John Scarffe, Gilpin County.   Eleven candidates will be running for a variety of offices in the upcoming November 6, 2018 elections. Democrats, Republicans and Independents are running for Gilpin County commissioner, clerk and recorder, treasurer, assessor and sheriff.

The Mountain-Ear sent a questionnaire to each candidate, and profiles are featured below.

Running for Gilpin County commissioner - District 2 are Democrat Linda Jean Isenhart, Republican Bruce Hartman and Independent Jerry Yocum.

Jerry Yocum responded by email, “I do not plan to participate with regard to the questionnaire.”

Linda Isenhart

Black Hawk resident and current County Commissioner Linda Isenhart built her home 34 years ago in the subdivision of Colorado Sierra. She attended South High School in Denver and the University of Colorado, Boulder, graduating with a degree in K-12 Education. She has also attended numerous in-state conferences and steering committees on public lands, agriculture and human services sponsored by Colorado Counties, Incorporated, and is a member of the newly formed Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT).

As the Gilpin County commissioner from District 2, Isenhart works with Commissioners Ron Engels and Gail Watson tackling challenges both large and small, as a team. “Being a county commissioner is not a solo act as every decision we make requires a majority vote, yea or nay,” Isenhart said. “We write policy, in consultation with our county attorney, that affects our local government from approving the yearly budget to hiring an excellent county manager in August, Mr. Abel Montoya.”

Isenhart has served on the Gilpin Ambulance Authority Board of Directors from 2015 to the present, Jefferson Center for Mental Health Board of Directors from 2015 to the present and Gilpin County Democrats from 2004 to the present.

Isenhart listed six top goals for the county: “1) My availability and timely responses to our residents; 2) fiduciary responsibility with our taxpayers’ dollars and the state gaming tax revenues we receive each year; 3) emergency preparedness, particularly for wildfires; 4) maintaining our facilities and vehicles with a capital improvement plan as well as short and long-term strategic planning; 5) to appreciate and encourage our team of excellent county employees; and 6) to make sure that Gilpin County is cared for environmentally and economically while staying true to its rural roots.

“I was first elected as a county commissioner in 2014. On my first day as a commissioner, I felt this was my opportunity to bring my experience and education together to serve our county. I am honored to represent Gilpin County and be part of the team effort that happens every day. I ask that our voters allow me to serve one last term as their county commissioner,” Isenhart wrote. She can be reached at 720-883-3334 or by email at lisenhart2018@gmail.com.

Bruce Hartman

Gilpin County Sheriff Bruce Hartman, Black Hawk, is a registered Republican but has “crossed party lines” several times. “I believe voting for the best person for the job is paramount!”

Hartman has lived in Gilpin County for 40 years and has been a property owner and tax payer for 39 years of that time. He has attended several colleges and universities and has taught more than 100 classes, many instructor level, in various areas. A large number of these have been dealing with management, budget and organizational structure. “I’ve implemented many of the things I’ve been taught,” Hartman wrote.

“I feel having been selected to attend the FBI National Academy has not only helped me with my position as sheriff but has also helped prepare me for the position of county commissioner,” Hartman wrote. The academy taught him law enforcement, overall management skills and how to develop an organization that is efficient, fiscally sound and forward looking.

“My career in law enforcement has been here in Gilpin County, and I have watched the county grow and have seen the effects of gaming in our community,” Hartman wrote. He has been on many boards, civic and volunteer organizations, including a volunteer position as a Central City fire fighter and captain, vice commander of Gilpin County Search and Rescue and service with the 911 authority board.

His top goals would be ensuring the county is fiscally responsible and is a place where people want to live and work. Change is inevitable, and he would ask residents what kind of growth they would like. “When looking at budgets and revenues, you must also look at expenditures as well. Are there ways to cut those expenses? I will look at all aspects of the county budget,” Hartman wrote.

Counties often need to interface with state and federal governmental entities. “I have done this numerous times and will continue to do so. These higher levels of government need to know their decisions often times have local impacts that need to be considered.” Hartman has extensive knowledge of budgets and is responsible for about a $7 million budget now.

I have been through good fiscal times as well as having had to cut due to down turns in the economy. I believe I am adequately prepared for this job and can bring some insights that might not have been looked at before. It is quite probable that a jail expansion is coming. I believe I’m the only candidate that has the knowledge and insights to help make the difficult and costly decisions that would be involved,” Hartman wrote. He can be reached at P.O. Box 238, Black Hawk, Co. 80422 or by telephone at 303-582-5569.

Running for Gilpin County clerk and recorder are Democrat Sahari McCormick and Republican Gail Maxwell.

