Red County, Blue State

The petitions to expand the county commission are out and about! Community organizer Angela Thomas is back to talk about what it means, why it matters, where to find a petition, and how to volunteer. I also tie this to a topic that’s been on everyone’s minds—data centers and their voracious water and energy needs. Last, a local podcast you’ll want to hear if you have a kid who’s struggling in school: SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! SHOW NOTES: Contact me anytime at [email protected] or anonymously on signal at @emilysuyat.87Find FAQs, signing events, and ways to volunteer: https://www.3to5dougco.comComplete circulator trainingOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3to5dougcoContact Angela at [email protected] to know more about what the county commission does? County Commission 101NPR piece on data centersTown of Parker’s Q&A on the new data center. Petition language: This petition is to place a measure on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot to increase the size of Douglas County Board of County commissioners from 3 to 5 members and, if passed, for voters to choose between two methods of electing, the five member board. Shall the membership of the Douglas County Board of commissioners be increased from a three member board to a five member board. If the membership of the Douglas County Board of commissioners is increased from a three member board to a five member board, by what method shall the Douglas County Board of commissioners be elected. * Five commissioners resident in districts to be elected by the voters only by the voters resident in the district, or * Three commissioners resident in districts to be elected by the voters only by the voters resident in that district and two commissioners to be elected by the voters of the whole county. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Brooke Bernstein, president of Douglas County Pride, joins me today to talk about Pridefest on May 17 in Parker’s Salisbury Park. We talk about what Pridefest looks like in Douglas County, why there was no Pridefest in 2025, and how allies can support Douglas County Pride (hint: show up to Pridefest!). I take a short trip to bummer town to talk about how anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is still alive here. Let’s show the rest of the county and state that we are not embarrassing bigots.SHOW NOTES:Contact me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] and @emilysuyat.87 on signalRight-wing extremist and white supremacist groups protests Pridefest in 2023. Also here and here and here.Pridefest 2026! Register for your FREE tickets here. Code of Conduct here. DONATE to Douglas County Pride. You can use Apple Pay!Follow Douglas County Pride on Facebook and Instagramhttps://www.3to5dougco.com/ to learn more about the effort to expand our county commission to 5 commissioners. You can also find out where to sign a petition and volunteer!Check out the Douglas County Lantern for hyper local in-depth reporting you can’t get anywhere else!If you like this podcast, sharing it is the best way to support me! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

