Dear Editor,

In the up-coming Gilpin County election let’s focus on what’s important: The land, the people and then the money.

The land: The mountains of Gilpin County led us to live here. It’s our home and a wonderful place to raise our families with freedom, beauty, adventure and casual lifestyle. Let’s focus on the land, because, not only is it the most important, but “they aren’t making it anymore” to paraphrase Mark Twain.

The people: Our Constitution has guarantees for “WE THE PEOPLE.” It doesn’t say we the politicians, or we the bureaucrats. The fact that we choose to live here is important because it makes us part of the land and gives us property rights. It also makes us taxpayers, and ties us, once again, to the land.

Then there is the money: Money is controversial in how it’s raised and how it’s spent. Money raised by any means should benefit the land and the people of Gilpin County.

In the past 4 years Gilpin County lost a great person who was also a great County Commissioner; Web Sill. He protected our land and spent Gilpin County money for the people of Gilpin County. Both he and his successor Marie Mornis have been consistently out-voted at the Gilpin County Commission, with the result that county staff and payroll have greatly increased at the expense of our property rights.  

Gilpin County taxes have increased greatly. Because of the increase in Gilpin County staff, payroll, taxes and regulations we are heading away from the land and the people. Corey Marshall is a land owner and a capable business owner. He understands the value of maintaining the heritage, land and people of Gilpin County. Please redirect the focus of our county and vote for Corey Marshall.

Rick Newman

Gilpin County