Red County, Blue State

Emily Suyat
  • 4.9 (27)
  • Politics
  • Updated Semiweekly

The thrill of living in progressive Colorado, the agony of being represented by Lauren Boebert: life and politics for people who lean left in Douglas County. esuyat.substack.com

  1. 5d ago

    80. “I don’t like a bully” — with Irene Bonham, County Commissioner Candidate

    Irene Bonham may be running as a Democrat but she joins us in a conversation about values that matter to most of us when it comes to public officials: integrity, accessibility, and transparency. Irene talks about why she wants a seat where she will be outnumbered and likely ostracized (if not worse), what smart growth looks like, the dangers of dark money and consolidated power, and dun dun dunnnnn “is she a socialist?” (No.) Get to know the candidate endorsed by Rep Jason Crow, Rep Joe Neguse, Rep Brittany Petterson and Senator Michael Bennet. 2:35 - Irene’s background and why she’s running 4:55 - Why run after knowing allegations of bullying by former commissioner Lora Thomas? 7:25 - How she plans to address trust and transparency 10:16 - Data centers and AI 14:30 - Why she’s not taking donations from developers doing business in the county 16:45 - The jaw-dropping dark money supporting her opponent. 19:42 - The top county concern for voters 22:15 - Is she a socialist? Volunteer, get a sign, donate, meet Irene: https://www.irenebonham.com/ TRACER - the CO Secretary of State’s searchable campaign finance site Booker banners are back: DougCoFReadom defenders on Instagram and Facebook (private group). New residents compared to locusts, featuring Irene’s opponent Jake Bockenfeld. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    80. “I don’t like a bully” — with Irene Bonham, County Commissioner Candidate

  2. Sep 8

    79. They Changed the Ballot, Now What? 3 to 5 Fights Back

    My guest Angela Thomas, leader of the 3 to 5 effort, tells us about the hearing last Thursday, who actually signed the 3 to 5 petition, and what the plan is to get 3 to 5 to pass November. She’ll also tell us how the 5 districts will be drawn if the voters choose to be represented by district. The news coverage of the commissioner’s interference with 3 to 5 was right on the money, so if you need a basic explainer to share, Kyle Clark of 9News and Olivia Young of CBSColorado have you covered as do many other local news outlets. ALSO, What do Sonny Crockett and George Teal have in common? Listen to find out! email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Sources: Keep up with 3 to 5 here: website, Facebook 3 to 5’s petition data Convict Coffee episode 3 to 5 in the media— CBS Colorado Denver Gazette Denver7 Share on social media: Olivia Young with CBSColorado on Instagram Kyle Clark on threads Kyle Clark on Facebook Kyle Clark on youtube Thank you for listening! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    79. They Changed the Ballot, Now What? 3 to 5 Fights Back

  3. Sep 3

    78. Judge, Jury, and Ballot Writer

    The commissioners appointed themselves judge and jury over a ballot fight they started — and then wrote misleading language for their own competing measure. In this episode, I talk about the missing a “at-large” language in the commissioners’ stand-alone ballot measure, the 3-5 committee's protest, and what's at stake before Thursday's hearing. Come to the hearing if you can: September 3 at 3pm at 100 Third Street. Contact me anytime: email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Video clips taken from this meeting. 9news: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/douglas-county-commissioners-ballot-issues-affect-future/73-dc19da4d-7a58-48bc-bd96-6afb82856a91 Westword: https://www.westword.com/news/douglas-county-battle-over-commissioners-ballot-measure-40929581/ Denver Gazette: https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/08/28/dougco-commissioners-set-ballot-language-for-initiative-to-expand-board-from-3-to-5-members/ Douglas County News Press: https://www.douglascountynewspress.com/news/local-government/article_71a8a27f-ddf7-4e75-85a1-ac6e3cc07767.html Timeline on Commissioner’s website with all of their resolutions and ballot language: https://www.douglasco.gov/board-county-commissioners/transparency/3-to-5-commissioners-voter-initiated-measure/). 3 to 5 press release: https://www.3to5dougco.com/post/20-000-voters-signed-for-a-simple-question-douglas-county-commissioners-rewrote-it Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    78. Judge, Jury, and Ballot Writer

