Dear Editor,

In our time of rapid-paced communication and stressful time constraints, it is understandable that praise and thanks are slow in surfacing. I am a guilty party in not voicing my admiration and thankfulness for Bruce Hartman publicly enough or often enough.

Bruce deserves a ‘thank you’ every day of the year for the job he performs as the Sheriff of Gilpin County. His commitment and resolve is evidenced in the loyalty shown by those who work for him. Bruce is well-respected by co-workers and others due to his person, not his title. His management style is indicative of someone who cares about protecting the people of Gilpin County as well as everyone under his command.

I first met and worked for Bruce as a shared Animal Control Officer from Clear Creek County in 2010. I was immediately impressed with the professionalism and personal care Bruce displays on the job and off. Always in uniform and displaying official decorum, Bruce responds daily to calls to assist his deputies or to handle a second or third outcall.

Bruce does what is called for in and out of the office: a delicate balance that few are able to pull off. Too few county sheriffs are connected to their community and display caring like Bruce does for Gilpin County.

Bruce Hartman has stood the test of time through his performance of duties as sheriff and his re-election to 5 terms as Gilpin County Sheriff. As a Clear Creek County Commissioner, I am well acquainted with the issues presented to a county sheriff; I have understanding of the many difficult decisions that are required of an effective sheriff and I know Bruce to be honest, thoughtful and fair.

Therefore, I wholeheartedly endorse Bruce Hartman for Gilpin County Sheriff. Bruce has received the trust of the citizens of Gilpin County for the last 24 years and he has earned that trust. When a community is blessed with a man with these qualities and integrity, they ought to keep him and consider themselves lucky. Not very many counties in Colorado have this choice. The choice is clear. Vote for proven leadership, integrity, and a man who cares; vote for Bruce Hartman.

Tom Hayden

Clear Creek County Commissioner