CORA class is in session! The Colorado Open Records Act is a critical law when it comes to ensuring transparent government, and it’s accessible to all of us. In this episode, my guest Jeff Roberts from the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC) explains the basics of CORA to us. What’s a public record? When can a government withhold a public record from us? Are government officials allowed to delete records? All of this and more in this episode. Share and subscribe if you like this episode. Contact me anytime with questions or feedback: [email protected] or on signal: emilysuyat.87SHOW NOTES:Visit the sunshine laws guide at https://coloradofoic.org/ to live your sunshine law dreams and/or find out more about the hotline. From the CFOIC blog, the piece on the Douglas County open meetings law case: Court of Appeals: Disputed Douglas County commissioners’ meetings ‘clearly concerned public business or policymaking’ Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Ever received a local ballot and wondered what it meant and if it mattered? Tara Meekma, candidate for Lone Tree city council, joins me to talk about the election on May 5. We talk about what city councils do and why voting in these races have an outsized impact on daily life, particularly in regard to development and growth. We also hear about the status and concerns around Hillcamp, the proposed residential development near the Bluffs, a regional park with a hilly 2 mile hiking loop in the middle of the Lone Tree.Show notes:Contact me anytime with feedback or ideas, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] or emilysuyat.87 on signal.All info on Lone Tree elections: https://cityoflonetree.com/city-clerk/elections/Thank you to Tara Meekma for speaking with me.Find her at https://www.taraforlonetree.com or email her at [email protected] and ask her how to get involved in what’s going on with Hillcamp. The Douglas County Lantern’s piece on Hillcamp from Nov 2025 where you can see a map of the proposed development. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Douglas County Commissioner George Teal’s luxury trip to Dubai isn’t the whole story, it’s the starting point. The fact that I can’t get a straight answer on something so specific and standard is a part of a bigger story of the commissioners’ disregard for rules and for the public it serves. It’s not abstract harm; it has a real cost. A pattern is there and in this episode, we connect the dots.Show notes:Contact me any time with tips or feedback. emilysuyat@gmail or on signal: emilysuyat.87 You are fully anonymous to me on signal if your screen name isn’t your real name. County employees, please know that I will protect your identity. Home rule cost $700kCommissioner Teal’s conspiracy theory that the Chinese Communist Party took down the home rule effort. Commissioner Abe Laydon defended the statement in the commission business meeting after the home rule loss. Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle hasn’t said a word.Colorado Open Meetings Law case: news coverage, actual opinion. Read paragraphs 37-45 of the actual opinion for details on the county attorney’s mistakes. The CO Supreme Court will almost certainly not take the case on appeal because 1) the CO Court of Appeals opinion was unpublished, which means the court thinks it has insufficient precedential value and 2) all three appeals court judges agreed (i.e. there was no split decision). The Court “typically limits its discretionary review to cases raising novel or unsettled legal questions having broad impact throughout Colorado. Three votes are required to grant a certiorari petition.”Detention Center case: news coverage, actual opinion. Read footnotes 1 and 3, which highlight bad lawyering and would haunt me forever as an attorney.County attorney Jeff Garcia’s salaryCORA requests per year. This is from a CORA request to the county. I’m just now noticing that they gave me incomplete info, stay tuned. Still, there’s a noticeable jump in CORA requests since home rule.Type of law enforcement at the commissioner business meetings:Zebulon $100 million price tag. Comments in regard to Zebulon at this meeting: 20 speakers in support and 10 speakers against. I was there and I think it’s common knowledge that Teal didn’t call everyone and skipped around the list, showing preference to certain speakers. But the sign up lists that prove this were not retained despite a regular practice of retaining them.Read more about CO’s sunshine laws (CORA and Colorado Open Meetings Laws) here. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s Part 2 of my conversation with Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe of the Douglas County Lantern. In this episode, we talk about Abe Laydon’s claim that “every city and town has unanimously supported Zebulon by resolution”, environmental concerns, wildfire evacuation plans during road construction, and wait, after hearing no swimming pool, definitely no swimming pool, there’s a pool! Thank you to my guests Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe from the Douglas County Lantern. Support them and subscribe here! Read their most recent piece on the possible connection between the county’s biochar facility and Zebulon.The Lantern’s CORA database: https://dougcocora.org/Contact me any time with tips or feedback! emilysuyat@gmail or on signal: emilysuyat.87 You are fully anonymous to me on signal if your screen name isn’t your real name.Watch for yourself: the March 31 Special Business Meeting on YouTubeLuke Taylor with KT development, who will design and operate Zebulon: “The break even number is very high”Commissioner Teal’s sarcasm when asked about road construction, and the county staff’s insufficient answer. Denver7’s story on the CO Court of Appeals decision that the county commissioners broke open meetings law. Denver Post’s story on the Court of Appeals decision (gift link).Read the decision yourself, it’s worth it. Need to sign the petition to go from 3-5 commissioners? Want to carry a petition? Contact Angela Thomas at [email protected]. Do itttttttt! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Plans for the controversial Zebulon Regional Sports Complex move on after the Douglas County Commissioners tell us that they will take on a $100 million debt by using Certificates of Participation, a financing method that does not require voter approval. Why are they doing this? What is the risk? Why are they limiting public comment on all of this? A complete lack of trust and transparency are once again the main concerns of this plan put forth by the commissioners. Stay tuned for Part 2! Thank you to my guests Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe from the Douglas County Lantern. Support them and subscribe here! Read their most recent piece on the possible connection between the county’s biochar facility and Zebulon. Contact me any time with tips or feedback! emilysuyat@gmail or on signal: emilysuyat.87You are fully anonymous to me on signal if your screen name isn’t your real name. Watch for yourself: the March 31 Special Business Meeting on YouTubeSkip to Rep Bob Marshall’s comment. Thanks for listening! Share and subscribe if you like this episode. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Hi! Good to see your face! Let’s get ready for No Kings on Saturday, March 28, 2026 and make it the biggest one ever!Go to NoKings.org to find all of the info. I’ll be at the one in Highlands Ranch at St Andrew 10:30am-12:30pm. Don’t forget to reward yourself after. Connect with me, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] or on signal: emilysuyat.87 Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The City of Castle Pines is considering the annexation of Crowsnest, an parcel of land that doesn’t border Castle Pines. Yeah, you heard me. How is this possible and what does it mean for Castle Pines, Parker, Castle Rock, and the rest of Douglas County? It’s a rushed process that needs more transparency—and a clear plan for water and schools. It’s deja vu all over again in Douglas County. Donna Cook and Lacy Bradley are with PAAC - People Against Annexation of Crowsnest and they are here to explain it all.Show notes:Email me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] and on signal @emilysuyat.87PAAC website (includes maps, media coverage, water issues, letters from the school district and residents, legal requirements, etc).Letter to Castle Pines from Jackie Millet, COO of Douglas County School District.Letter from Castle Rock expressing “substantial concerns” about the annexation.Town of Parker’s statement opposing annexation by Castle Pines.Crowsnest Annexation in Castle Pines Moves Forward to Next Step - Parker ChronicleResistance grows as developer seeks ‘flagpole’ annexation to Douglas County city for 3,650-home project - Denver Post (gift article)Controversial Crowsnest Annexation in Colorado deemed eligible by Castle Pines - CBS Colorado Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

**IMPORTANT CORRECTION** I said in the podcast that Trisha Calvarese sued Eileen Laubacher and the Colorado Democratic Party. The correct info is that Trisha sued only the Colorado Democratic Party, and the requested relief (if granted) would bar Eileen from participating in caucus and assembly. Apologies for the error and thank you to the person who emailed me. I'll correct it in the next ep too.It’s been a minute, let’s catch up! County assembly is tomorrow, March 14. Have you heard about the lawsuit filed by Dem CD4 candidate Trisha Calvarese against the Colorado Democrats? It seeks to prevent her rival candidate Eileen Laubaucher from participating in the caucus and assembly process. We’re talking about it today, along with the gross magazine the commissioners put out to polish up their turd of an image. No Kings is March 28, mark your calendars! Show notes:Email me anytime: [email protected] or via signal emilysuyat.87 (you’re anon there if your profile name isn’t your real name!)County assembly details for registered Democrats who participated in caucus.Didn’t get your assembly email from DougCo Dems? email [email protected] about Trisha Calvarese’s lawsuit: Colorado Politics (this is the best article. If you can’t access this, email me at [email protected]), Colorado Newsline Primary ballot will be set by May 1, 2026 and the primary election will be June 30, 2026. The local, state, and federal Democratic candidates vying for your vote right now.Give your feedback on the taxpayer-funded magazine the commissioners are using to prop up their egos. Details for No Kings on March 28, 10:30-12:30pm. Start making those signs! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

