30 years ago – January 6, 1989
Attending the last regular meeting of the Board of Gilpin County Commissioners after serving four years in office, Commissioner Alan Baird, District 3, bid farewell on Tuesday, following a party in his honor. Baird did not want to elaborate about the four years he has served as commissioner, other than to say he had some dreams, but they did not transpire.He added that he was “a bit disappointed in what I had hoped to accomplish.” When asked if he found the experience rewarding, he commented, “not really, but interesting.” Future plans for Baird, he said, include the stock market, finishing details in his house, and preparing a video tape of Highway 119 to East Park for the Colorado Tourist Board. In addition, he is thinking about looking into the possibility of offering small business courses in the county and maybe working with a school like Red Rocks to accomplish this task. However, before pursuing the possibility, Baird wants to outline a small business course and then find out how many people in the county are interested. Baird did not seek re-election to office in the November election. The seat will be filled by newly elected commissioner, Ann Leffingwell, who will be sworn into office on January 10.
From the Editor: After having been in business since 1952 (38 seasons under one ownership), Central Gold Mine & Museum is now closed. Decision to suspend business is the result of a stupid move by City Council to increase the occupational tax from $200 to $500. A real historical museum is a marginal business at best and this one is unable to stand any more taxes or costs. Closure of the museum should make several individuals who hang around Central City most of the time and some who only hang around in the good seasons real happy. The museum parking lot and others I own personally will be closed to trespassers. In addition, several Development Company parking lots will be closed and stay closed as they are also only marginal operations. If Council thinks this is not going to happen, they have another think coming. Signed, William C. Russell, Jr.
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