Submitted Biography
Gilpin County Commissioner 2021 - present, previous municipal budget oversight, policy and program development as city Housing Authority casework program supervisor and Human Services Division Manager. Social Worker with credential in Gerontology,
Campaign Phone
303-916-2119
Budget sustainability with capital improvements and staff retention strategies (implement approved 2025 budget)
Continue Collaborations I'm already part of addressing: economic development initiatives and incentives, mental health and opioid use disorder peer support programs, developing north county infrastructure action plans with consultants, workforce and senior housing needs assessment/plans, biodiversity mapping project, unauthorized trails mapping for public lands management, mountain rail coalition, and further countywide broadband expansion
statewide county commissioners groups legislative proposals advocacy, continue serving on tourism/economic development subcommittee, wildfire, watersheds, justice and public safety and natural resources committees
policy development based on the county strategic plan to complete policy directions for staff
work toward completion of sport shooting range which leads to designated areas of forest service lands to promote homeowner safety
Budget we are finalizing now for adoption with priority based budgeting, maintaining $20million operating reserve, and completing one-time expenditures on deferred capital improvements to get caught up over this 5 year period using reserves which have built up and cannot be retained unallocated indefinitely
Funding mandated county services and departments, reserves for new mandates by new laws
Staff salary study implementation and retention strategies which reduce turnover retraining costs saving over time
Community good as criteria for non-mandated including senior services, community center, food pantry for residents in various life stages and economic situations
Forward thinking long-term planning for infrastructure, road improvements, workforce housing, public land management
Grant matches to stretch funds for project completion, pursue state and federal funds within staff capacity to manage projects, related contracts and payments
Retaining operating and emergency reserves
Continue background checks, concealed carry permits through the Sheriff's Office, use red flag laws in domestic violence or other applicable crisis situations, lessons for new gun owners and gun safety classes plus safe storage promotions, incentives for private property gun locks and lockers, limit weapons on county and school properties as in place, table top plus real active shooter exercises for staff in public buildings including our schools and childcare facilities, discuss proposed laws with legislators to enact gun sense legislation protecting the public in an effort to reduce mass shootings while protecting safe gun use by responsible owners, reduce forest areas near homes to shooting after the sport shooting range is open to prevent user-property owner conflicts, implement approved county co-response program to support law enforcement by being paired with mental health professionals, support conflict resolution training as a skill for deputies, surveillance at businesses
I am currently serving on coalitions addressing wildfire risk, watershed protection, forest health, fire mitigation projects, conservation and recreation planning to benefit Gilpin County as part of the larger region. Public Health has expanded air quality monitoring during fires and superfund lead testing, the commissioners approve PH budget & staffing. CSU Extension is partly supported by county funds and offers fire mitigation, drought impacts on vegetation materials and classes. County is a member of CC4CA - Colorado Counties 4 Climate Action which along with two statewide county commissioner groups weigh in on environmental issues legislation and funding options, county continues to purchase hybrid vehicle and is installing EV chargers for public use, fund public works dust suppressant to reduce particulates on heavy traffic dirt roads, watch for grants to address environmental issue projects & landowner mitigation incentives
A comprehensive housing needs assessment is already in process to prioritize what types of housing to focus on, whether it be for workers, seniors, mixed use, small homes, rentals, or starter homes and similar recommended housing
Collaboration with the cities to locate sites to create workforce housing is underway
Updating zoning codes to allow more flexibility for multifamily housing
tax or rebate Incentives for long-term rental properties
Using a regional approach along the peak to peak and with neighboring counties for shared planning for infrastructure then pursuing building grant funds or tax incentives for development of small scale projects fitting in with our current mountain surroundings
Complete the planned infrastructure assessment to develop a plan to improve water, sewer/septic, and location needs like parking, plus potential public transit to and from housing
Counties play a role in assisting immigrants while abiding by the local jurisdiction laws and adopted county practices, For a small county like ours we can kindly provide a meal with a list of resources for urban or municipal governments which offer shelter, food and communication supports. We can offer food, find interpretors as needed, and plan for overnight bed space if needed especially late in the day or for children with families while encouraging travel to larger communities with more resources. Training law enforcement and business/casino staff in how best to interact, offer resources and watch for legal and illegal behaviors regardless of race or ethnicity promotes better interactions.
I am currently in my first term and seek a second term to complete projects and progress underway while planning for future needs, I am trained in county governance after over 20 years in all levels of municipal human services management, so am ready to work day one of my next term. Residents will benefit from my public service experience instead of waiting for me to get up to speed on county policies, budgets, and statutes while building relationships with partner agencies and staff. I am all set to go.
It is my honor to listen to differing perspective of residents and business owners for their vision of their community and its current gaps, to formulate long-term plans for the county. Together with our current staff and administration we are completing new projects while tackling delayed ones. Discussing and starting initiatives then being a part of realized plans is rewarding both as a commissioner and fellow resident. I have energy, ideas and the ability to compromise.
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