It don’t add up, partner. George Teal may dress like a cowboy but he flies pretty fancy. In this episode, we walk through the updates regarding the results of a recent CORA request and question why the county reimbursed Teal for $17,091 when he submitted a partial receipt that failed to include required information, such as what class he flew.(Thanks to the super sleuth team who helped explain all of this to me)Contact me anytime with tips or just to say hi.Signal: @emilysuyat.87Email: [email protected] super sleuth filesIt’s late and I can’t phone a friend but this is why I think the email/United receipt possibly sent to George’s personal email is subject to CORA. I believe that the county had an obligation to ask for the full receipt, and that George and the county had a duty to preserve it: Thus, under the plain text of the statute, the actual physical location of a “writing” is immaterial to the question of whether a writing “made, maintained, or kept” by a governmental employee, whose content discusses public business, is a public record.” and The definition of public records includes all “writings” made, maintained or kept by the state or any agency, institution or political subdivision “for use in the exercise of functions required or authorized by law or administrative rule or involving the receipt or expenditure of public funds.”Example of typical United receipt (Teal cut out the red part in his) (go to substack if you can’t view):George’s United receipt: Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

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On November 20, 2025 9News reported that Douglas County’s George Teal took a last-minute, pricey trip to the Dubai Air Show (in Dubai!), paid for with taxpayer dollars. In this episode, I talk about Douglas County’s government’s travel policy—what it allows and most importantly, what it prohibits. I walk through the numbers, the open records request to find Teal’s missing airfare receipts, and the $160 the county is requiring to release additional information. Stay tuned, it’s just getting started. Email: [email protected]: @emilysuyat.87George Teal’s travel expenses per my November CORA requestFlight prices as of Feb 21, traveling Feb 24-27, via Expedia.com. These flight prices appear to be pretty consistent in off-months like Feb and Nov: Economy from Denver to Dubai: $700-800Economy premium: $1800Business class: $8200First class: $8200The math in the best case scenario for Teal: Let’s say the travel policy allows for economy premium and that whoever traveled with George was an allowed expense. That’s two economy premium tickets for a total of $4000 (rounding up). $17,000 spent minus the $4000 allowed would mean that Teal owes the county, and taxpayers, $13,000.Fill out the interest form for the effort moving from 3 to 5 commissioners. Three commissioners wield too much power in a county of almost 400,000. Also pay attention to Rep Bob Marshall’s bill in the state legislature that would require 5 county commissioners in counties with more than 70,000 people. Next county commissioner meeting: Feb 24 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street in Castle Rock. Per George Teal’s decision, general public comment has been eliminated. Huh, wonder why? 🤔 Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle’s town hall on Feb 12 at 6pm is at Franktown Elementary School, 1384 N State Highway 83, Franktown, CO 80116. Please confirm details here before you go: https://www.douglas.co.us/event/town-hall-hosted-by-commissioner-van-winkle/ Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The county’s website says “citizen engagement is the heartbeat of effective local government.” Why, then, have the county commissioners eliminated general public comment at their business meetings? Their excuses are many—and wholly unpersuasive. Listen to find out how this happened and what you can do about it.Email me any time, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]* Attend the commissioner’s business meeting Feb 10, 1:30pm-2:30pm, 100 Third St, Castle Rock CO. Get details and agenda here. Email the BoCC and let them know you are a DougCo resident who wants general public comment: [email protected]* Town Hall with Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle on Feb 12, 6-7pm at Franktown Elementary School. **PLEASE NOTE ON THE LOCATION HAS CHANGED FROM WHAT I SAID ON THE PODCAST** More details here.* Interest survey - expand the commissioners from 3 to 5* Follow Irene Bonham on Facebook and find out more on her website.Find February meet and greets in DougCo for Congressional candidates seeking to replace Lauren Boebert; all candidates are Democrats. In alphabetical order: Trisha Calvarese, Eileen Laubacher, John Padora, Jenna Preston.Sources for this episode: The county’s statement on prioritizing "real voices” and using students and the disablity community to shield themselves from criticism - coverage by Denver7”Open mic at the comedy show” quote by Commissioner George Teal - coverage by Denver7Denver Post’s coverage (gift link)Living in Parker Facebook post with over 200 comments opposing the commissioner’s decision to end public comment.Candidate Irene Bonham’s comment on Facebook in support of general public commentCandidate John Diak’s comment on FacebookNo comment from candidate Jake Bockenfeld Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Last week Shrek the Musical, the show currently running at the PACE Center, had Douglas County facebook pages all stirred up. Cast members flew rainbow flags during the musical number Freak Flag and some ticket holders not happy, including one of the major sponsors of Parker Arts. August Stoten of Sasquatch Productions joins me today to talk about the producer’s side: the request to remove the flags and how the cast voted to fly the flags anyway, with one actor briefly stopping the show to deliver a powerful message of inclusion before continuing the performance. Email me any time, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] Lucas Barta’s Facebook post with Bekah’s speech and the performance of the song, complete with flags, starts at 7:57 but you should listen to what Lucas has to say as well. Westword pieceParker Arts statement on FacebookFind tickets for Shrek the Musical, running through Feb 8. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Hi! Angela Thomas returns to answer common questions around the effort to expand the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners from three members to five. While counties like Adams, Arapahoe, and El Paso have five commissioners, none achieved it through a citizen-led petition. That means Douglas County could become the first.Tune in to hear the very real ways residents can shape the future of Douglas County.Email me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]’s feedback form - this is how you find out more info, volunteer, and provide feedback on exploring the effort to move to 5 commissioners.Rep Bob Marshall’s statewide bill to expand to 5 commissioners if a certain population is reached: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB25-1265Contact Rep Marshall’s office here: [email protected] sure who represents you at the state capitol? Come on, you smart and engaged voter, let’s get after it! https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislatorCheck out Christian Schilder, Democrat running for HD39. Christian Schilder’s campaign launch: Feb 1, 3-5pm at Lone Tree Brewing, 8200 Park Meadows Dr #8222, Lone Tree, CO 80124Cuckoo bonkers bill re repealing state gun laws introduced by Rep Brandi Bradley (HD39) and Rep Max Brooks (HD45) Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

