The best government is the government closest to home. That axiom is true, but it has been forgotten by Colorado Governor Polis and his ruing, elitist, democrat cronies in the Colorado Legislature. They’ve never met a centrally controlled power grab they didn’t like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In light of Weld County’s appearance before the Colorado Supreme Court on Wednesday and what I sense will emerge from the Colorado General Assembly in the session beginning on January 8th, I want to start a frank conversation about what I believe is extreme overreach by the ruling democrat elites in the state legislature and those appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, I am biased. I am an outspoken, conservative Republican. I am on the record with most of my beliefs. I view things through a personal lens formed by my morals and my principles. With that said, I will endeavor to provide an unbiased synopsis of this article<\/a> in the Greeley Tribune and why Weld County is before the Colorado Supreme Court. Here it goes…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weld County\u2019s long-standing reliance on its home rule charter is being tested as the Colorado Supreme Court weighs in on whether state law trumps local rules when it comes to redrawing county commissioner district lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the heart of the debate is a 2021 state law aimed at curbing gerrymandering, requiring transparency, public input, and adherence to strict redistricting criteria\u2014including preserving communities of interest and maximizing competitive districts. Plaintiffs argue Weld County commissioners violated the law by failing to provide proper public notice, limiting access to proposed maps, and approving boundaries that split Greeley\u2014a city with a significant Latino population\u2014into three districts. Critics claim the process lacked fairness and transparency, with public opposition largely ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weld County counters that its home rule charter, adopted in 1976, grants the commissioners autonomy and requires only that districts be nearly equal in population. They argue the state law doesn\u2019t explicitly apply to home rule counties and that following their charter respects local governance. However, opponents point to the charter\u2019s own language, which states commissioners must comply with applicable state laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The stakes are high: the court\u2019s decision could either affirm local control under home rule or reinforce state authority in ensuring fair representation. If the court sides with the plaintiffs, changes to the county map could happen before the 2026 election, potentially without voter approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This case underscores a larger question: how much autonomy should local governments have, and when does the state step in to protect equity and transparency? The Supreme Court\u2019s ruling will have lasting implications, not just for Weld County but for the balance of power between state and local governance in Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weld County is about to become the beach head for local control in Colorado. That’s fine, we’re up to the task. I will get in to the nuances of Weld’s argument made to the Colorado Supreme Court in future posts. I want to spend the remainder of this post discussing Weld’s status as a Home Rule County and what that means for the citizens of Weld County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Colorado, there are 64 counties – only two are home rule. Weld and Pitkin. Becoming a Home Rule County ain’t easy. But after Colorado’s Constitution was changed to allow for Home Rule counties, a group of Weld County citizens decided to tackle the task. I am glad they did. Taken from Weld County’s website<\/a>, here is a history of that effort: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following a 1970 amendment to the Colorado Constitution, which allowed for counties to adopt a home rule charter, the residents of Weld County began to study the benefits a home rule form of government could provide. In 1974, residents elected a 21-member commission to begin drafting Weld County\u2019s own set of governing rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven and a half months of study and scores of public hearings went into the charter before it was presented to the voters in September 1975. Passage of the charter made Weld County the first county in the state to adopt its own home rule charter. Since then, only one other, Pitkin County, has followed course. Weld County’s Home Rule Charter went into effect on January 1, 1976.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The charter brings government closer to the residents of Weld County and gives them the authority to manage their own affairs. Changes in the charter are permitted by a majority vote of the residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prominent among the changes brought about by Weld County\u2019s home rule charter were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please learn more about Weld’s Home Rule status HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Colorado, counties are categorized as either home rule counties<\/strong> or statutory counties<\/strong> based on their governance structures and the extent of their self-governance. Understanding the distinction between these two types of counties is crucial for comprehending local governance within the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Key Characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Key Characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThat is my attempt at objectivity. Now my opinion. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Home Rule in Weld County<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Home Rule vs. Statutory – what’s the diff?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Statutory Counties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Statutory counties operate under the default framework established by Colorado state law. They do not have their own charters and must adhere strictly to the powers and structures outlined in state statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Home Rule Counties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Home rule counties have adopted their own home rule charters<\/strong>, which function similarly to local constitutions. These charters grant them broader authority to govern local affairs independently of many state-imposed restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Key Differences Between Home Rule and Statutory Counties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n