Douglas County

Webb: A ‘yes’ vote for Home Rule is a vote for Douglas County’s future

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Commentary, Local, Top Stories / / , , , ,

On June 24, 2025, Douglas County residents will have the opportunity to vote in a Special Election to decide whether to form a Home Rule Charter Commission and elect 21 commission members to draft a potential Home Rule Charter. As the leader of the Douglas County Republican Party, I believe this historic vote could pave the way for greater local control, flexibility, and self-governance, positioning Douglas County to address its unique needs more effectively. Here’s why voting “Yes” for Home Rule is the best choice for our county.

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A crisis of cradle and classroom: How Colorado’s baby bust is closing schools

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, State, Top Stories / / , , , , , , , , ,

Colorado’s classrooms are getting quieter – not because kids are learning, but because there are fewer of them. Across the state, dropping birth rates and shrinking enrollment are forcing schools to close, merge or sit half-empty. And the trend isn’t slowing down.

In May, the Common Sense Institute released a report warning that Colorado’s birth rate has been declining since 2005 and has fallen faster than the national average since 2011. The report projects the state will lose more than 15,000 children under age 18 by 2030 – roughly the equivalent of the entire Thompson R2-J school district.

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“Write your own rules?” Douglas County voters to decide if it’s time for Home Rule

Rocky Mountain Voice, Approved, Local, Top Stories / / , , ,

On June 24, Douglas County voters will weigh in on whether to create a Home Rule Charter Commission – and decide who should serve on it. The commission would be made up of 21 members, including six from each commissioner district and three at-large.

If the measure passes, the elected commission will draft a charter that could reshape county governance.

Ballots were mailed starting June 2. Drop boxes and in-person voting will remain open through 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Before voters decide, it’s worth understanding what’s at stake: Home Rule would give Douglas County the chance to write its own charter – a localized framework for how the county governs itself.

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Douglas County explores establishing its own home rule charter

Approved, denvergazette.com / / , ,

Douglas County commissioners voted on Tuesday to explore establishing a home rule charter, arguing the move would allow the county to carve a path that is different than where the state is headed. Establishing home rule, officials said, gives commissioners and the county more local control.

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Ganahl: Smears and fearmongering—The fight for John Adams Academy and school choice in Douglas County

Top Stories, Approved, Commentary, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice / / , , , ,

In Douglas County, Colorado, a battle over education choice is brewing as efforts to open a new classical charter school, the John Adams Academy, face fierce opposition. Spearheading the initiative is Ellie Reynolds, a Sterling Ranch resident and mom, and Kim Gilmartin, a seasoned advocate for school choice, who has helped launch multiple classical charter schools across the state.  

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Camping at Sandstone Ranch a ‘disaster waiting to happen,’ firefighters, residents warn

Approved, Local, Rocky Mountain Voice / / ,

Douglas County calls it a ‘pilot program.’ Opponents call it a ‘firestarter kit.’ Despite fire safety warnings, financial concerns and widespread public opposition, county officials are moving forward with the pilot project to allow primitive camping at Sandstone Ranch.

Camping at Sandstone Ranch a ‘disaster waiting to happen,’ firefighters, residents warn Read More »