement
What specific steps would you take to engage residents across the political spectrum, including those who may not trust this process?
There has to be a complete 180 on this process and treat it as a transparent process. It has been secret and void of trust. There has to be open and honest communication for every step of this process. This will require open meetings and the ability for everyone to be heard and share their concerns, questions, and ideas.
Are there any community groups, institutions, or individuals you believe should be involved in shaping or reviewing the charter?
Anyone who wants to be involved should be involved. It is critical that subject matter experts and legal scholars are involved in this process that are on the outside looking in and can give advice and direction that is honest and unbiased. Without this, there could be litigation that taxpayers would have to pay for years.
Against home rule
YES
If home rule initiative passes, are 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?
I understand good governance and respect the democratic process. Up to this point, we have not seen that with this process. Should the commission be seated, I promise to listen, ask tough questions, and do what I think is best for the residents of Douglas County. I will not be influenced or bought for the benefit of a select few.