On this Martin Luther King Day, the Minneapolis communities who are showing up for their neighbors peacefully and firmly are inspiring me. If you want to join local resistance movements and find your people, connect with groups such as Democracy Now DougCo (you can also go to Indivisible.org to find more events, protests, and groups) and Douglas County Activism Task Force. If meeting in-person doesn’t work for you, sign up for their emails which are full of good info. I interviewed the leaders of these groups in Episode 25 and Episode 32.Today I am joined by community organizer Angela Thomas to discuss a long-term, democratic solution to better county governance: expanding the Douglas County commission to five members. In Part 1 of this conversation, Angela talks about why structural reform is a better option than a recall, how five commissioners would improve representation and transparency, what it would cost, and what it would take to get the measure on the 2026 ballot. Part 2 comes tomorrow! Show your interest in the 5 commissioner effort by filling out Angela’s form. What does a county commission even do? Listen to Episode 4 of this podcast, County Commission 101.Email me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected]: Denver Post: Douglas County sheriff, DA sue Colorado over visa process for crime victims (Gift link)9News: DougCo postpones votes on theft ordinance that would fine businesses that don’t track shoplifting, DA George Brauchler removes supportNew VIP area? Velvet ropes for the commissioners on the dais. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

We can’t not talk about Renee Nicole Good. So we will. If you want to skip it, fast forward about 2 minutes.Peaceful protest and participation are how we fight for accountability. Learn about caucus and assembly, the statutorily mandated process by which the two major political parties organize and select candidates for the primaries. Meg Furlow, the chair of the Douglas County Democrats, is here to educate us.Email me any time, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] all peaceful protests here: https://www.mobilize.us/ and filter the results with your city.Here are the results, for example, for Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, and Parker. Parker ICE Out for Good on Sunday, January 11 at 1-3pm. Get details here, you do not have to sign up to participate. Go to https://www.dougcodems.org/ to find out more about caucus and assembly. Caucus is March 5 and County Assembly is March 14. If you are a Democrat, you can register for caucus here.Learn about being an election judge here.Check your voter affiliation and voter registration at the CO Secretary of State’s office.Phil Weiser event on January 20 at 5:30pm in Sterling Ranch, RSVP here. Read Renee Nicole Good’s poetry and learn about her life thought her art and the people who knew her. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

It’s the new year! Flex those muscles, local muscles that is. When you learn about an issue and put your voice on the record, it makes a difference. Amendment 13 in its original form would have effectively blocked Douglas County School District from building new schools in Sterling Ranch, and the decision about new schools would have defaulted to the developer. With unhappy residents and a lawsuit from the school district looming, the Sterling Ranch developer came back to re-negotiate Amendment 13 for a much better outcome for Douglas County students and their families. Thank you to Lori Wright for the update. Read more about amendment 13 here: Episode 42 and Episode 43Episode 10 on John Adams AcademyWhat aspect of Douglas County government and politics are you curious about? Let me know, I’d love to look into it. Email me at [email protected] sincere thank you for supporting the podcast this year. I truly appreciate it! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Let’s talk about Douglas County’s proposed retail theft ordinance and why it’s more performative tough-on-crime theater than effective policy. Plus, school board accountability after the election, and a few bright-spot local recommendations Retail theft press conferenceThe proposed retail theft ordinanceGeorge Teal wants to work with ICEKyle Clark and Marshall Zelenger on the shoplifting ordinance. Since the commissioners have turned of FB comments, you can see the comments under the 9News story here (hint, they’re not supportive).SUBMIT FEEDBACK on retail theft ordinance here. Douglas County Lantern on the new county ordinance around construction building defects: Breaking: Commissioners Plan to Weaken Homeowners Rights, Critics SayIncoming School Board Members Sworn In Privately Before Public Meeting Douglas County Watch’s fb post on newly elected directors’ comments about early swearing in School board meeting where Susan Meek explains the situation around early swearing in. Get free tickets to CD4 candidate forum for the four Dems vying for Lauren Boebert’s seat. Hurry, this will be sold out. Books are Awesome in ParkerOpa - Greek food in ParkerWhat are your favorite small businesses and restaurants in Douglas County? Comment or email me at [email protected], I want to hear! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode I break down the November 25 public hearing on Amendment 13, the provision that prevents Douglas County School District from building schools in Sterling Ranch. I also address a false statement made about me during this meeting. It’s more commissioner chaos and cronyism in Douglas County. Email me anytime: [email protected]:The commissioner hearing on youtubeColorado Times Recorder reporting on this meeting (thorough yet simplified)Ellie Reynold’s comments about meDouglas County Parents response to false allegations (it’s on Angela Thomas’s page, not DCP’s like I said in the podcast)George Teal’s false statements about home rule here and here. Marshall Zelleger in Truth Be Told Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Sterling Ranch has been in the news for controversies regarding Zebulon and the conservative state-run charter school John Adams Academy. Lately, the developers of Sterling Ranch have proposed a sketchy change to its planned development agreement. If approved by the county commissioners, this amendment will not only hurt Sterling Ranch residents who relied on the promise of neighborhood schools but could set a precedent that would allow private developers (not the school district) to determine who receives public school land in Douglas County. Project 2025 vibes.Thank you to Sterling Ranch residents Lori Wright and Robyn DePan for breaking down this complex issue and telling us what we can do about it. LINKS:What’s going on with John Adams Academy? Episode 10 with Lori Wright. Link to DCSD letter opposing amendment 13. Full agenda packet, including emails from the public and the DCSD letter is here. Send a message of “no on amendment 13” to the following three county emails; it can be one email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]’s pack the Board of County Commission hearing:November 25 at 2:30pm, 100 3rd Street, Castle RockFind a livestream here. (I hope)Follow this issue on Facebook: Douglas County Parents or Sterling Ranch Activism Network.email me anytime: [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Chris Coté of Living Liberally Douglas County (UPDATED NAME: Blue Crew Social). Need to socialize with non-maga folks before the holidays? This is your group. Find out all about the Living Liberally Douglas County and their events here. Holiday Boycott Nov 25 - Dec 2. County Commission Meeting on Nov 25 at 2:30pm at 100 3rd Street, Castle Rock CO. This is a special meeting to discuss school land dedication rules and making a special exception for Sterling Ranch that could result in less land for Douglas County School District schools. If you can’t make the meeting, you can email the board at [email protected]’s a complicated issue but some well-informed people have broken it down. Email me for more info on this issue an I’ll send it right away: [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Are you the type of person who has been known to gasp at the drama of a local school board meeting? Me too! I’m condensing this surprising 7 hour school board meeting into 20 minutes. While our national shitshow continues to unfold, take hope at local progress and good representation. Watch the whole school board meeting here. Listen on 2x speed like I do! Kyle Clark weighs in on the last-minute agenda item. So does the Denver Post, Denver 7, and CBS News. Brad Geiger’s remarks on the topic of trans girls in lockerrooms and “private spaces”Email a word of thanks to our directors who voted to respect processes designed to protect us: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] me anytime! [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Last night, Douglas County voters sent a clear message yet again. Let’s talk about it and revel in it before we get back to work. Also, the masterclass phone call to Boebert’s office.Email me any time: [email protected] resultsThe call to Boebert’s office on facebook and on tik tok. You gotta watch! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

