Dear Editor,

Residents of Gilpin County are fortunate to live in a beautiful area where individual rights are respected, and the power of government over our lives is generally limited. Yet even here, excessive regulations are making it more difficult to have work done on our properties, homeowners’ insurance is increasingly difficult to afford, and even local government seems focused on expanding regulations and hiring more staff rather than making life better for residents.

Marie Mornis has done an outstanding job as County Commissioner in standing up for the rights of residents while at the same time working to ensure that the County provides essential services for residents and encourages the growth of businesses, including the casino industry, to provide a robust tax base that keeps costs low for those who call the Little Kingdom home.

The biggest argument I have heard against Marie is that she does not always “get along” with others in local government. While we are all grateful for those who work hard to provide essential services, it is also necessary for elected leaders to focus on the needs of residents rather than on growing the size of government, which sometimes requires “not getting along.” Marie has a proven track record doing this work, and I encourage everyone to look at her record and vote for her in the upcoming primary.

Peter Droege, Central City