Gail Maxwell

Gail Maxwell, 273 E Dory Drive, Black Hawk, has lived in Gilpin County for 18 years at the same address in the Dory Lakes subdivision. She graduated from Moffat County High School, Craig, Colorado. She also obtained training and licensing where needed. She took many courses from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute, and C.R. Smith provided her with a day’s training on how to drill a well.

Maxwell had to become a certified election official, which is training given over a two-year period by the Secretary of State Office and is mandatory before you can run an election. Division of Revenue, Department of Motor Vehicles, provides training over a several-week period to learn the basics of DMV and hands on, on-the-job training takes about 10 additional weeks. Having the formal training in elections, DMV and recordings prior to being elected is critical in being able to step into the clerk’s position and actually get the job done, Maxwell wrote.

“Currently, I am the chief deputy to the clerk and recorder and have held that position for the past 7-plus years to the current date. I am acting clerk when the clerk is unavailable,” Maxwell wrote. Other civic positions she has held include from 1999 to 2004, she started and held the position of secretary for the Peak to Peak Rotary. From 2002 to 2004, she was chair of the Gilpin County Republicans. From 2004 to 2011, she was chair of the Colorado Sierra Protection District, from 2007 to 2011 she was on the Clear Creek Citizen Emergency Response Team, and from 2008 to 2011 was co-chair of the Timberline Fire Authority.

One of her top goals is to have property records available online. “I would like to be able to index all property records together for ease in searching property records,” Maxwell wrote. Another goal is to digitize the rest of the maps, old marriage licenses and historical information so that it can be accessed online. Other goals include more training, continuing to provide addition ballot drop off boxes in the community and inclusion of a motor vehicle kiosk for renewal of tags for Gilpin and other counties in Colorado, possibly located in Black Hawk.

“Since early on in my time in the Clerk’s Office, I have been preparing myself to move in to the clerk’s position,” Maxwell wrote. “As the director of elections, I have proven to have successful elections with integrity and fairness, and at the same time, providing leadership and management to a staff and 25 or more elections judges. I can walk into the position of clerk and recorder with no learning curve and get started by maintaining and moving the office forward. I, work for the people not the parties!” She can be reached at 303-582-0367 or by email at gmaxwell1@hotmail.com.

Sahari McCormick

Black Hawk resident Sahari McCormick has been in Gilpin County for over 8 years, almost all of it in Dory Lakes. She has an AAS in Business Management from Camden County College, NJ, and a certificate of Massage Therapy from Somerset School of Massage Therapy, now Cortiva, in Somerset, NJ.

Working in a New Jersey State-funded psych rehab gave her many opportunities to learn crisis management, file management and how to create reports for the state, including an intense on-the-job training in how to manage unstable clients, how to talk to people so they feel heard and how to best serve the community in which clients resided.

She has worked in radio for more than 33 years in the traffic department: scheduling commercials, managing on-air inventory and making sure that sales hit or exceed their budgets. Accuracy, efficiency and multi-tasking matter, as it is an incredibly detail-oriented job.

“Working in radio traffic has few formal training options, but it has given me many on- the-job opportunities to learn new computer programs quickly, create interdepartmental cohesiveness and enhance communication between departments and staff in general,” McCormick wrote. She also managed a team of 25 promotional part timers and, in recent years, three full-time traffic staff, and has trained many staff and team members.

The Clerk’s Office touches many people in the county, and it’s crucial that it be responsive and a pleasant place to conduct business. “We have excellent elections here in Gilpin County, and as clerk and recorder, I will ensure that elections are transparent, secure and accurate. I want to improve voter education and get more people involved in the electoral process,” McCormick wrote. “I will provide a positive environment in which to conduct business, continue to accommodate ease of access to services, and provide safe, accurate recordkeeping while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

“I also promise that I will always greet residents at the Clerk’s Office with eye contact and a smile.” She can be reached at sahari@sahariforgilpin.org or on her website at SahariForGilpin.org.

Running for Gilpin County Treasurer are Democrat Susan Berumen and Republican Mary R. Lorenz.

Mary Lorenz

Mary Lorenz has lived in mid-Gilpin County from 1994 to the present, in Central City, from 1992 to 1994, and previously in Central City from 1971 to 1979. She graduated from Clear Creek Secondary School in 1977 and graduated with an associate degree from Parks College, of Denver, in 1979.

Lorenz was also trained by a certified public accountant and worked under him while working for a construction company for four years, and she trained in general ledger, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable. She has 15 years of on-the-job training in the Treasurer’s Office by current treasurer, Alynn Huffman, many hours of training with the Colorado Counties Treasurers Association and public trustee training by Hoffman and the Colorado Counties Public Trustee Association.

