Dear Editor,

Let me first state – this is all my opinion.

You read stories and hear on the news about the shenanigans that people in politics pull – but I always thought this was just done at the higher levels of politics – not in our small county.

Sometimes it is done by people already in politics – who should know better and sometimes it is the newby trying to get in. Well last night proved me wrong – in my opinion it is happening in Gilpin County.

Last evening I had the privilege to attend the Republican Caucus. I believe this is the fourth time that I have attended – so I consider myself somewhat familiar with what is supposed to happen.

Please also note I am the Gilpin County Treasurer – an elected position so I have some knowledge of politics.

When I first walked in I was surprised that all the members of the Republican Executive Committee were not involved in the meeting. Seems to me this would/should be one of their jobs. There was a person working at the credentialing table that I do not believe has been registered as a republican for very long. I asked two of the members of the Executive Committee and they said they offered their help but were told their help was not needed.

Our County Commissioner for District 1, Marie Mornis, who is also chair of the Gilpin County Republican Committee and ALSO a candidate for this year’s election WAS RUNNING THE MEETING. Maybe this is considered ok to some – but not to me. I find it rather shady.

I believe that either our Vice Chair – or maybe someone from the state should have run the meeting. As the person running the meeting Marie gave very few if any instructions to the precinct tables. There were four people at my table – two of which had never been before and one of them had been chosen as the person to run the meeting for our precinct. I find this rather odd.

My question would be - why is the Republican party being run by one person? What happened to transparency, honesty and integrity? It seemed to me that it was being run by Marie and the secretary, Brenda.

Today, I believe all registered republicans received an email from our chair telling us that herself and the secretary were going to go over the results from last night’s caucus and would be sending out a report to all.

Once again – why is Marie involved in this – especially with just one other person. Remember – she is a candidate that has opposition. What about the other two members of the executive board?

To me a great leader is one that uses their resources and delegates jobs – not does the whole job themselves. Do we want this person to continue being the “NO” vote at the Commissioner table? OR do we want someone who can work with the other commissioners and make compromises and get something accomplished for the good of the people of Gilpin County?

If you read my rant to the end – thank you.

Please be sure to vote in the primary election in June!

Respectfully,

Mary Lorenz

Gilpin County