This is part 3 of the 3 part series on Home Rule in Douglas County. In this episode, Angela Thomas, community organizer, talks about how candidates for the charter commission get on the ballot, and George Teal’s explicit (and likely expensive) plans to ignore state law.

Follow Angela Thomas on Facebook and/or sign up here to receive updates (this is the QR code link that she mentioned). Angela can be reached via email at [email protected] county commissioner Lora Thomas, a Republican, is putting out a BANGER of a newsletter on current commission’s misrepresentation of what home rule actually is and how they are acting in a less than transparent way. Subscribe to her newsletter at [email protected].

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Find me on substack and message me there or leave a comment. If you find this content useful, please share with your Douglas County friends and neighbors.Links for the graphics: Screenshot of Commissioner George Teal’s comment on social media, Douglas County Commissioners discuss home rule with group outside of public eye (Douglas County News Press), Residents in Colorado's Douglas County to weigh home rule in upcoming special election (CBS News, April 8)

This is part 2 of the 3 part series on Home Rule in Douglas County. In this episode, Angela Thomas, community organizer, talks about what home rule is, how it can (and can’t) be used, and what exactly we will be voting for on June 24.

Follow Angela Thomas on Facebook or sign up here to receive updates. Angela can be reached via email at [email protected] receive updates from Republican former commissioner Lora Thomas, email her at [email protected] and ask to receive her newsletter.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Find me on substack and message me there or leave a comment. If you find this content useful, please share with your Douglas County friends and neighbors.

Sources in blue graphic: Douglas County Explores Establishing… (Denver Gazette), Election could cost $500,000 (Douglas County website), Less Than 3 Months Until the Election (CBS News), photo of Commissioners Van Winkle, Teal, and Laydon (Home Rule news conference)

This is the first part of a three part series on the Douglas County Commission’s push for Douglas County to move to Home Rule status. This episode lays the foundation for our discussion on Home Rule by providing a general understanding of how government works in Douglas County (including facts that aren’t obvious or on a website) and taking a look at the commissioners who think we should be exempt from state laws that they don’t like. It’s a short podcast so we’re hitting the high points!

A few sources:

Demographics of Douglas County from census.govDouglas County 6th wealthiest in the nationDouglas County budget

Commission responsibilitiesDouglas County pledges not to enforce Red Flag Law (2019)

It’s time for moral courage. Watch Rep Bob Marshall’s town hall here.Ways to GSD (Get Stuff Done) this week:

* If you can, attend the Hands Off! National Day of Action on April 5. More info https://handsoff2025.com. If there’s not a Day of Action near you, send your good thoughts to those protesting!

* If you live in Highlands Ranch CO, you have upcoming local elections that really matter. Your ballots won’t automatically be sent, you must request an absentee ballot or vote in person on May 6. More info here.

Read more about Douglas County’s resolution to use (or more accurately, misuse) Home Rule Authority: Denver Post gift article.

WAYS TO MEET PEOPLE, HAVE FUN, GSD (get stuff done):

* Tesla Takedown this Saturday in Littleton, 11am-1pm. It’s a peaceful protest, bring your signs! Click here for more info.

* Rep Bob Marshall’s Town Hall. Rep Marshall represents HD43 (mostly Highlands Ranch) at the Colorado Capitol. His town hall is March 30, 10:30am (I said 10am in the podcast, it’s 10:30am!) at the Highlands Ranch library, 9292 S Ridgeline Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. You don’t have to live in Highlands Ranch to attend, and in fact, if you don’t live in his district, you should see how he operates compared to your state reps. What is making you happy this week? Report below!

If you live in Parker or Castle Rock CO, your state lawmakers held a town hall in February and one yesterday. The February one was a typical town hall, the second one…was not. Listen for more.