Dear Editor and fellow Gilpin County residents,

As we are dropping off our 2024 ballots this year, it’s important to understand who we are as Gilpin County residents and what we stand for.

The City of Black Hawk has a population of 127 people (2020 Census) versus unincorporated Gilpin County with a population of 5,812 (2021). Black Hawk’s city council and mayor are continuously attempting to bully the county’s residents which number 45.76 times larger than the Black Hawk population. The bully pulpit of Dave Spellman has extended to our fine county commissioner, Sandy Hollingsworth, who has the temerity of suggesting that the county commissioners and Black Hawk’s city council meet to discuss ideas such as how to work together on projects like the community center and the idea of having a railroad spur in Rollinsville. It is no surprise that Mr. Spellman rejects all attempts at refining or negotiating proposals, which is common practice for healthy governments. 

This election is about saving our democracy from dictators at all levels of government. We have two people who are proven to be honest public servants running for Gilpin County commissioner positions, Jeff Aiken and Sandy Hollingsworth. They will keep our healthy county government on track and are not ego-driven or beholden to propaganda and lies.

There is no deficit spending within our government and every county employee plays a part in the success of our government. Our county employees are not pawns in someone’s chess game. Also, many of them live in the county and are registered voters.

Thank you for joining me and many other residents of Gilpin County in voting Democrat from the top to the bottom of your ballot this year. You won’t regret it.

Sincerely,

Linda Isenhart

Former 2-term County Commissioner and 40-year resident

Black Hawk