My guest today is Brad Geiger, one of the seven current members of the school board in Douglas County School District. He’s here to talk about what the pressing concerns are in regard to our schools and wow, cultural issues are nowhere on it. Elections are a week away! Get those ballots in by Nov 4 and keep talking to your friends and neighbors. I support the Community Choice slate: Kyrzia Parker, Kelly Denzler, Clark Callahan and Tony Ryan. Volunteer for them here (scroll down). Email me anytime: [email protected] Wolf piece on Douglas County SNAP benefits and why Props LL and MM are important to feeding kids. Kim Turnage on resources for food assistance in Douglas CountyMan arrested after accidentally shooting door of middle school, sheriff’s office saysSterling Ranch Activist Network on Facebook Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Today my guest Kyrzia Parker talks with us about how to make our schools safer and why people who don’t have kids in the school district play an important role in this election. Plus, some news on Kyrzia’s opponent who is into the politics of dominance. Find out more about Kyrzia Parker here: https://www.kyrziaparker4dcsd.com/The bad-news-first time stamp: go to 17:31Kyrzia’s tik tok“DougCo GOP Selected Conservative Replacements for School Board” story by the Colorado Times Recorder Read and view Matt Smith’s email to the board of ed presidentVolunteer with the Community Choice Slate (Kelly Denzler, Kyrzia Parker, Clark Callahan and Tony Ryan) (Scroll down to see opportunities)Email me anytime: [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Who’s ready to be smart? Julie Gooden has years of experience working on public education policy at the local and state level and today she joins us to explain school finance in plain language. Still have questions? Email me anytime and I’ll try to get you an answer: [email protected] Public Radio on our state’s $4 billion shortage on education. What about federal funding cuts? How will that affect Douglas County? Check out the Douglas County Lantern’s piece hereKyle Clark explains Propositions LL and MM on the ballotI support the Community Choice slate for school board and Barrett Rothe (Castle Pines city council) in the Nov 4th election. Get those ballots in!Thank you to Barry Peters for advising me on sound and Ben Suyat for the original music. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

