Dear Editor,

In response to the letter from Black Hawk City Alderman Midcap supporting Mr. Marshall and slighting Sandy Hollingsworth.

According to its 2023 Audited financial report, the City of Black Hawk collected over $28 million dollars in revenue for the year. Less than 1% of this revenue was collected from property taxes which impact the casinos.

From the agreement the City of Black Hawk has with the local school district (RE-1) to its latest non-negotiable proposal for Gilpin County to give up taxing authority in exchange for financial support of the Community Center, it’s obvious the City’s primary concern is to protect its casinos from taxes in every way possible with no concern for the financial health of Gilpin County.

That’s where Mr. Marshall comes in. He has been promoted by the City from the beginning, has publicly committed himself to the City’s “novel” approach and will give them what they want.

On the other hand, Sandy Hollingsworth is a seasoned Commissioner whose work since 2022 has resulted in a debt-free County with new dedicated reserves of $6M for emergencies such as wildfire ($4M) and water acquisition ($2M). She also has over 20 years of public sector budget experience and private sector management experience and will continue to make the County’s interests her top priority.

Respectfully submitted,

Eric Douglas

Chair, Gilpin County Democrats