According to the Gilpin County Republican Central Committee (GCRC) Bylaws all elected officers (in 2022 Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary), all officers are voting members of any vacancy committee and the county assembly. If an officer is a voting member and a canadidate for office, they still retain the priviledge and obligation to vote. I voted for myself because I belived I was the best candidate of the five who were interviewed. The Bylaws also state that if there is more than one candidate, the vote must be by secret ballot. A teller committee of a minimum of two persons collects the ballots, counts and reports the results.

I have often brought this issue of offering online connection to the Commissioners’ work sessions and possibly posting on the county website.  This would greatly increase the community understanding and knowledge of the issues brought forth.  I would continue to request that citizens who attend the work sessions be offered an opportunity to make public comment. Both requests for online and public comment have been refused by the other two Commissioners. It’s my belief if there was more opportunity for community input at work sessions, there may be no need for a Community Engagement Officer. Why did they hire a person to scroll through social media and post county notices?

It is my opinion that any county department that mostly interfaces with the public should be open five days a week.  Let’s remember that not all of our citizens are on social media, so the survey conducted by the county was limited in scope.  Many citizens were surprised to learn they had lost a day of county services.  The opportunity to reserve an appointment should also be offered, with walk-ins realizing that they may need to wait.

When I was first seated as a Commissioner, I became aware of a disconnect between City Mayors and the County Board of Commissioners.  It puzzled me, because there are mutual concerns and issues that affect our citizens.  I asked County Manager Ray Rears to arrange a meeting between the County and the two cities.  I attended the first meeting, (Black Hawk and Central City Mayors attended as well) and it was lively and productive.  It was requested that I continue as the liaison to the Board, being the District One Commissioner.  The other two commissioners did not approve of that plan, insisting they attend any future meetings. Commissioner Berumen attended one meeting and after that, future meetings were canceled.  Recently, a work session with Central City Mayor Fey and his Council was held and a future meeting is forthcoming and Black Hawk is welcome to attend. Mayor Spellman and I have a respectful and cordial relationship. I am ready, willing and able to be the liaison for the Board with the City of Black Hawk.

I believe the IGA present by Black Hawk should be accepted for the following reasons:

·       The terms presented in the IGA are very similar to the terms of Black Hawk’s School Enhancement IGA that has been in place since 2008, providing over $15 million dollars to date.

·       The Community Center IGA has a sunset of four years allowing a set period to determine if it benefits the county and it may be terminated by any future Board at any time. 

·       The $1 million offer is slightly less than what the 1A mill levy would have provided if it had passed and is not intended to cover all the operations or maintenance costs of the center.

·       The proposed IGA will assist in funding the Community Center operation without additional county taxes.

·       Under the IGA the Board will have flexibility on the weekly hours of operation but will be open seven days a week as it had been for 17 years.

I disagree that time and effort put toward concerns such as electioneering policy and veterans’ First Amendment rights are a waste of time, or a diversion from other county responsibilities.  The April 9th BoCC meeting was filled with citizens to speak during public comment about the illegal electioneering policy. Commissioners receive comments about various issues that affect specific neighborhoods or social groups. During COVID, the county suffered a drastic reduction in income affecting many services to the county. Public Works was one that suffered cuts. I believe the Public Works Director is working diligently to bring our county roads back to pre-pandemic levels.

My campaign had nothing to do with the mailer sent out on my Primary opponent , Jessica Kays. and do not condone negative campaigning. I have no control over the passions and actions of people outside of my primary campaign team.