Dear Gilpin County Friends,

On March 21, the Gilpin County Republicans held their Assembly at the Gilpin County Courthouse. At this event, candidates were chosen to appear on the Primary ballot by an election of twenty-seven delegates. Both candidates from the Republican Party for County Commissioner, District One successfully made it to the ballot.

The Primary Election will be held June 25, 2024 – where all Republican and Unaffiliated voters get an opportunity to voice their opinion and choose their candidate to move forward to the General Election!

I want to first take this opportunity to thank those who have been supporting me and my candidacy. While there is still much to do, we have been having a fun time meeting many new people in Gilpin and look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming weeks, months, and years.

I have lived in Gilpin for 30+ years, my true passion is this County and to serve my fellow residents with integrity. It would truly be an honor to be the voice for all residents and ensure a better rural lifestyle for everyone. I care deeply about where we are going, and I know I can be effective in moving us forward together.

It is crucial 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 residents hostage for services our community relies on. Returning the Community Center to the level of operation residents enjoyed for 20 years is a high-level priority.

It is time to change the culture and lead by example. I currently operate three successful small businesses: managing budgets, timelines, and projects is second nature. Whether it be a personal, business, or government budget, understanding how to operate within our means is the only way to run an organization.

I have 25 years of experience working for or with Gilpin County. I understand the intricacies of each department, and their importance to not only the operations of the County but their impact within our community.

All these roles have given me unique experience no other candidate can match.

It is time to change the status-quo and stand with someone who will use common sense, is willing to buck the norm, forgo the rubber stamp, and dig into the reasons why the County is bleeding money. It is time to change away from the cronyism and good ol’ boy system to support someone who is not only enthusiastic about the forward movement of our County, but who is qualified.

As Commissioner I would advocate for transparency and open conversations with residents. Offer evening Commissioner meetings and Town Hall events on “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 on the Board of County Commissioners and votes to put the residents’ agenda items through.

I personally strive every day to evolve by expanding my knowledge, experience, compassion, and wisdom. If your opinions of me are from over a decade ago, I invite you to have a conversation with me so we can catch up and talk about where our life’s journeys have brought us. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your support and serve as your next County Commissioner from District One.

If you have any questions or would like to chat, please reach out to me at: hello@votekays.com or visit my website at www.VoteKays.com

Sincerely,

Jessica Kays, Gilpin County