Lorenz serves as the current chief deputy treasurer and deputy public trustee. Duties include overseeing all areas of the collection of real estate tax, personal property tax, state assessed property tax and possessory interest tax, collection of money from other departments and all other grants and money received by the county, Lorenz wrote. All money paid to the county is deposited with the Treasurer’s Office. She also is co-owner and bookkeeper of MAJET Works, Inc.

Her top goals would be to continue bringing technological office procedures up to date and to work with other elected officials and department directors to promote a positive and effective Gilpin County. She also will continue working with and helping tax payers with all their needs.

“The Treasurer’s Office is a very important office in county government.”

Lorenz wrote. “This office handles all the county money, from property tax payments to money received from residents dumping their trash. I have worked in this office for 15 years and feel the next step for me is the treasurer. I have learned a lot from Alynn and feel that I can expand on what she has done the last 20-plus years. I love this county and enjoy working for the residents.” She can be reached at 720-608-6448 or by email at maryLorenz2018@gmail.com.

Susan Berumen

Black Hawk resident Susan Berumen has lived in mid-Gilpin County for 24 years. She graduated from Pueblo County High School and Bryn Mawr College. She has studied economics and finance in college and has had continued her education through the Colorado Government Finance Officers Association.

She currently works in Central City’s Finance and Human Resources Department. She has been a Girl Scout Leader and has been on the Gilpin Library Board since 2016.

Her top goals would be to evaluate procedures and make them more efficient as well as to create more team work with other departments.

“I see the treasurer’s position as not just a job but an opportunity to help Gilpin County move forward,” Berumen wrote. “With all the economic growth in Colorado, Gilpin County is in a good position to take part in the growth, but it needs a strong team of elected officials to help the county move forward. I want to be a part of that team.” She can be reached at sberumen624@gmail.com

Running for Gilpin County Assessor for the Republican Party is Daurice McMillan and for the Democrat Party is Anne Schafer.

Anne Schafer

Anne Schafer, P.O. Box 540, Black Hawk, CO 80422, moved to Gilpin County in December of 2003 and lived on Howe Court for over a year. She has now lived in Missouri Lakes II for almost 14 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in communication at Colorado State University and a master’s degree in business management at Albertus Magnus College. She is a licensed Ad Valorem Mass Appraiser, which is critical in working with customers, staff and the state.

In addition, she has taken more than 300 hours of assessment and appraisal continuing education.

Schafer is in her 15th year as the Gilpin County assessor. “Serving this community is a top priority for me. The office is comprised of excellent, knowledgeable and customer-service oriented individuals. The office is responsible for discovering, listing, classifying and valuing all property in the county in accordance with state laws,” she wrote “Our goal is to establish accurate values of all property located within the county, which in turn ensures that the tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably among all property owners. The office collects data on all property, including exempt property. We submit the Abstract of Assessment to the Colorado Division of Property Taxation, maintain records on senior citizen and other tax exemptions, generate value notices for all taxpayers and process written and in-person valuation protests and appeals. We certify values to taxing entities and produce the tax roll,” Schafer wrote.

Schafer was an active volunteer with the Colorado Judicial Performance Commission from 2015 to 2017; Legislative Action Committee, Colorado Assessors’ Association from 2007 to current; International Assessor’s Association (IAAO) Representative from 2005 to 2011; and the Colorado Association of Assessors, District 3 Chairman, from 2012 to 2014.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your assessor. I want to continue serving Gilpin County. I have the commitment, insight, experience and integrity to provide fair and equitable property values across the county,” Schafer wrote. “I plan to continue actively communicating to our property owners through community meetings, local newspaper and county newsletter articles, through our website and by utilizing two email addresses, assessor@gilpincounty.org and aschafer@gilpincounty.org.”

Daurice McMillan

Daurice McMillan said that 12 years ago she finished and moved into the house she built in the Snowline Subdivision. She has been in the county as a visitor since she was a baby, spending time at a cousin’s cabin in North County, where her brother now lives.

McMillan grew up in the Arvada and Golden areas, graduating high school from Arvada West. She attended Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology in the 1970s, becoming a veterinary technician. During her time as chief deputy assessor, she attended as many state-offered classes as possible, including Colorado Association of Tax Appraisers conferences. “Once elected as assessor, this is where I will take appraisal training and become an Ad Valorem Appraiser,” she wrote.

The relationship with the state and assessor must be very close since that is whose rules and legislation the office operates under, McMillan wrote.

