Gilpin County Independents meet

2/23/2006 - The Gilpin County Independents met on February 12th at Pete’s Beaver Park Inn to discuss local governmental and community issues. Water, and the dearth thereof, was the first topic tapped in the round-table conversation. Discussion flowed over the prediction that Jefferson County commissioners would soon approve a 500-1,000 gallon storage tank requirement as part of their building permit process, and whether Gilpin County should follow suit. During times of drought, well use could be limited, even prohibited. County officials could issue an order for residents to have water hauled in for household use, thereby conserving the groundwater for other use such as firefighting. The water issue is before Jefferson County commissioners now, and Gilpinites have put the question to at least one Gilpin County commissioner for consideration.

  Bus service throughout Gilpin County is an issue currently being explored by Gilpin commissioners. Independents wanted to know how much it will cost the County to run such a service and were told that the County had agreed to contribute $137,000 to get it rolling initially. “Let’s just buy cars for the three people who would use it,” suggested one man, “and let’s pay for their gas, too. It’d be cheaper.”

  The group considered potential candidates to run for County Commissioner in next November’s election. At least one Gilpinite has expressed interest in running as an Independent for the District 2 seat currently held by Jeanne Nicholson (D).

  Gilpin County Independents meet the second Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. at Pete’s. The public is welcome and discussion is informal and open to all.