Property Rights Under Assault: From Local Zoning to Foreign Farmland Purchases

On August 18, 2022, Kim Monson examines the assault on property rights from multiple angles, featuring Douglas County resident Jenna Bacon on restrictive zoning regulations, Senator Jerry Sonnenberg on the national security implications of foreign farmland purchases, homeschool advocate Kim Ware on educational alternatives, and Boulder County GOP Chair Teresa Watson on citizen involvement in election integrity.

Douglas County Zoning and Small Business Rights

Start listening at 17:41 – Hour 1

Jenna Bacon exposes how Douglas County’s home occupation regulations are crushing small contractors and service-based businesses. Under current rules, her family’s grass seeding company cannot even park equipment on their five-acre property because the work occurs off-site rather than at home. The county forced them to move their tractor to off-site storage, despite neighbors freely parking identical equipment on their own land.

The county is considering amendments to lift the 1,500-square-foot limit on business use in accessory structures, but residents remain divided. Bacon clarifies that proposed changes would not permit commercial buildings in residential areas. Height limits, setbacks, and residential character requirements remain in place. The maximum detached garage size stays at 3,000 square feet, and all business equipment must be stored inside structures rather than visible on the property.

“If you ask any plumber, electrician, carpenter, landscaper, if they aren’t currently working out of their garage, I sure bet they started their business that way. You can’t start a business and go buy a million-dollar commercial space.”

Jenna Bacon, Douglas County Resident

China’s Strategic Farmland Acquisitions Threaten Food Security

Start listening at 36:33 – Hour 1

Senator Jerry Sonnenberg sounds the alarm on foreign ownership of American agricultural land. According to USDA figures, China owns 191,000 acres, though Heritage Foundation estimates suggest the actual number approaches 352,000 acres. Beyond land purchases, China controls major food processing operations including JBS Swift (owned by Brazilians) and Smithfield pork production.

The senator warns that in times of global food shortage, foreign-owned processing facilities may prioritize their home nations over American consumers. Cities like Thornton, Aurora, and Parker compound the problem by purchasing farmland for water rights, drying up productive agricultural areas and devastating rural communities. Young farmers cannot compete with municipal budgets or foreign capital.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s land purchases raise additional concerns. As a nonprofit, the foundation may avoid property taxes that support local schools and services, shifting the burden to everyday working families. Sonnenberg questions whether private conservation groups and wealthy nonprofits should receive tax breaks for taking productive farmland out of production.

“When you depend on another country for important things like food and energy, all of a sudden you are beholden to them in times of crisis.”

Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, Colorado Senate District 1

Homeschooling as an Educational Alternative

Start listening at 64:57 – Hour 2

Kim Ware, Outreach Director for Christian Home Educators of Colorado, encourages parents overwhelmed by the prospect of homeschooling to take it one step at a time. Her philosophy of avoiding anxiety through practical action helps newcomers understand that the first year should focus on the fundamentals: reading, writing, and arithmetic.

CHEC provides support for families at every stage, from legal compliance to curriculum selection. Grandparents play crucial roles through emotional support, tutoring assistance, and financial help with materials and field trips. The organization hosts introductory seminars, with the next scheduled for October 15th, offering face-to-face guidance for parents considering the transition from government schools.

“If your kid can write, your kid can read and your kid can do math, then they can pretty much learn anything they want to.”

Kim Ware, CHEC Outreach Director

Citizen Involvement in Election Integrity

Start listening at 72:04 – Hour 2

Teresa Watson, Chair of the Boulder County GOP, outlines how citizens can actively participate in securing elections. Election judges, hired by county clerks at approximately $18 per hour, receive training and take an oath to uphold election statutes. Republicans and Democrats receive equal representation as election judges regardless of county voter registration ratios.

Poll watchers serve as a voluntary complement to election judges, requiring online certification through the Secretary of State and appointment by either a county party or candidate. Watson emphasizes that her team provides additional training and support networks so poll watchers understand their responsibilities and know what to do when they observe irregularities.

Watson’s election integrity team has spent four years building infrastructure across Colorado counties to recruit, train, and support citizen election observers. The organization documents concerns, challenges statute compliance, and involves attorneys when necessary. She urges citizens to contact [email protected] to get involved.

“We want to inform our citizens. We want to be involved. We love our country. We love where we live. We love the people that we work with.”

Teresa Watson, Boulder County GOP Chair