“When there is any doubt or conflict of procedure the Assessor Resource Library should be accessed, and as needed, employees of the Department of Taxation should be contacted, who I have a relationship with.” Federal agencies should be able to rely on accurate information from the office, both current and historical.

“After 12 years in the role of chief deputy assessor, I decided I wanted to be the assessor. Not able to run for that office against the incumbent while working in the office, I was lucky enough to interview and be hired by the Gilpin County treasurer. I have been in that office a little over two years -- learning more about how the assessor and treasurer should work together.
“The Assessor’s Office is governed by state statutes and county rules that have bearing on the office. As assessor, I will be a leader, involving myself in the day-to-day activities. My position will be to step into any position offering knowledge and assistance.” She can be reached at mcmillan4assessor@yahoo.com.

Running for Gilpin County sheriff for the Republican Party is Kevin M. Armstrong and as independent sheriff Joel Anderle, with Jake Adler as under-sheriff.

Kevin Armstrong

Gilpin County Emergency Manager Kevin Armstrong built a home in 2002 and moved in February 2004 into the Missouri Lakes Subdivision. He attended Green Mountain High School, Santa Barbara Community College, in California, and Metropolitan State University, in Denver.

Armstrong has completed FBI Command and Leadership training, Northwestern University School for Police Staff and Command, government budgeting classes, Colorado Law Enforcement Supervisory Institute, Leadership in Police Organizations and many other training classes relating to ethics and leadership. He been a career law enforcement officer for almost 39 years.

“I worked as a reserve officer for Edgewater Police Department for six months, before being hired by Wheat Ridge Police Department in February of 1980. I retired from Wheat Ridge as a sergeant in June, 2015 to work for the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office. I am currently the director of the Communications Division and the emergency manager for Gilpin County. I provide community presentations on emergency preparedness,” Armstrong wrote.

His top priorities would be addressing the overcrowding of the jail, succession planning, such as identifying and developing potential leaders in the Sheriff’s Office to lead internally and be leaders in the community. That includes updating policy and procedures in the Sheriff’s Office, bringing them up to current standard practices and finding money saving opportunities in the Sheriff’s Office budget.

“I am a lifelong law enforcement officer. Everything I have done, training, education and community involvement, has prepared me to be the next Gilpin County Sheriff. I care very deeply for the citizens of Gilpin County, the Office of the Sheriff and the employees of Gilpin County,” Armstrong wrote. “Since I moved to Gilpin County, I have listened carefully to the citizens on their needs and concerns. During my career at Wheat Ridge Police Department I built partnerships with other agencies, the District Attorney’s Office and the community to address their concerns. I have brought this practice to Gilpin County. I am the most qualified candidate to take the accomplishments of Sheriff Hartman and his administration to the next level and to address the increase in criminal activity and quality of life concerns in Gilpin County.” He can be reached at 303-810-6779 or by email at kevin.armstrong2018@gmail.com

Joel Anderle

Joel Anderle, of Rollinsville, is the unaffiliated candidate seeking the office of Gilpin County sheriff. He has lived in Gilpin County for 38 years on South Beaver Road, Lakeview Subdivision, Dory Lakes, and currently in Tolland. He attended Geneseo, Kansas, Public School K – 12, Barton Community College, in Great Bend, Kansas, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Academy and supervisor training in Brighton. He has also completed various firearms trainings throughout his tenure with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office.

Anderle is currently a patrol sergeant with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office and has been in this position for the past 10 years. Prior to becoming a patrol sergeant, he had 16 years of experience as a patrol deputy and four years as a part-time deputy with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office.

Some of his goals as Gilpin County sheriff include increased community involvement, regular attendance at community meetings to listen to the citizens of Gilpin County to improve quality of life through education and awareness, creative and advanced enforcement of loud and speeding motorcycles, firm enforcement of fire ban regulations and enforcement of dog ordinances.

“I enjoy being a public servant and it has been my desire for many years to become sheriff of Gilpin County. I am dedicated to this community, and I am passionate about peace and safety for all whom I serve,” Anderle wrote. “I hold many certifications of training and have received many commendations from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office and citizens alike. In my 30 years of service with the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, I have developed a comprehensive knowledge of the department’s operations and good public relations with the citizens of the county.

“This experience has given me a clear picture of what our community expects and deserves from the Sheriff’s Office. I am eager to continue to provide experienced, integrity driven service and protection and to develop the Sheriff’s Office to meet the needs of our community,” Anderle wrote.
He can be reached 303-582-3480, by email at joelanderleforgilpinsheriff@gmail.com, on his website: joelanderleforgilpincountysheriff.com or on his Facebook page at joelanderleforgilpincountysheriff.