County Commissioner Candidates
Sandy Hollingsworth
Hello Gilpin Residents,
I’ve been encouraged to run for re-election as County Commissioner, District 3 and am excited to announce that I am. If we have not had a chance to meet, I have lived in Gilpin County and been married to Larry for over 25 years. I grew up in a military family that valued public service. My family, neighbors, and friends have mixed political and social views which helps me listen to differing viewpoints. My previous work as a Social Worker includes housing, human services, and management, with 25 years in municipal government. My favorite part of campaigning is talking with residents to hear what is important to you, how the county might ease challenges in your life, and perspectives from historic Gilpin County tales.
Over the past three years serving the county, I quickly came to value our skilled county staff and their dedication. I am proud to have helped the county start 2023 debt-free, set up $4 million in dedicated reserves for emergency disasters such as wildfires, incrementally increased capital improvements, and added the county’s first grant writer. It was a joy to help our local healthcare provider, Clinica, open. I’m active on boards to ensure mental health services, opioid settlement funds benefit Gilpin County, services support residents from varied backgrounds, and public lands management collaborations. Public safety is paramount and I have supported first responder funding to help them serve our community.
In a next term, I would continue to work on attainable housing, fire mitigation funding, the long-planned food pantry, expanded passenger rail, and recreation center sustainability. I’ll continue to advocate for realistic legislative changes that do not strain residents or county resources and look to create incentives for businesses, landowner mitigation, and building upgrades. I wish to revive coffee with commissioners’ meetings to meet with residents for open discussion, and hope to see you at these.
I appreciate ongoing support from residents from all political affiliations who know that my focus is on service to the community, knowing and adhering to statutes, and using my planning and budget experience. Please feel free to reach out, come to meet-and-greets, or say hello when I am in the community with one of many non-profit volunteer hats on. My candidate email is sandyforgilpin@gmail.com or I can be reached through my county office.
“Let’s have a conversation about Gilpin County” – Kindly, Commissioner Sandy Hollingsworth, District 3
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Jeff Aiken
My name is Jeff Aiken and I am running for the Gilpin County Board of Commissioners in District 1. I have lived and worked in Gilpin County for 40 years. I have served as an elected Central City alderman for the past nine years and as a Black Hawk Central City Sanitation District board of directors member for 20 years, I have extensive experience in local government, especially as it relates to finances and policies.
I have voluntarily counseled inmates with addiction issues at the Gilpin County Justice Center for 15 years.
As an Alderman in Central City since 2015, I have served the community by supporting the Belvidere Foundation, working on the Intergovernmental Agreement with Gilpin County to provide law enforcement in Central City, and supporting the arts and the Opera House.
In 2022 I campaigned for Mayor of Central City, strongly opposed to Sexually Oriented Businesses on Main Street.
I was a strong opponent of the proposal to allow ATVs to use the public roads in Central City.
I support a well-funded Sheriff’s department, childcare and a viable Community Center for the County.
In my mind, quality of life takes precedence over short term economic gain and will factor into the policy decisions I make as a Commissioner.
I believe in serving and giving back to the community and hope to continue to do so as a Gilpin County Commissioner. I also feel strongly about an open-door policy, listening to all residents and believe in speaking with anyone in our community whether they agree with me or not. If elected I will be available by phone or email to all county residents.