Dear Editor,

I will be voting to continue the tax for the Gilpin Community Center. Gabrielle has done a terrific job managing the center. I go to pickleball, senior lunch, games, and have been to aquacise and exercise classes. There is a lot going on there for after school and summer kids programs, as well as many senior programs, which help seniors socialize and receive healthy lunches.

If around 1000 people use the center, that is probably more than attend the Gilpin School. I have always supported our local school even though I have never had any children attend it. I have voted to increase teacher pay as it is necessary to have a full staff of qualified teachers.

As it is difficult to hire people in the county and cities, increased pay is needed to attract employees. I have been in the building when people are running around putting waste baskets under the roof leaks, and the swimming pool has had, and probably has, issues that need money to fix. Yes, the county has some funds to pay for some of the greater issues, but not all.

It would be wonderful if the Center was open seven days a week instead of five. If the tax fails, I wonder if it would go down to being open only two or three days a week.

I urge anyone who values and utilizes the community center to vote “yes” in the election in November.

Dorothy Sweet

Gilpin County