  4. Aug 30

    77. Three commissioners vs 20,000 voters

    Most ballot measures are just…put on the ballot. Not in Douglas County. On Friday, August 28, the three Douglas County commissioners added their own biased language to the citizen-led ballot measure that over 20k residents signed. On top of that, the commissioners plan to add their own separate competing ballot measure this Monday, August 31. It’s quite unhinged. Listen to hear how it went down, why it’s important, and what’s next. Bottom line: 3 to 5 will be on the ballot and it’s more important than ever to vote for it. Watch the commissioners’ special business meeting on August 28 3 to 5 organizer’s response. Episode 63 of this podcast: 3 to 5 explained, with organizer Angela Thomas. Resolution #1 adding to the ballot language. Redlined version so you can see exactly what they added. Resolution #2: the commissioners’ competing ballot measure will be discussed Monday, August 31 at 8:30am at 100 Third St in Castle Rock. The caption in the video said 8am, it’s 8:30am. Public comment will be allowed, but may be limited according to the emotions of Commissioner Teal. If you don’t want to comment, be a butt in a chair and bring a friend. It’ll be a masterclass on gaslighting but it will educate you on what the commissioners really value (themselves). Take care of yourselves. Blast a Dolly song about hypocrisy. Stream the meeting here if you can’t be there in person. Contact me anytime:email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Thank you for listening! Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    77. Three commissioners vs 20,000 voters

  5. Aug 24

    76. Interview with Christian Schilder, candidate for House District 39

    Hi there! Candidate Christian Schilder joins me to talk about what a state legislator does, how infrastructure holds us together, housing, water, and his short stint on the Douglas County planning commission (get ready for some commissioner tea). Thanks for listening/watching! Watch this interview on youtube. Contact me anytime! email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 * SHOW NOTES AND SOURCES: RSVP for Democracy Now meeting on August 24 with Sheri Davis (location provided after RSVP): https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/998829/?source=indivisible&medium=web * County Commissioner Meeting is on Aug 25th at 1:30pm, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock. No RSVP necessary. * 3to5dougco has not put out a statement, I will let you know when and if they do. * Agenda for the commissioner meeting: https://douglascounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1374597&GUID=EF425757-A659-4E27-A236-3FE75005654D * Proposed commissioner resolution: https://douglascounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15799264&GUID=448CD55B-6550-4056-9A4F-9C7BF9D056EA * Rep Bradley gun law repeal: https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2026/02/republican-denies-gun-rights-bill-was-a-pr-stunt-hours-after-calling-it-a-bid-for-attention/76771/ * Rep Bradley calling for arrest of two 9news journalists:https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/colorado-legislator-social-media-post-arrest/73-30aa10ea-0dcf-4123-8fff-527466dcb5a4 * Rep Bradley formally reprimanded: https://gazette.com/2026/06/06/colorado-house-minority-leader-reprimands-rep-brandi-bradley-for-reprehensible-behavior/ https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2026/06/03/colorado-house-minority-leader-reprimands-rep-brandi-bradley-for-reprehensible-behavior/ * Rep Bradley calls for reading budget aloud: https://www.cpr.org/2026/04/11/colorado-budget-brandi-bradley-delay-tactic/ …and it cost an estimated 10k https://coloradosun.com/2026/04/14/brandi-bradley-colorado-budget-bill-read-aloud/ * RSVP to Christian’s town hall: https://www.christian4co.com/event-details/hd39s-first-town-hall-of-2026 * Christian’s FB post: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1419486906752500 Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    76. Interview with Christian Schilder, candidate for House District 39

