Dear Editor,
I support the re-election of Sandy Hollingsworth as Gilpin County Commissioner for District 3. She works diligently on behalf of all Gilpinites and has done so since her election in 2020. Sandy and commissioners Isenhart and Sill faced many challenges during the pandemic and its immediate aftermath when they had to make difficult decisions. Throughout that time and as much as I can, I've watched her at BOCC meetings. She is always well-prepared, and ready to tackle what needs to be done. She listens to all opinions, even from those who disagree.
Gilpin County is special. Its rich history is rooted in the memories of a time long past. Yet, its social conditions have changed and evolved. We cherish the memories because they help make Gilpin so unique. However, we are 21st-century people, living in a 21st-century county with modern problems and challenges. Sandy recognizes that and works very hard to enable 21st-century solutions -- such as increasing broadband access, enabling a healthy populace, expanding access to county services and facilities, supporting improved infrastructure, and much more -- all while respecting the county's heritage.
Commissioners are expected to ingest information on a huge array of laws and questions facing county government. For example, I attended a BOCC meeting last year that focused on building codes. That's a complex (and often controversial) subject and it really impressed me that Sandy was so well-prepared. It was clear she'd read the materials and codes and knew how to ask and answer questions about them. I could cite many others from my time watching and participating in meetings over the past few years. I know that sometimes she has to vote for or against something that is controversial -- and she's prepared for the feedback and/ or fallout. I've not always agreed with every decision she and the BOCC make, but I've always appreciated Sandy's taking the time to explain why they took the actions they did.
I've worked in both business and academia and have always known that experience and talent are keys to success. In Sandy Hollingsworth, we have both. Her long history of working with government and government entities is a plus. She volunteers for many organizations in the county, including HCA, Peak to Peak Rotary, and Axe & Snax. Through her work and volunteer activities, she really gets to know people and what the county needs.
From the beginning of her term as Commissioner, Sandy has shown a great grasp of the issues and what it takes to solve them. If I were presented with such an experienced job candidate today, I'd hire her in an instant because of that expertise -- and because she cares for the county and its people.
That's how valuable she is and that's why I as a Gilpin resident will be voting for Sandy Hollingsworth to continue her work on our behalf as County Commissioner.
Carolyn Collins Petersen
Black Hawk
