What was missing from the State of the County Celebration
Last week, I was pleased to attend the Douglas County “State of Douglas County” event in Lone Tree. It was polished, well-funded, and celebratory. The evening featured videos, sponsorship acknowledgments (thanks, Sterling Ranch), and repeated declarations that Douglas County is safe, prosperous, and thriving.
And while I don’t entirely disagree — there’s a lot to like about Douglas County, I thought the evening was missing a specific something. Perhaps the most notable part of the evening wasn’t what was said. It was what wasn’t.
A Celebration Without Conversation
Commissioners opened by declaring:
“The state of Douglas County is safe. Douglas County is mobile. It’s compassionate. It’s beautiful. It’s rooted in service.”
We were told the county is safer than ever, among the most prosperous in the state, and a national model for efficiency and collaboration.
What we didn’t see, which has been par for the course, was any opportunity for public questions, public comment, or dissenting perspectives. Or, frankly, any humility in acknowledging where we can do better.
At a time when residents are raising concerns about transparency, responsiveness, housing affordability, and decision-making behind closed doors, the State of the County felt less like a conversation and more like a performance.
“We Work for You” Requires Public Access
At one point, county leaders said:
“In Douglas County, we often say that we work for you, not the other way around.”
Those words matter. A lot. But the evidence of these words being matched by practice is lacking.
When public comment at regular meetings is routinely cut short, emails go unanswered, social media comments are disabled, and major decisions are made outside public view, residents are left wondering whether their voices truly matter. Not to mention residents being accused of lying or flat-out mocking them.
As a parent of a teenager, I know better than to judge by words alone. Seeing the homework turned in matters more than being told it’s finished. Transparency, too, is about what’s visible, not what’s claimed.
The commissioners praised their “unity” and “collaboration.” But unity without accountability is not leadership. And it’s easy to claim unity if you don’t engage with those who disagree with you.
Healthy communities welcome scrutiny. They invite disagreement. They trust residents to participate meaningfully, not just observe from the sidelines.
Cutting Red Tape — and Cutting the Public Out?
A theatrical highlight of the evening was the signing of a “red tape reduction” resolution, complete with oversized scissors, the only female appearance on stage, and mixed applause. Commissioners celebrated promises to accelerate development and establish the “fastest permitting timelines in the nation.”
Efficiency can be a good thing. But when local government moves faster than the public can engage, what is lost in the process? Democracy suffers. Safety could be put at risk. Or unintended consequences that could have been avoided come to bear.
What was missing at this resolution signing was any meaningful discussion of how these changes would protect neighborhood input, infrastructure capacity, environmental standards, community safety, or long-term affordability.
Public Safety Deserves More Than Soundbites
The event heavily emphasized public safety, with repeated claims of “zero panhandling,” “zero encampments,” and dramatic reductions in crime: “Crime is down in Douglas County, not by accident, but on purpose.”
Public safety matters deeply. So does compassion. So does accuracy.
Residents deserve transparent data, open discussion, and accountability. Not just soundbites and videos. Especially when claims are sweeping and complex. Addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance use requires honesty, collaboration, and community trust, not just sweeping declarations of victory.
A Different Kind of County Leadership
Here’s my take. The state of Douglas County is strong because of its people. This includes the public servants, first responders, nonprofit leaders, educators, and residents who show up every day to make this a better place to live. Neighbors helping neighbors. Every day, folks are trying to do better the next day than the one before. These are the people who deserve the praise. And that praise was not readily apparent at this production of the State of the County.
I believe our county deserves leadership that shares credit generously while governing in the light of day. That means inviting public input and explaining tradeoffs openly. We can celebrate what’s working and be honest about what isn’t. We can value efficiency and protect public participation. We can pursue growth and remain accountable to the people who live here.
That’s the kind of county leadership I’m committed to building — and why I’m running.
