On February 26, 2024, Allen Thomas, Dagny Van Der Jagt, and Susan Kochevar joined the show. Allen Thomas analyzes Colorado’s dual ballot access system, arguing both caucus-assembly and petition processes have constitutional legitimacy while warning against rule changes that favor short-term partisan advantage DA candidate Dagny Van Der Jagt presents her vision for restoring blind justice, criticizing Soros-funded prosecutors and emphasizing equal application of the law.
In part two of their ongoing discussion, Allen Thomas examines the fundamental principles underlying Colorado’s ballot access system. Thomas argues that both the caucus assembly process and petition process have legitimate constitutional foundations, warning against extreme positions that would eliminate either method.
Thomas draws from the Federalist Papers to explain why Republicans must think long-term when changing party rules. He notes that progressives have successfully played the long game, slowly advancing their agenda over decades, while Republicans often seek quick fixes that backfire when power shifts. His proposed solution: make the petition signature gathering process volunteer-only to remove the financial incentives that Republican operatives exploit.
The discussion reveals how both establishment Republicans and grassroots factions have at times sought to manipulate ballot access rules for short-term advantage, citing Senate Bill 23-101 as an example of legislation that would have gutted the caucus assembly process entirely.
“Because when you find a truth about humanity, it will ring true no matter what time and period you’re in.”
Allen Thomas, Political Analyst
Dagny Van Der Jagt, candidate for District Attorney in Colorado’s new 23rd Judicial District covering Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties, presents her vision for restoring constitutional justice. As a legal immigrant from Poland who escaped communist rule, Van Der Jagt brings unique perspective on how socialist policies erode freedom.
Van Der Jagt criticizes Soros-funded prosecutors whose treatment-over-incarceration philosophy has emboldened criminals. She points to recent Denver Post coverage showing even left-leaning outlets recognizing that reform policies have failed, citing a parolee released despite extensive criminal history who subsequently committed two murders. Her campaign slogan, “tough and fair,” emphasizes both accountability for repeat offenders and equal application of the law.
Drawing parallels to her childhood in post-communist Poland, Van Der Jagt warns that aggressive panhandling and street crime emerging in Colorado mirrors the societal breakdown she witnessed when socialist systems collapse. Her name, inspired by Ayn Rand’s protagonist in Atlas Shrugged, reflects her parents’ commitment to individual liberty.
“When Lady Justice holds the scale, it seems like we have removed the blindfold. So now Lady Justice is looking. She’s not blindly applying the law anymore. She’s putting her finger on one part of the scale.”
Dagny Van Der Jagt, DA Candidate, 23rd Judicial District
Susan Kochevar, owner of the 88 Drive-In Theater in Adams County, reveals the devastating impact of Colorado’s property tax policies on small businesses. Her property taxes skyrocketed from approximately $14,000 to over $42,000, a nearly 300% increase that she calls “absolutely crippling.”
Kochevar traces the crisis to the 2020 repeal of the Gallagher Amendment, which voters were told would help small businesses but instead removed critical protections against runaway property tax increases. She argues that Republican operatives were complicit in advocating for Gallagher’s repeal, pointing to campaign finance records showing substantial payments to consultants who promoted the measure.
The discussion expands to examine how property taxes represent a fundamental violation of property rights, essentially reducing homeownership to renting from the government. Kochevar warns that foreclosures are rising as both businesses and homeowners find themselves unable to afford the tax burden, suggesting the need to completely decouple property taxes from property values.
“Property taxes should not be based on the value of your property. Government also doesn’t have to justify why they need those increases, and we don’t really get to vote so much on what they spend that money on.”
Susan Kochevar, Owner, 88 Drive-In Theater
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