Dear Editor,

For a number of weeks now I have been reading letters and articles about the current state of politics in our County. Following those published remarks, some have chosen to satisfy their own egos with attacks and distracting posts on numerous social media outlets. No names will appear here to counter their remarkably blatant and self-serving needs.

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, HELLO! This is an Election Year, and as we move ahead in the cycle to receive and respond to the Ballots for the Primary Election, YOU are one step closer to the opportunity and privilege to VOTE. It is time to assess the role you will play in our community. May I take this opportunity to invite you to consider taking time to make your vote count for Gilpin. So many times we are led down a path of nay-sayers who suggest “It really won’t matter,” “It is only one vote,” or “Someone else knows better than me.” Please don’t ignore or discard your Ballot or think that showing up to Vote is “an unnecessary or unimportant task.” Ballots will go out beginning June 3rd. Please pay attention to receiving yours.

Call me a “Dreamer or call me Crazy.” Why do public comments often fall into a four lane highway where minds are made up to, “He said, She said,” or “Don’t believe what you hear,” or “Nobody cares what I think,” or more importantly, “I don’t want to be bothered.” The Primary Election is June 25, 2024, and will determine who will be slated for the General Election on November 5, 2024. Only a few weeks remain to make your decisions and take action.

I am paying attention, and I am excited to be actively taking action. Having had the privilege at our County Assembly to Second the Nomination made by Mary Lorenz to support Jessica Kays for placement on the Primary Ballot, our campaign has been reaching out to ALL voters in Gilpin. We have time to get to know one another and hear your concerns for our County. Please accept our invitation to inform yourselves and then to exercise your right to vote. I endorse Jessica Kays for County Commissioner District 1. Over the next couple weeks, if you do not already know her as the previously elected two-term Gilpin Co. Clerk and Recorder, with 25+ years of experience working with Gilpin County government and staff, please visit us at www.VoteKays.com or Email: Hello@VoteKays.com. Thank you.

Marilyn Ashmore

Black Hawk