Thank you to the voters of Douglas County for overwhelmingly rejecting the rushed and unnecessary Home Rule initiative. Your clear-headed decision-making and commitment to facts over fear showed far more wisdom than some of our elected officials have demonstrated.
In particular, I was disheartened — but not surprised — by Commissioner Teal’s reckless and baseless claim that the opposition to Home Rule was funded by the Chinese Communist Party. When asked for proof, his response — “is there evidence it isn’t?” — was the rhetorical equivalent of shouting “witch” and waiting for the mob to form. It’s an insult to voters and to basic logic.
Douglas County deserves better than conspiracy theories and scare tactics. Voters saw through the manipulation and rightly questioned why this initiative was pushed so fast, with so little input or clarity about the consequences.
And now, despite the decisive defeat, the commissioners have vowed to keep bringing it back “until it passes.” That’s not listening to the people — that’s political stubbornness wrapped in arrogance.
Our community deserves leaders who lead with facts, humility, and a respect for the will of the people. Thank you to everyone who voted, spoke out, and helped protect the integrity of our county. Your voices matter, and they were heard.
Let’s keep standing up for transparent, accountable governance—no matter how many times we have to say “no.”
David Newcomer
Highlands Ranch