Dear Editor,

Gilpin County is the most beautiful place in the state in terms of open spaces, great people, diversified economy, great schools and excellent county government and staff. We all want to see good things happen for our county.

The first positive change I’d like to see is that our attitudes go from us versus them to we together as a county for the county's good.

My passion for and experience of living and working in Gilpin County for 47 years has given me a deep commitment to helping to maintain our good quality of life. This, along with my many years of government service and a willingness to listen and cooperate with others, makes me a candidate who will work together with others to promote civility, kindness and open-mindedness.

I’d like to see efforts continue to find senior and low-income housing. Affordable housing to me, means a family or individual having money for rent without having to make a choice between food costs or medical care. As far as Senior housing, we need to find solutions to any restrictions encountered in the past. I am open to using any county area that is available for Senior housing. I am looking forward to a viable new food pantry, which will also provide other uses for the community. 

Of great importance to me is finding ways to preserve our water quality and water rights, up through North County, and to make sure we have enough water in the future for housing and infrastructure. Also, we must be working with state governments to help people with septic tank issues, fire mitigation, and funding for our Community Center and Sheriff's department. We must have an understanding of the effects of climate change and how it impacts our rural county.

Making sure that we have the mental health resources for our children who experience many issues we didn’t have to deal with when we were growing up should be a priority. As a parent of children who’ve struggled with substance abuse addiction, I want to make sure there are resources available for anyone in our county with this problem.

 I would like to see good transparency and the opportunities to meet with any constituents who would like to talk to me and meet in person so that I can meet their needs throughout my term.

Let’s all try to get along!

Jeff Aiken

Gilpin County Commissioner Candidate District 1