This is my third interview of the candidates running on the Community Choice slate that includes Clark Callahan, Kelly Denzler, Tony Ryan and Kyrzia Parker. Get those ballots in by Nov 4!Tony Ryan and I talk about the non-discrimination policy in Douglas County School District—and why a good policy, minus the politics, makes our schools safer. We also talk about the value of extracirriculars. I also highlight Tony’s views on mental health compared with that of his opponent. It’s illuminating. Find out more about Tony Ryan at TonyRyan4DCSD.com. Candidate forum with students. Email me any time: [email protected] you were at the No Kings rally—that was really something, wasn’t it? Really proud of Douglas County. Thanks for listening! The best way to support this podcast is to share and subscribe through your favorite podcast listening app. You can also become a paid subscriber on substack. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Today we’re catching up on Douglas County Zebulon news (not great!) and talking to school board candidate Clark Callahan (if you’d like to skip to that, go to 3:48). This is my second interview of the candidates running on the Community Choice slate that includes Clark Callahan, Kelly Denzler, Tony Ryan and Kyrzia Parker. Get those ballots in by Nov 4! Email me any time: [email protected] Douglas County Lantern piece on the secretive Zebulon contract: Clark’s Q&A with is opponent in the Highlands Ranch HeraldCorey Wise Endorsement Candidate forum (both sides) with DCSD studentsFind your No Kings peaceful protest on Oct 18 and learn about safety during the protestLocal group in charge of the Highlands Ranch protest—Douglas County Activism Task Force: https://linktr.ee/dougcoactivism Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Donate, volunteer, and find out more about Kelly at https://www.kellydenzler4dcsd.com/Kelly Denzler is running on the Community Choice slate with Kyrzia Parker, Tony Ryan and Clark Callahan. Community Choice is the pro-public education slate. Sample ballot for the November 4 election. These ballots will be mailed out on October 10. https://www.douglascountyparents.com to ask about yards signs and window clings.Go to the Douglas County Lantern for more reporting on the school board race, including how the pro-public ed candidates match up with their opponents. Rep Brandi Bradly doxing her child’s teacherQuestions about Elizabeth school board? Contact Jessica at [email protected] me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you to Heidi Bonilla of the Douglas County Activism Task Force for joining me. This is part 3 of a series about finding friends and your political home in Douglas County if you have progressive values. We have so many different groups here doing such good work and each group has different flavor. This series is to show you what’s out there. When we work together with a group, we make friends who have the same values, and that is how we are going to get through this. Now go find your people!Email me anytime: [email protected] all of the links for Douglas County Activism Task Force here. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Today my guest is Kelly Mayr, a former school teacher (we love a teacher around here!) who taught special education as well as general education in Hawaii, Texas, and Colorado. She’s the mom of 9 children , many of whom benefited from special education services. She is pro-public education and a passionate advocate for that cause. If you’ve been involved in the public education sphere here in Douglas County, you definitely know her or have seen her name.I learn something new every time I talk to her. Today we are talking about what special education is, the supports that are in place by law, and why our school board matters when it comes to special education. If you think it doesn’t apply to you, think again. Kelly explains why.Email me any time! [email protected]://www.dcsdcommunitychoice.com are the pro-public education candidates: Kyrzia Parker, Tony Ryan, Clark Callahan, and Kelly Denzler. Endrew F vs Douglas County School DistrictChildfind resourcesIf you like to know what’s happening in Douglas County, I highly recommend the Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

In the past, it’s been reform boards vs pro-public education. What does that mean, and what does it mean in the present day with Project 2025 coming for our education system? This episode provides the critical context for why the school board election on November 4 matters for our entire Douglas County community. Contact me any time at [email protected]. The Community Choice candidates are pro-public education and supported by a grassroots effort. Kyrzia Parker, Tony Ryan, Clark Callahan and Kelly Denzler are on this slate. Need to know the basics of school board? Go here. Incumbents win. It’s a big deal that the current board majority isn’t running again. Project 2025: public funds flow to private schools/entities, take away “woke language”Former DCSD board of education 2017 opinion piece in the Denver Post that lists the damage done by reform boards and comes out in support of pro-public ed candidates. Douglas County Collective’s piece on the anti-mask board.Town of Larkspur homepage for audio recordings of meetings, go to the meeting on 5/1/25, Part 1 and go to 1:25:50 to hear Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle talk about home rule and schools.Watch Education Inc on Tubi. Christian Nationalism and the disdain for public education in Colorado.How Free Market Logic Fails in Schooling Douglas County Lantern recap of the candidate forum with all 8 candidates: Thank you to Barry Peters for advising me on sound.Thank you to Ben Suyat for the original music. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Many Douglas County students walked out today to protest gun violence. What do they want adults to know? I asked students who attend Chaparral High School in Parker. Ceasefire ColoradoMoms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun SafetyGiffords for Gun SafetyBrady United Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Being in-person with folks and taking action on issues that matter—this is the secret sauce to living as a left-leaning person in Douglas County. This series is about highlighting different local groups and causes who are getting sh*t done. Again, if you teach and/or express empathy as part of your job, if you are a teacher, a social worker/therapist, a healthcare worker, thank you. Activism is built into your job and everything else is gravy. Today, Julie Ort from Moms Demand Action joins us on the podcast to talk about gun violence prevention and the fight for stronger gun laws. Thanks for listening! If you found this episode valuable, please share and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. If you have a few extra bucks, you can support this podcast by subscribing in substack for $5/month. Email me at [email protected] JOIN to 644-33 to connect with Moms Demand Action. Go to https://momsdemandaction.org/events/ to find in-person and virtual events. Research and data on the effectiveness of gun laws@dougco4gunsense on instagramFind your local gun sense candidates hereNext meeting for Moms Demand Action is Sept 16 at 6:30pm in Lone Tree, RSVP here. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Paid subscriptions are open! No paywalls, no membership levels, just one way to support the podcast. Subscribe on substack.Do you feel confused or uninformed when it comes to school board and why it matters? This is your episode. We’re going to break it all down so we can be magnificently informed voters and citizens (the election is Nov 4!). This episode lays the foundation so that we all know the basics of the Douglas County Board of Education. **I said at one point that the DCSD budget is $90 million, it’s $900 million.** Email me at any time: [email protected]. Thanks for listening! The Douglas County Citizenry (a local conservative group) is hosting a candidate forum for all 8 candidates on Sept 16 at North Star Academy in Parker, 16700 Keystone Blvd, Parker CO. Doors at 6pm, forum starts at 6:30pm.DCSD Board of Education’s website Colorado Dept of Education stats on Douglas CountyI also got a lot of info from here: https://www.casb.orgThanks to Brad Geiger who patiently explained some BOE things to me. If I got anything wrong, it’s 100% me, not him. Check your voter registration to make sure it’s up to date! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or going through a difficult time and need support, call or text 988. If you’re part of the LGBTQ community, go to the Trevor Project’s hotline for immediate crisis support that is free and confidential. So many of us in Douglas County have been touched in some way by suicide. The majority of all gun deaths in CO and nationwide are suicides, and that number is surging among Black and brown teenagers. Research and data tells us that interrupting access to a firearm plays a key role in prevention. My guest Virginia Mack, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Fort Collins, presented her concerns—and a solution—to her state senator. Donna’s Law in Colorado allows a person to voluntarily put themselves on a do-not-sell list. This law needs to be fully funded to go into effect; listen to find out more. Get more details, donate and/or get help planning a fundraising event at https://www.donnaslawforco.comContact Sen Cathy Kipp and Virginia Mack at [email protected] text of the bill that created Donna’s Law in CODougCo lawmakers that voted against Donna’s Law: Rep Anthony Hartsook, Rep Max Brooks, Rep Brandi Bradley, Sen Lisa Frizell and Sen John Carson. Not sure who represents you? Find out here. Thank you to Rep Eliza Hamrick, Rep Bob Marshall, and Sen Tom Sullivan who voted for this bill. Who are my representatives at the CO capitol? Get involved with Moms Demand Action (not limited to moms, anyone can join)Facts about suicide here and Colorado-specific here. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Today I’m joined by Carol Sorenson, one of the leaders of Lone Tree Votes, which is an Indivisible group in Douglas County. UPDATED NAME: Democracy Now DougCo.About this series:Since the election of Trump in 2016, many of us have had to take a deep look at our friendships, change our political affiliations, or examine our religious beliefs. Maybe you’ve had to do all three. It can be lonely and disorienting. If you’re ready to take action and make new friends who don’t avoid politics, or if you just want a good dose of hope in Douglas County, this series is for you. I’ll be highlighting local groups that are moving the needle and building community for people who believe in science, social justice, the rule of law, and democracy. (Don’t worry, I’ll be covering the school board election next).Email me, I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] connected to Lone Tree Votes (**updated name Democracy Now DougCo**):https://groups.indivisible.org/Lone Tree Votes on FacebookEmail: [email protected]: Kim Turnage’s piece on Doing It Scared Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The Douglas County Commissioners continue to shut off all avenues for Douglas County citizens to ask questions or express concerns in any meaningful way. My friends Julie and Kim join me to talk about the brick wall nature of the county commission business meetings and exactly why this is bad governance that hurts everyone. What can we do about their “I’m the daddy and you’ll do what I say” energy? Listen to find out. The home rule election cost taxpayers over $700k. The county commissioners’ next meeting on September 2 at 1:30pm, in-person and virtual options available. Rep Bob Marshall’s town hall is on August 18, 6:45pm-7:45pm at Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way, Lone Tree, CO 80124. Rep Marshall represents most of Highlands Ranch at the CO Capitol, anyone can attend. Moms Demand Action meeting is on August 18 at 6:30pm in Lone Tree. RSVP for location. Learn about school safety and meet the pro-public education school board candidates that will be on the ballot this November. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

