Jessica Kays

Gilpin County

It is with great excitement that I announce my candidacy for County Commissioner District One and I’m asking for your support. The County has seen many changes in recent years and now needs great stewards to ensure a future that is bright for all. I am the best candidate to help move Gilpin County forward with a fresh perspective, common sense, and strong leadership.

I moved to Gilpin County in 1993 with my family and graduated from Gilpin County High School in 1997. I have three wonderful boys, all of whom have graduated and are in various stages of their life. I have two adorable dogs and currently live in Central City where I purchased a beautiful 1880s home in 2015.

For the past 25 years I have spent my career in government – either working directly for or as a contractor. I began in the Gilpin County Clerk’s office in 1999, was elected as the Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder in 2002 and served through 2011. Since 2011, I have been working as an IT contractor where I work with many small to mid-sized government agencies.

All my positions have given me a unique experience and knowledge of how Gilpin County works. I know and understand Colorado Statutes, regulations, and rules for County elected officials. I also know how to work and communicate with elected officials and staff alike. I have built relationships with members in Gilpin County’s government and personally engage on an individual level with all staff, allowing me to have a finger on the pulse of the County and needs of departments.

In addition to my direct county work, operating three successful small businesses brings insight of how to live within our means, knowledge to balance budgets, create efficiencies in government programs and the ability to collaborate and listen to all sides of a situation to create the best outcome for the many.

As Commissioner one of my first focuses would be to advocate for transparency and open conversations with residents. Offer evening Commissioner meetings and Town Hall events with “hot” topics so all residents have an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions. I want your voices to be heard and decisions should be made based off the needs of the many. If elected, I will be the person who sits at the Board of County Commissioner table and votes to put the resident’s agenda items through.

It is crucial that our county leadership understands the importance of maintaining the quality rural living so many of us in Gilpin enjoy while also managing a fiscally responsible budget which offers the services we have come to expect.

Fiscal responsibility should include ensuring we have a strategy for not only next year, but for five and ten years down the road by building replacement and maintenance cycles into the budget as to not hold the resident’s hostage for services our community thrives on. Returning the Community Center to the level of operation residents enjoyed for nearly 20 years is a high-level priority.

Between my unparalleled experience and my abilities to be a strong, communicative, and open-minded leader, I believe I would be the best candidate to represent the residents of Gilpin County as your Commissioner in District One. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and would be honored for your support and your vote!