VOTE
MARIE MORNIS Commissioner
Hi, I’m Marie your current Gilpin County Commissioner from District #1.
I’m excited to continue to represent you for the next four years!
My focus is to bring a balanced approach of governance to Gilpin County. I will continue to serve the interests of our citizens in a fiscally- responsible manner while maintaining our rural environment!
Food Pantry
I will continue to vote against the proposed $1.5 Million, 2,500 sq. ft. new building to house the food pantry. As a child from a family of ten children and two parents, I am well aware of the hardships families can endure to provide food. In one year (2022-2023) there has been an 89% increase of households served by the food pantry. However, to address this increase the county must vet the patrons to feed the need, not the greed of the residents of Gilpin!
.
Public Works Department
Public Works (Road & Bridge) is required by State statute. State funds are provided based on the number of miles of road in the county. The revenue received does not cover all of the expenses , especially the costs of large road equipment.
County Wide Staffing
In 2023 a consulting firm was hired to perform an assessment of our county staffing. They compared Gilpin to surrounding counties. This may be a good starting point, but I want the commissioners to assess all departments to determine if there is an actual need for the number of full-time staff we currently employ.
Sheriff’s Department
The Sheriff’s Department and County Jail are required by State statute. Almost all gaming revenue received goes to the operation of patrol, detention, victim services and dispatch.
Broadband Service
After the 2023 school swatting event, I reached out to DRCOG to pursue reliable broadband service to our county. Presently, there is an internet service company with an $8.6 million grant to provide cable service in the northern part of the county. I voted to allocate $500,000 in 2024 to support reliable broadband service.
Electrical Charging Station (EV)
There are presently 11 EV stations between Nederland and Hwy 6! Why then, must Gilpin County provide two more at the County Library for $65,000?
The county is required by State statute to provide essential services. A robust county budget and sensible spending can provide optional services that the community desires, while we plan for their long-term sustainability.
I enjoy attending public events and sharing special occasions with Gilpin County citizens ! Don Eaton’s 100th Year Birthday.
— X.X.
March 2024
— M. D.
February 2024