The Jan. 30 front page Sunday edition of The Denver Post expose entitled “Adams County Connections: Relative Influence” was a political bombshell. The focus was on Commissioner Alice Nichol’s influence and her relatives. While many of us knew of bits and pieces of the tenured good ole boy system, the expose opened a lot of eyes regarding various topics. In turn, the old adage of perception is reality set in all the more and cemented attitudes and impressions. Unfortunately, it further tainted Adams County and spills over onto other governmental entities in the county. For some, it verified that politicians are on the take. For others, it raised the question of when will Adams County clean up its act?
Too few to govern
Fundamentally, the root problem of Adams County government and other Colorado county governments is that too much power, control and influence are vested in three people a.k.a. the Board of County Commissioners. And when all three are members of the same political party, it enhances the opportunity for running amuck. Furthermore, even when the three are of the same political persuasion, sometimes two commissioners exercise the power and control. We saw that example in Adams County with Alice Nichol and Larry Pace teaming up with Skip Fischer being the odd man out. Folks, that is not a healthy way to run a government.
County government needs reform
I have said it before and I will say it again – county government is archaic, as we know it in Colorado. It was built around an agricultural mentality. But today we have five counties (excluding the City and County of Denver and Broomfield) in the Denver metro area, which are urban in nature by virtue of the growth, and development, which has transpired over time. Then add El Paso in Colorado Springs with Mesa and Weld counties emerging with increasing demands for urban (municipal like) services. Using a model of three elected commissioners to effectively represent the constituents on a county-wide basis and at the same time have them hire and fire personnel beyond the county manager and county attorney as well as be the purchasing authority on most contracts and purchases is simply too much. Too much control; too much power; too much influence. It invites nepotism, closed door deals and a lot more.
City model
Newly elected Commissioner Erik Hansen is spot on with his early recommendations that the county leaders need to bring reform to the county. He suggested removing the commissioners from the procurement process, limit their hiring and firing to only those who report directly to the commissioners and create an independent commission to address ethics, nepotism and launch transparency in the county government. These are all good ideas which have much merit and warrant implementation as soon as can be thoughtfully hammered out. However, I would go further than Hansen’s suggestions. Constituents of urban counties would be well served if they would borrow the concept of what most Colorado city governments utilize as their model for structure and governance.
County charter concept
Under home rule, cities work under a voter-approved city charter which sets forth how the government will be run, who has responsibility for what and imposes constraints as well as powers to the elected city council. It spells out the number of elected representatives and whether they are to be elected at large or by some district or ward system or some combination of the two. In addition, most larger Colorado cities have adopted the council-manager form of government where the elected city council who represent the people hires a professionally trained manager to administer such responsibilities as the personnel system, purchasing, policy implementation, budget preparation, financial functions and much more. While some enabling state legislation might be needed to achieve the county charter concept, it would be good government legislation and should be embraced.
5 is better than 3
In the meantime, the need for a five-member Board of County Commissioners in Adams County is clear. We need a model that will spread representation and decision-making, which will give the voters more confidence in their county government with an additional two commissioners. It is past time to bring Adams County forward.
Bill Christopher is former city manager of Westminster and used to represent District J on the RTD board of directors.