Dear Editor,

Greetings! It was with great interest that I read the recent letters to the editors in both of our local newspapers. Community participation is critical in the working of our county government. Since the arrival of Covid-19, we have been holding our county commissioner meetings and town halls via Zoom and have had record numbers of people in attendance. The virtual meetings keep people safe in their homes as we support social distancing and the wearing of face masks in public.

In reference to one letter writer’s assertion that the elected officials haven’t done all we can to increase the percentage of gaming tax revenue that Gilpin County receives, I would like to reply that a number of years ago our county undertook this formidable battle with the State of Colorado to have the formula changed to more fairly represent the revenue generated from Gilpin County casinos. Our efforts, which were well-founded and spearheaded by then County Manager Roger Baker, were unsuccessful. The best way we have to increase the county’s gaming tax revenue is to support Amendment 77 which, if successful, will in turn support our gaming industry and local employment as well as increase the county’s gaming tax revenue once things return to normal, however long that may be.

Thank you for being involved in your county government. Please vote November 3rd and continue to join us on Zoom.

Sincerely yours,

Linda Isenhart
Gilpin County Commissioner, District 2