Candidates for Gilpin County positions in the upcoming elections in November will be profiled in The Mountain-Ear. A questionnaire was sent to each candidate.

April Nielsen of Black Hawk is running for Gilpin County Assessor as a Democrat. She has lived in Gilpin County for about nine years.

She attended Pe Ell School District in Washington for 12 years and Washington State University from 1992 to 1996 in Pullman,Washington. She is an enrolled Agent with the Department of Treasury and Certified Permit Technician with the International Code Council.

Nielsen works with the Community team for Gilpin County. “Through this work I have built great relationships with residents and have listened to their needs, wants and concerns. I love living in our mountain community with my husband, two sons and rescue dogs.”

Most of her volunteer work has been with Nederland Schools since 2008. She has been an active PTA member and most recently served on the PTA Board for Nederland Elementary.

Nielsen said that as an elected official, her top three goals for the County in the next year would be community, communication and customer service.

“I would love to help provide information to the Community about what the Assessor’s Office does and that the residents understand the property value changes ahead.”

To encourage residents to get involved in their government, Nielsen would create a welcoming space, promote public participation with social media and provide printed material in as many touch points as possible, while remaining engaged with the Community.

“I think I would be terrific as an Assessor! I currently work closely with the Assessors team in my current role with Community Development. It seems like a natural progression.”

“I do understand that not only would I be filling the role of Assessor but also taking classes to become a licensed Ad Valorem Appraiser.”

You can reach April at aprilforgilpin@gmail.com.