This is an episode of odds and ends because Douglas County lawmakers have once again been in the news for being shady. Today covers gross behavior by our GOP representatives at the CO Capitol (Colorado Public Radio story, Kyle Clark chimes in too), more confusing statements on Zebulon (gift link to Denver Post article), and county commissioners further shutting down community voices. But also not-terrible: the Great Colorado Payback. Email me: [email protected] is my state representative? Find out here.Email Rep Brandi Bradley: [email protected] Rep Anthony Hartsook: [email protected] 12 county commission meeting agenda and detailsEmail county commissioners (only if you don’t want a response): [email protected] Colorado Payback Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The planned Zebulon mega sports complex is not a rec center with a pool and treadmills—it’s a huge project with facilities for basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball, football, soccer and hockey. The area will eventually be built out to include commercial development such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe of the Douglas County Lantern return for Part 2 of our discussion on the Zebulon mega sports complex slated to break ground in Sterling Ranch in the fall. In this episode we talk about the potential impact on Douglas County School District (spoiler alert, it’s complex) and how our commissioners’ trust problem plays into all of this. Does this project have support in Sterling Ranch? It does, and I’ll address that too. Listen to Part 1 here. Email me: [email protected] the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC): [email protected] Douglas County Commission business meeting: August 12 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock CO (link includes agenda, livestream, and info on public comment)Subscribe to the Douglas County LanternSources:Douglas County 2025 Citizen SurveyDouglas County government’s page on Zebulon, the rendering/maps, and the promo video (idk what else to call it) on May 21, 2025Sterling Ranch’s page on ZebulonDouglas County Commissioners’ April 2025 Town Hall on ZebulonCBS Colorado: 500 acre mega Colorado sports complex proposed in Sterling Ranch to be funded by Douglas County parks & open space fundCBS Colorado: Colorado county approves $400,000 for controversial Zebulon mega sports complex Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Kim Turnage and Barrett Rothe of the Douglas County Lantern join me to discuss the Zebulon mega sports complex slated to break ground in Sterling Ranch in the fall. Why does it matter? Douglas County taxpayers will join private developers in funding this 500 acre project. Our commissioners have justified this outlay of public money by claiming “this is what you asked for” and “it’ll pay for itself” without much evidence. It’s a little too close to home rule for comfort. We’re digging in to let you know what we do and don’t know so you can form your own opinion. Email me: [email protected] the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC): [email protected] Douglas County Commission business meeting: August 12 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock CO (includes agenda, livestream, and info on public comment)Subscribe to the Douglas County LanternSources:Douglas County government’s page on Zebulon, the rendering/maps, and the promo video (idk what else to call it) on May 21, 2025 Sterling Ranch’s page on ZebulonDouglas County Commissioners’ April 2025 Town Hall on ZebulonCBS Colorado: 500 acre mega Colorado sports complex proposed in Sterling Ranch to be funded by Douglas County parks & open space fundCBS Colorado: Colorado county approves $400,000 for controversial Zebulon mega sports complex Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The commissioners persist in the dangerous and racist lie about a local doctor and blame everyone but themselves for the crushing home rule loss. When you gaslight folks, they’re going to respond.Edited 7/10/25 to add: Kyle Clark and 9News coverage of this meeting after this episode was published.Types of meetings that the commissioners have.Commissioner calendarInterested in giving the invocation or opening prayer at a commission meeting? Find out more here. Write a letter to the editor. Next commission meeting is July 22 at 1:30pm in Castle Rock, 100 Third Street. Can’t make it? Get more info here.Email me at [email protected] or comment on substack. July 8 meeting in full: Dr Eiko Browing’s comment: Cowboy Code of ConductWhen public comment startsGeorge Teal mocking crowd: Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

