Dear Editor and Readers,

I am writing this letter in support of Jessica Kays for Gilpin County Commissioner. Jessica is the epitome of all the qualities we should be looking for in a commissioner and her character is being unfairly attacked. Since the beginning of Jessica Kays’ campaign, she has made it a point to hold herself and her supporters to a high standard of campaigning. She has asked that everyone keep their heads held high and refrain from the sometimes-tempting mudslinging, even when others inevitably do so. Her focus is on this County and the residents and to be distracted by gossip, rumors, and mudslinging – takes away from the greater needs and concerns of our County as a whole.

False accusations float around, but even a simple search at our own library of other papers and their reporting put rumored stories into a vastly different light. Beyond the due-diligence of reaching out to the party involved (Jessica herself) in these misleading claims or simply researching alternate sources – common sense tells me one thing. If she had done even a fraction of the things the rumor mill is suggesting, she would have been removed from office and likely been charged with a crime. Of which neither is true. Furthermore, after several agencies reviewed the records and books for the Clerk's Office for which she was responsible for at that time there was nothing to be found; no mismanagement of monies, no theft, nothing.

I would challenge Marie and her supporters to take a page out of Jessica’s book – to campaign with honor, optimism, positivity, and above-all honesty. It is time to stop letting the false and negative campaigns work in our elections, especially locally. It is time to start focusing on our fellow residents and the County issues which are tremendously important.

Gilpin County is in desperate need of a fiscally responsible Commissioner, and Jessica fits that bill. I genuinely believe that she has the skills needed to work as a "team member" to move this County forward toward financial responsibility. I also firmly believe that Jessica will work for the betterment of "all" residents of our County. I have asked both Donna and Marie questions regarding the fairness of the recent debate to which they have refused to answer questions and told me that unless I joined the Republican Party and become active, it was basically none of my business because it doesn't concern me.

In my opinion the outcome of the June 25th primary could indeed affect everyone in this County. We need someone who will represent all of Gilpin County while still upholding their own values and convictions.

Sincerely,

Jan Headrick

Gilpin County