Sorensen: Commissioners Ran Out Clock On Opposition to Zebulon

In a special meeting, Commissioners ensured supporters received time for comment and blocked opposition

On March 31, my husband and I attended the County Commissioners’ special business meeting regarding funding for the Zebulon Sports Mega Complex. I went with questions, hoping to better understand the proposed multi-year funding plan slated for approval that evening.

As someone who is an avid sports person, and values recreation in our communities, I am not opposed to investing in land and facilities that further opportunities for increased access to these in Douglas County. However, these decisions need to be carefully evaluated with both short term and long term impacts to our communities and pocketbooks.

My concern began with the agenda itself. It indicated the Commissioners intended to approve funding despite the TABOR requirement that multi-year financial commitments be approved by voters. The meeting notice stated that “public comment will be welcome,” (see below) which offered some reassurance—especially given how limited opportunities for meaningful public input have become outside of elections.

When signing up to speak, attendees were required to indicate whether they were “for” or “opposed” the proposal. As someone still seeking information, I could not honestly select “for,” so I registered as “opposed.” But being forced to “pick a side” creates a false binary that discourages genuine inquiry.

At the start of the meeting, Commissioner Abe Laydon emphasized that the Board works for the public, values community input, and hoped the discussion would remain focused on what is best for our children and community. Those are admirable sentiments.

Unfortunately, what followed did not reflect them.

A series of speakers was presented, some addressing topics unrelated to the matter at hand, while time steadily slipped away. When public comment finally opened, several hours after the start of the meeting, speakers were called primarily from the “for” list, with just a few from the “opposed” list. Then, abruptly, the Commissioners announced they had “run out of time” — without hearing from all residents who had signed up to speak in opposition or with concerns—and proceeded directly to a vote.

This was not an accident; it was a choice.

If public comment is only heard when it aligns with a predetermined outcome, it is not truly public comment. It is theater.

I left the meeting discouraged, but not deterred. Residents who ask questions or express concerns deserve to be heard—not sidelined. We are not obstacles to be managed; we are constituents the Commissioners are elected to represent.

I will continue to attend, to speak when allowed, and to submit comments even when ignored. Accountability requires persistence. Our elected officials should expect nothing less.

Carol Sorensen