The Democrats are marching in the Highlands Ranch 4th of July parade tomorrow (short notice from me! I know!). Meet at the Kaiser Permanente in HR, 9285 Hepburn St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 at 8am.County Commissioners meeting—their first business meeting since their home rule defeat. July 8 at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street. If you can’t make it in person, stream here.Abe Laydon’ Pride post. A Bit Fruity podcast by Matt Bernstein on Instagram: @mattxivWatch: Somebody SomewhereEat: Yu’s Noodles in Lone TreeEmail me: [email protected] me your recommendations for podcasts, shows, restaurants, I want to hear it all! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

We did it! Over 70% of voters voted no on home rule under these commissioners and Stop the Power Grab candidates dominated the at-large and district races. Community organizer Angela Thomas was the one to educate us on this issue, and she’s the one who’s going to break down the election with me—and answer some pressing questions. Commissioner Teal’s comments about putting home rule on the ballot again (this is just one example from the Denver Post, gift article). Watch this: Kyle Clark’s coverage of Commissioner Teal making bigoted and false claims about cancer doctor Dr Eiko Browning. It’s even more shocking when you watch Commissioner Teal on camera lie his face off. Sign the letter in support of Dr Eiko Browning: Demand for Retraction and Apology from Commissioner George TealEmail me! I’d love to hear from you: [email protected] Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

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Election Day is June 24! Get your ballot in and if you already have, keep talking to your neighbors and posting on social media. Go team! Kyle Clark and Marshall Zelinger of 9NEWS weighed in on home rule and came to the same conclusion that the Vote No side has been saying all along: “those claims [about opting out of certain state laws] by Republican county commissioners don't check out.”The commissioners held a virtual “town hall” on June 17. Commissioners Laydon and Teal spoke in a virtual setting that allowed for zero pushback or followup questions. It’s the same playbook we see from lawmakers who don’t want to face constituents and be accountable. We deserve better. Email me, I’d love to hear from you. For real. [email protected] your ballot and check out ballot return numbersKyle Clark segmentSheriff Weekly’s quoteFind candidates who have not been hand-selected by commissioners, and all resources on home rule. Don’t know what home rule is? Start here:Home rule series part 1 of 3Home Rule series part 2 of 3Home Rule Series part 3 of 3The Home Rule Ballot ExplainedCandidates I did vote for/would vote for:At-large: Angela Thomas. The two Steves are ok choices too. District 1:Matthew M. LunnEmily Roth SuyatJason HamelOctober Ann LevyIrene BonhamJulie GoodenDistrict 2:Kevin LeungJulien BouquetJulie WatkinsBarrett RotheDistrict 3:Bob MarshallMichael LeesAlicia Jean VagtsLee Hudson FrameGordon B (Spud) Van De WaterSusan Meek is not on a slate but I’d vote for her if I lived in D3. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

Today my guest is Kim Turnage, Ph.D. A 16-year DougCo resident and unaffiliated voter, Kim Turnage spent 20 years advising business and nonprofit leaders on how to get better results through people and data and currently freelances as an organizational strategist and executive coach.This episode is a deeper dive into the citizen survey results and it begs the question: why did Douglas County commissioners spend $500k on an election for a home rule status that a majority of us didn’t ask for and don’t want?It’s time to vote! Get those ballots in. I voted NO on home rule (ballot question 1A) and voted for candidates who want transparency if home rule passes. You can find these candidates at https://www.stopdougcopowergrab.com/candidates. Click on names to see their answers to the Stop the Power Grab questionnaire.I’d love your feedback, email me at [email protected] your ballot and see interesting election stats here. Find a No Kings event on June 14.Calling all allies: support Douglas County Pride. 2025 citizen survey results. Automatic voter registration slots you as unaffiliated if you don’t pick a party within 20 days. CBS story on town hall where citizens expressed frustration. Didn’t have time to discuss it today but commissioners are having more town halls. They know they blew the first one. Don’t know what home rule is? Start here:Home rule series part 1 of 3Home Rule series part 2 of 3Home Rule Series part 3 of 3Candidates I did vote for/would vote for: At-large: Angela ThomasDistrict 1:Matthew M. LunnEmily Roth SuyatJason HamelOctober Ann LevyIrene BonhamJulie GoodenAnother Dem: Mary LynchDistrict 2:Kevin LeungJulien BouquetJulie WatkinsBarrett RotheDistrict 3:Bob MarshallMichael LeesAlicia Jean VagtsLee Hudson FrameGordon B (Spud) Van De WaterSusan Meek is not on a slate but I’d vote for her if I lived in D3. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe