Lora Thomas's SPOTLIGHT #25-10

This section is copied from former Commissioner Lora Thomas's Newsletter #25-10

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2025 Citizen Survey

It's time once again for the DougCo Commissioners to put the citizen survey that is conducted every two years into the field; it will be available for residents' response until May 2.

Here is a link to the Citizen Survey page

I've looked through the questions and naturally there are some you could have bet your paycheck on, particularly lots of questions about what the Commissioners are telling folks Home Rule will accomplish. Before you answer questions, you should educate yourself and remember that Home Rule for counties allows for the re-structuring of county government; not opting out of state laws we don't like.

For example, right now the Weld County (one of only two Colorado home rule counties) Sheriff is preparing to process implementation of the requirements in SB25-003, the recent semi-auto gun control bill just signed by Governor Polis. Sheriff Reams made it clear that, although he and his county's commissioners oppose SB25-003, this law imposes duties on his office which he will undertake and execute.

Here are some of the questions on the Douglas County survey so you can try to be more educated when you have time to take the survey (you are asked whether you agree or disagree with these statements):

• Douglas County is working effectively with state and municipal officials and conservation groups to ensure adequate natural open space and land conservation for the public’s benefit.

• My local taxes have been rising faster than my ability to pay them lately.

• Douglas County spends our tax dollars wisely.

• Douglas County is more open and transparent when it comes to the process and procedures whereby policies and budgets for the county are set.

• Douglas County government listens to the people’s voice.

• Greater local control and independence from state controls

The paragraph before the list of questions about Home Rule says this:

• Since 1970, the State Constitution has allowed Colorado counties to adopt a home rule charter by referendum that allows the county to define its own form and structure of government as well as its functions. Here is a list of things that Douglas County could change under a home rule charter. For each one, indicate whether the county being allowed to do it would make you much more, somewhat more, somewhat less, or much less likely to vote for county home rule.

First, you should recall what the state Constitution, state statutes and Colorado Supreme Court precedent say:

"Although home rule counties enjoy autonomy in determining their internal organization, they remain bound to perform mandatory functions prescribed by state law." League of Women Voters v. Weld County Board of Commissioners, 25 CO 8 (2025)

Another question is about the incorporation of Highlands Ranch. Remember, IF Highlands Ranch were to incorporate, the sales taxes for the limited commercial businesses there would increase dramatically. The only person who has talked about Highlands Ranch incorporating in recent years has been Abe Laydon, who is NOT a resident of Highlands Ranch.

As a candidate for the Highlands Ranch Metro District election on May 6, know that I have always supported the right of Highlands Ranch to remain unincorporated, which will keep our sales tax at a low 5%.

I encourage all of you to take the survey to provide accurate information based on your educated positions on the questions asked.