  6. Aug 13

    75. Get to know your ballot: Congressional candidate Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher

    This is one of those interviews where you need to hear the voice behind the candidate. Every time I hear Eileen Laubacher speak, I am struck by her sincerity. In this episode, Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 4 (CD4) sits down to talk about water, AI, data centers, and the corruption that plagues both sides of the aisle. Her campaign has generated much enthusiasm among folks (including Republicans) who not only want Lauren Boebert gone but want to be represented by a leader with integrity who understands service. * EileenforColorado.com * Detailed map of CD4 * Among the eight congressional districts in Colorado, CD4 has the highest median household income at $120,070. * In 2024, Lauren Boebert won her race against Democratic opponent Trisha Calvarese by 11 points. 3 to 5 is on the ballot: press release. Learn more about the Vote Yes effort at 3to5DougCo.com Barrett Rothe’s Douglas County Lantern piece on the $19,000,000 tax break for Flexential data center in Parker. ←read the comments here. The Lantern’s Opinion piece on repealing the Business Personal Property Tax. Contact me anytime, I’d love to hear from you: email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

    75. Get to know your ballot: Congressional candidate Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher

  7. Aug 6

    74. Get to know your ballot: Douglas County assessor candidate Kara Garr

    It’s 89 days til election day, do you know where your ballot is? Don’t worry, you shouldn’t. Not yet. But in this episode, we’ll start gently approaching our ballots so we can make friends with it. Your ballot is going to be your BFF by November 3rd. Allow yourself to dream: What if we elected someone who actually wanted to hear from you and govern rather than spend taxpayer money posing for glamour shots while cosplaying cowboys? Ahhhh. We have outstanding non-MAGA candidates up and down the whole dang ballot. I’ll be interviewing some of these candidates so we know who they are and what they’re running for. Candidate Kara Garr (kara4dougco.com) joins me today to talk about what the Douglas County assessor does, why it’s an elected office and what her goals are if she’s elected. I knew nothing about this office and now I do. Let’s feel smart together! I also pop off a little bit about the Douglas County org chart and how our current assessor was involved in the disastrous planning of home rule. Contact me anytime! I’d love to hear from you. email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

  8. Jul 29

    73. The Return of Crowsnest 🐦‍⬛

    Guess who’s back, back again…it’s Crowsnest. The proposed development in unincorporated Douglas County has been rejected by Parker and Castle Pines and now the developer is seeking to amend Douglas County’s Comprehensive Master Plan so it can land there. The first step is submitting an application with the planning commission. I’ll explain what the process is, what happened at the July 20, 2026 planning commission meeting, and what residents (and the town of Parker) had to say. Traffic and water, as usual, are the main sticking points. Land use is complex! This podcast is my opinion on the proceedings. SHOW NOTES: Contact me with feedback, I’d love to hear from you. email: emilysuyat@gmail.com on signal: @emilysuyat.87 Text or leave a message at 720-288-0147 Colorado Times Recorder: Dougco Petition Effort to Add Two County Commissioners Turns In Nearly 23,000 Signatures. Learn about 3 to 5 here. July 20, 2026 meeting (watch here, agenda packet here with Town of Parker’s referral letter on page 77 and DCSD’s on page 68) Role of the Douglas County Planning Petition Facebook groups: Douglas County Residents Against the Annexation of Crowsnest and People Against Annexing Crowsnest (created by Castle Pines residents) 9News reporting on non-urban vs urban designation. Denver Gazette: Parker mayor says Parker can’t support potential annexation of Crowsnest in 2025 Find Ventana donations by searching Yes on Local Control committee and candidate Jake Bockenfeld. County commission candidate Irene Bonham is not taking developer donations. Get full access to Red County, Blue State at esuyat.substack.com/subscribe

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The thrill of living in progressive Colorado, the agony of being represented by Lauren Boebert: life and politics for people who lean left in Douglas County. esuyat.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Suyat
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Emily
  • Show Website
    Red County, Blue State

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