Please explain in detail the Colorado Statutory duties of (the elected official title) which you would take an oath to uphold.

The Statutory duties of a County Commissioner is to apportion and levy taxes, oversee the organization, and budgeting all county programs. Commissioners also sit on various boards and commissions as representatives of the county. Having extensive experience in both the private and public areas of finance I am well prepared to carry out these duties of a commissioner. I am very familiar with government budgeting and the process of organizing programs.

While it is not immediately obvious how your views on the last national election should have anything to do with the sort of local issues you will be involved with, I think it would be good to know whether you think, as some insist, that Joe Biden was fraudulently declared president. For my own part, it has surprised me to find this opinion expressed by people I never expected to hear it from. Would you all be willing to state clearly your own take on the matter? Who was the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election?

The legitimate winner of the 2020 Presidential election was President Joe Biden. The election was conducted in a fair manner; nationally, in Colorado, and in Gilpin.

Do you believe that all American citizens (over the age of 18) have an equal right to vote and have their voices heard? If so, do you believe that did not happen in the 2020 election or are you afraid it might not be the case in the 2022 election? If elected, what would you do to try to ensure that all adult American citizens’ votes are counted and/or American voices heard?

I believe that all American citizens eligible to vote (18 years and older) have the right to vote and have their voices heard. I believe the voting system in Colorado is the best to allow all voters to receive their ballots and cast them. Voters can mail them in, drop them off at secure ballot boxes or cast their votes in person. As County Commissioner I’ll make sure that the Clerk and Recorder’s office is adequately funded for the continued use of our three drop off sites, and for any necessary voting procedures during an election.

County Commissioner

If elected, a County Commissioner represents all residents when making policy decisions. How will you ensure that residents with different viewpoints from your own are heard and feel represented?

The best way to ensure that all residents feel heard and represented is to take the time to listen to residents. Offer different opportunities for residents to meet with Commissioners and elected officials.

With the enrollment and graduation rate both declining at the Gilpin School, what strategies do you have to insure parents that their child’s experience will include equity in the student population and inspire the desire to learn and stay through graduation at the Gilpin School?

It’s unfortunate that the enrollment and graduation rates of Gilpin School are declining, but County Commissioners do not have any say in the policies of the school district that is the role of the school board and its superintendent. I would encourage the school board and its president to re-evaluate their policies and curriculum in order rectify the situation.

Decisions are based on compromise. One elected person has no decision power on their own, how will you find common ground with your fellow elected officials?

The best way to find common ground with other elected officials would be to find our common goals and from there discuss ways to reach those goals.

What is your plan to help combat global climate change, and what do you propose the County do to mitigate its effects?

To help combat climate change the County can do more to encourage homeowners to have a smaller footprint in our environment by using alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. Encourage smaller and more efficient new builds and re-models by using grant and tax credits. Expand education about healthy forest practices on private lands. The county could also move towards using more alternative energy in the buildings, look at having hybrid/electric cars, and having more EV charging stations in the county.

During the Covid pandemic, our County Commissioners issued a mask mandate to protect our community. Do you believe the safety of our community and our children takes precedence over your own personal beliefs? What actions will you take if another pandemic hits the county?

As I said during the forum, being a leader means that you should put the safety and well-being of the Community a head of personal beliefs. If a similar health situation should arise, as a Commissioner I would listen to the advice of medical and science professionals. I would support measures that insure the health and safety of the public. If those measures included masking and requiring vaccinations, I would support them.

What are your views on climate science projections and what projects would you support budgeting for to create climate resilient infrastructures in our county particularly regarding wildfires?

It is very important to encourage wildfire mitigation to prevent forest fires in our county. Much of our infrastructure (roads, homes, businesses) about public lands. Mitigation facilitates the safe evacuation of residents and helps firefighters get into areas with their equipment to fight the fires. The State needs to be involved in mitigating along its roads and in the State parks.

Explain your views towards county employees and how you plan to help them to do their jobs?

County employees are hardworking and dedicated. The best way to support them is by paying fair wages and offering benefits and training that helps them do their jobs. Their work environment should also be safe and professional.

What quality of life issues do you think are important for Gilpin County residents? How would you deal with them?

Healthy forests and water sources, funding of the Community Center, childcare, managing short-term rentals, and affordable housing are important quality of life issues. Education and grants can help with the healthy forests and water. Continue to fund the capital repairs of the Community Center. Support Eagles’ Nest childcare. A housing survey and building a partnership with private employers for workforce housing are steps toward dealing with the affordable housing issue.

Should the county rule about unlicensed vehicles not being allowed on private property, should be enforced? Should the rule about RVs being lived in on private property be enforced?

The limit of unlicensed vehicles on private property should be enforced. The rules regarding RV’s should be enforced as well.

Do you support the recent county ruling of prohibiting concealed and open carry guns in all county buildings?

Yes, I support the ruling prohibiting concealed and open carry guns in all county buildings. It’s for the safety and well-being of the staff and customers.

How do you plan to collaborate with neighboring counties if you were to be elected?

My work style is pragmatic. I believe in setting a goal then working on the steps to achieve the goal. Teamwork is important, everyone can bring something to the table. For a small county like Gilpin, it’s important to work with our neighboring counties. We have a lot in common with Clear Creek, we are transitional between the Front Range and the Western slope.

What experience do you have in networking with other groups and people who have ideas different from your own?

Networking with other groups can be beneficial as it can expose you to different points of view and different solutions to common problems.

Tell us what you know about the county’s budget and the gaming tax revenues.

The County’s budget relies on property tax revenues and the gaming tax revenues.

What is your vision for Gilpin County?

My vision for Gilpin County is to maintain the rural lifestyle. Be proactive in controlling growth. Encourage diversified economic growth focusing on the cities where there is infrastructure to support growth. It is important to collaborate with other counties, groups, and legislators to expand the resources available to the County and promote the County’s interests.

There can be stressful situations as a commissioner. How do you handle stress?

I handle stress well and I can multi-task. I am at my best with multiple projects going at once.

Does the candidate agree with the effort to limit shooting in subdivisions and the US Forest in Gilpin County?

I agree with limiting shooting in our subdivisions. Considering the closeness of homes, it can be a dangerous situation. That’s why having a shooting range close by makes sense.

Does the Candidate support the current Short Term Rental regulations?

I support the newly adopted Short Term Rental regulations. STR’s are businesses operating in residential areas, they should be regulated to maintain the tranquility of our neighborhoods.

Does the Candidate think Fire Bans should include restrictions on shooting?

Fire bans should include restrictions on shooting. Hot casings are capable of starting fires.

Will you continue to support the boundary line elimination Program?

Yes, I support the boundary line elimination program. It has helped to combine a lot of the small mining claim parcels.

If sufficient water rights are available would you support affordable housing for Gilpin senior citizens on County owned property next to the food pantry?

If sufficient water rights are available, supporting affordable housing for seniors on County property could be a piece of the puzzle to helping the affordable housing situation in Gilpin.