I've lived in Rollinsville in Gilpin County for 24 years with my husband Larry. I grew up in a military family through which I learned the importance of public service. I have run to serve my county by bringing energy and ideas to build on the work of past county commissioners, help develop economic recovery and planning strategies to address the impacts of the Coronavirus crisis on our county and local businesses, and support the work of county employees and community members adding to the quality of life in our rural county.

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 EXPERIENCED!    

 

I worked for municipal government for 25 years, including Division Management, giving me experience at a high level of government in:

• strategic planning

• policy and program development

• managing complex budgets using a priority based budgeting system

• working directly with people from diverse backgrounds

• public communications

• public-private business collaborations

• staff training to feel prepared for and proud of one's work

 

Making tough decisions to reorganize staff duties and work teams was part of my work to increase efficiencies and stay under budget. During the 2008-10 recession years we made difficult but necessary deep cuts and created a path to recovery.  Department heads were given priority focus areas determined by the city manager. This governing background helps me understand Gilpin County's organizational systems.

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I initially provided casework at the city Housing Authority to families needing community resources. Later, in Senior Services I supervised a team of caseworkers including program staffing and budget, organizing community programs, writing and speaking on issues of aging, caregiving, respite care, older driver safety, & housing options. I collaborated to create programs to address unmet or emerging community needs for older adults, families, caregivers and veterans. 

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ENGAGED! 

 

An active volunteer in Gilpin County for over 20 years:

 

• Peak to Peak Human Services Alliance

• Friends of the Community Center to help re-open the recreation center and arena

• Gilpin County Extension including the first CSU Extension Advisory Board, 24 years as a Master Gardener 

• High Country Auxiliary to support Timberline Fire and emergency responders

• Gilpin County Food Bank & Garden

• Peak to Peak Rotary

• GCART

• Axe and Snax mitigation projects & wood delivery

• Gilpin County Democratic Committee, Precinct 6 

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And past volunteering:

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• Arapahoe-Roosevelt Forest Service Forest Watch Patrol

• Colorado Mountain Club Board, past Conservation Chair 

• CMC and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado trail projects, restoration and noxious weed pulls for over 12 years

• Greater Rollinsville Community Association 

• Access to Healthcare Coalition 

• Gilpin County Senior Living

• Mountain Paws Pet Care Fund events

• Voter registration and Voter Inclusion Plan co-author

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    My free time is spent with family & friends, hiking,

    gardening, nordic skiing, traveling, enjoying music, and

    throwing balls for neighborhood dogs.