Dear Editor,

In 1973 when Diane, young son Brook, and I moved to Gilpin County there was NO Library or Recreation Center, Junior High or Secondary school here. The County Sheriff Department was understaffed, underfunded and largely inadequate to meet the needs of the county residents. At that time there was a high rate of alcoholism and suicide given the small population of our county. Many women felt very isolated, depressed and as a result their family also suffered. The Library and Recreation center have been a god-send for them. The sheriff department’s needs speak for its-self. Most of us don’t think about the county sheriff until we need them, but their work is constant. Back then our business economy was primarily a summer tourist economy. The county’s ability to fund our Gilpin residents needs through property tax was just not enough. 

Now, we are much improved in Gilpin County. We enjoy a good library, a good recreational center, good schools and a good Sheriff’s Department. Our local economy is year-round and contributes both a larger amount of property tax revenue and other gaming tax funds to our county revenues. We now enjoy the second lowest tax rate in the state and a more substantial ability to fund our county’s needs. Much more of our additional revenue comes from gaming impact revenue.  

The Corona -19 Virus crisis has resulted in substantial gaming revenue shortfall for the county and forced the financial problems we all have to cope with. Our county officials have been responsible with our tax money and didn’t create these problems. Following careful consideration they are asking us to approve Ballot issues:  1A, 1B, 4A and 6A. The approval of these ballot proposals will provide a firm foundation to build on for our future.    

Please vote “yes” for these ballot questions.

Forrest Anderson 
Gilpin County