By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
By now, you’ve probably received your ballot—and with it, an opportunity that could redefine how we govern ourselves. This vote will decide who sits on the commission responsible for drafting our Home Rule Charter. That document will set the tone for the future of Douglas County, and I believe it’s time we step up and take control of that future ourselves.
If we choose Home Rule, we gain the power to tailor our government to meet our needs—not someone else’s idea of what those needs should be.
Let’s call it like it is—too often, the laws coming out of Denver are written without Douglas County in mind. We’re not just growing—we’re growing with purpose. And let’s be real, Douglas County has its own way of doing things. Home Rule lets us manage that growth on our terms, protect the land we love, and build smart—not just follow the blueprint of state government overregulation.
One big win? We can push back and request to opt out of state laws that just don’t make sense for us.
This kind of local control doesn’t stop with land use—it extends to how we run elections and engage with our government. With Home Rule, we could make it a whole lot easier for folks to propose new ideas or hold leaders accountable when they drop the ball.
No more jumping through endless hoops just to be heard—just a cleaner, faster way for voters to take action.
There’s also a legal side to this. As the state continues expanding its reach, Home Rule gives Douglas County more standing to push back. Whether we’re defending fiscal responsibility, standing up for parental rights, or protecting our unique character, Home Rule is a powerful tool to resist overreach and preserve our autonomy.
If we go first, we won’t be the last. Other counties are watching—and if we show what’s possible, we can kickstart a movement for more local control across the state. That’s how real change works in Colorado. It starts with regular folks, not politicians at the top telling us how to live.
And let’s clear up a common misconception—Home Rule only applies to county-level government. It doesn’t touch the independence of cities like Castle Rock or Parker. They’ll keep running their own show. This isn’t about taking anything away from our towns. It’s about strengthening the county so we can all thrive.
I’m also supporting Home Rule because it gives us the power to protect the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. I’m a firm believer in protecting TABOR—it’s what keeps government spending in check and makes sure voters stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to taxes. And there’s real concern that lawmakers in Denver want to gut it.
Home Rule lets us lock in those taxpayer protections right here at the county level—even if the state decides to play games with them. And even better, it gives us a shot at writing a charter that demands real transparency, opens the door for more citizen involvement, and holds our local leaders fully accountable. That’s not some idealistic dream—that’s the kind of government Douglas County families are asking for.
And just to be clear—this isn’t about giving more power to politicians. Actually, it does the opposite. A strong Home Rule charter can rein in the power of county commissioners and put more of that power where it belongs—with the people who live here.
What’s great about this process is that we get to choose who’s at the table. At the end of the day, we’re the ones hiring the writers of this charter. If we choose wisely—people who actually understand our county and want what’s best for it—we’ll end up with something we can all stand behind.
And I’ve heard some concerns out there—folks wondering if it’ll get messy or political. Honestly? It’s a fair thing to ask. But it’s on us to stay engaged and make sure it doesn’t.
Home Rule isn’t some abstract policy idea. It’s a practical way for us to stand up, say enough is enough, and start leading the way. It’s about preserving our Douglas County way of life while planning smartly for what’s next.
So let’s take the reins. Let’s vote for Home Rule—and let’s elect a commission that will craft a Home Rule Charter worthy of our county—one that safeguards our values and strengthens our voice.
Because no one knows Douglas County better than we do.
Heidi Ganahl is an entrepreneur and prominent conservative leader in Colorado. She’s the founder and president of Rocky Mountain Voice, a center‑right media platform and previously launched Camp Bow Wow—now North America’s leading pet-care franchise. A University of Colorado Regent from 2017 to 2023, Ganahl ran as the Republican nominee for Colorado governor in 2022. She also founded SheFactor, the Fight Back Foundation and hosts the “Unleashed with Heidi” podcast on Rocky Mountain Voice, advocating for free and fair elections, individual liberty and conservative values.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.