In the Media

What’s Happening with Home Rule?

There’s been no shortage of news around Douglas County’s fast-moving Home Rule effort — and for good reason. From lawsuits over open meetings violations to concerns about conflicts of interest and rushed timelines, this initiative has raised serious questions about transparency, fairness, and who this process is really designed to serve.

This page collects recent headlines and articles to help you stay informed about what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it matters. As a candidate for the Home Rule Charter Commission, I believe our community deserves an honest, open conversation about the future of our county government. Check out the latest coverage below and get the facts for yourself.

In the News

Persistent pursuit of policies without public review irreparably corrupt

“When elected officials persistently pursue policies without public review, those policies are irreparably corrupt.” (Colorado Politics, May 1, 2025)

Home rule for Douglas County? Supporters and critics weigh in

There was not one whisper of home rule in the public arena until March 25 when the three commissioners put home rule on a ballot in a special business meeting that lasted 10 minutes. There was no citizen comment, nothing.”

Lora Thomas, former County Commissioner and plaintiff in open meetings lawsuit against Douglas County Commissioners (Denver Gazette, May 1, 2025)

Douglas County’s Home Rule effort breaks with Colorado tradition — no other county has ever pursued a charter this way, initiated by commissioners instead of the people.

“With 24 hours’ notice, the board convened a 10-minute public meeting, which wasn’t livestreamed as other meetings are, and adopted the resolutions, formally placing them on the ballot, without hearing from the public, according to the lawsuit.” (Colorado Sun, April 22, 2025)

Lawsuit accuses Douglas County commissioners of violating Colorado's open meetings law in home rule effort

This is the most monumental thing a county government could ever do,” said State Rep. Bob Marshall. “I heard no whispers about this at all – ever – and all of a sudden they dropped the resolution to go forward with home rule.” (Denver 7, April 22, 2025)

Douglas County commissioners discuss home rule with group out of public eye

“…the group conducted a private meeting that was ‘exclusively reserved for members, affiliates and guests of the conservative community,’ seemingly violating open meetings laws. (Douglas County News-Press, April 4, 2025)

MEDIA ADVISORY: Parker Democrats to Host Home Rule Initiative Town Hall Watch Party and Panel Discussion on May 28

The Parker Democrats invite community members to a special event on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Parker Task Force to learn more about the Douglas County Home Rule Initiative and its potential impact on local governance.

Home Rule Town Hall Leaves a Colorado Community Frustrated

“The high tensions came after nearly 9,000 people tuned in online and in person to the town hall, expecting the opportunity to ask questions about home rule, but only about six questions were taken.”(CBS Colorado, May 28, 2025)

DougCo Republican leaders hear from angry voters at town hall for Home Rule Charter Commission

“When a town hall on the issue turned into a cheerleading session for that ballot issue, those County Commissioners got an earful from angry voters.” (9News, May 29, 2025)