One Hour of Public Comment for $100 Million in Public Debt

Last night, I showed up to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners meeting prepared to speak about the financing for the proposed Zebulon Sports Complex. I arrived early. My name was fifth or sixth at the top of the sign-up sheet for a chance to be heard on a major decision involving taxpayer dollars and long-term financial commitments.

But that’s not what happened.

Instead, the Board ran out the clock on public comment. And rather than allowing speakers in a fair or clearly defined order, the Chair, George Teal, appeared to call on individuals selectively.

I was not one of them.

And I wasn’t alone.

When public comment is limited not just by time but also by who is chosen to speak, it raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and whether dissenting voices are being filtered out of the process altogether.

Let’s call that what it is: It’s not public engagement. It’s gatekeeping.

And when that gatekeeping determines who gets to speak on a major public decision, it begins to look a lot like censorship. Because public comment isn’t supposed to be a curated experience. It’s supposed to be an open one. Especially when the issue at hand involves taking on significant taxpayer-backed obligations through mechanisms like Certificates of Participation without a vote of the people.

If our local government is confident in its decisions, then it should also be confident in hearing from the people it represents. Even when those perspectives are critical. Transparency doesn’t just mean holding a meeting. It means allowing the public to participate meaningfully and equitably.

What I Planned to Say

Since I wasn’t given the opportunity to speak, I want to share the comments I prepared below:

Good evening, Commissioners.

My name is Irene Bonham. I live in Parker. I’m a mom and a supporter of youth sports and activities.

I’m here tonight because this is exactly the kind of decision that tests whether we value transparency, or just say we do.

I support investing in our community. Our parks, open space, and opportunities for our kids. The Zebulon Sports Complex could be a meaningful asset to the county, and I’m not wholly opposed to the project. I do have some concerns about the process, though. Because how we make decisions matters just as much as what we decide.

Tonight, you’re considering financing this project through Certificates of Participation, reportedly around $100 million.

That means taking on long-term, taxpayer-backed debt without a vote of the people.

In Colorado, under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, voters are supposed to have a say before the government takes on major financial obligations. And while COPs may be legal, they are often used to avoid that vote.

That should concern all of us.

Because we still don’t have clear answers. What is the total cost of this project, all in? What will this cost taxpayers over time? And what happens if the projected benefits don’t materialize? What other financial models have been considered?

If this is a strong investment, then make the case to the voters. Bring forward a bond proposal and put it on the ballot.

Even $100 million in public risk deserves public input. And the people of this county deserve the full story before you move forward.

Thank you.