Dear Editor,

I am writing to register my support for the re-election of Ron Engels for Gilpin County Commissioner District 1. During what is probably the worst crisis a Gilpin County Commissioner has ever faced, Ron took this global pandemic seriously and has worked diligently to protect our citizens from widespread infection and to soften the blow of economic hardship as much as possible. At the same time Ron worked closely with gaming representatives to submit and get approvals for the gaming reopening plans to restart our local economy which have been working.

The Gilpin County government has found innovative ways to provide satisfactory service levels in response to this pandemic with its public restrictions and lost revenue. Ron spearheaded the conversion to digital services which earned the county a Government Experience Award from the Center for Digital Government and made it easier to provide remote working protections for employees and citizens. Ron and the commissioners also provided physical additions to county property to protect county employees and allow them to continue to provide services in a safe environment. 

The pandemic and subsequent failure of our national government to provide relief funds to shore up the Gilpin County budget has resulted in hard decisions focused on the pragmatic reality that you can’t spend what you don’t have. Ron has shown that he can make hard decisions for the greatest possible benefit for the County as well as admit mistakes when they have occurred.  

Ron is a compassionate person who voted to approve the new building for Gilpin County Human Services because it was the right thing to do to help people in a time of social and personal crisis. These services are mandated by the state and are necessary for those in shock at losing jobs or homes, to find a place to regroup and find the hope and tools for moving beyond their current situation. The new Human Services building will also free up space at the Justice Center to use for other purposes.

Gilpin County government is currently shaping the budget for 2021 and Ron has been deeply involved in reviewing the trade-offs and timelines for a financially stable county government now and into the future. The right reason to vote for Ron is that he has real, not imagined experience with this crisis and is guiding Gilpin County government through to the next phase of recovery. My vote is for Ron Engels for Gilpin County Commissioner District 1.

Wes Isenhart
Black Hawk