Because Respect Matters

Respect for:

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•  The public's input. I will work for you!

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•  Protecting our drinking water.

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• ​​ Taxpayers' dollars with streamlined budgeting. ​

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•  Other local officials and their staffs.

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Respect

It's important to re-establish civility and respect for all views in County Commission meetings and in the meetings of all other county boards and commissions that answer to the County Commission. While disagreements about policy will always exist, it's the responsibility of decision makers to listen thoughtfully and courteously. 

Transparency

All county officials must abide by Wyoming's Public Meetings and Public Records laws. This includes conducting county business openly and providing documents that require the Commissioner's consideration with adequate time to review. While measures to protect the public during the pandemic make normal operations difficult, every effort should be made to carry out county business in public and to encourage public input. 

Aquifer

Protecting our drinking water is essential! I support strengthening county zoning laws to eliminate further nonconforming development within the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone and installing monitoring wells for early detection of contaminants, as recommended by the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan.

TumbleweeD

The Tumbleweed gas station threatens our clean drinking water. Because Tumbleweed is operating with 50+ year old underground tanks and recently failed to report a possible fuel leak, Tumbleweed should be prohibited from 

expanding beyond its current size or scope. I strongly support the installation of a network of monitoring wells as recommended by the Casper Aquifer Plan. I am eager to work with the city to get this done!

Budget

City and County governments should work together to provide the programs and services our community wants and needs, and to enhance efficiency in areas common to both governments, like IT. Personnel reductions should only be a last resort; county employees have a wealth of expertise and experience in performing their jobs. Economic development efforts should build on our existing business/technology parks, provide good broadband throughout the county, and promote our outdoor recreation amenities. 

Law Enforcement

The Albany County District Court judge halted Albany County Commission Chair Terri Jones’s rushed effort to select a new Sheriff. Current Sheriff Dave O’Malley is not leaving office until January 2, 2021.

I support Judge Kricken’s thoughtful decision. The additional time will permit a thorough process for identifying and interviewing candidates qualified to be the new Sheriff.

Law enforcement is a necessary part of society. That said, the death of Robbie Ramirez was an avoidable tragedy. I support measures toward more transparency and accountability in both city and county law enforcement, including creating a community oversight board to establish meaningful policing reforms. The board's recommendations must have binding effect on local law enforcement. I support additional training in crisis intervention and training to increase positive interaction with individuals with mental health issues, minority communities, and the greater public.

RAIL TIE Wind Project

Because of lower mineral revenues, the county will need to explore new industries such as alternative energy development. Solar and wind projects might be such choices. The Rail Tie Wind Project will generate jobs and revenue. Wyoming and Albany County have regulations in place. I would give additional consideration to issues directly affecting public health and safety, such as minimum distance, lighting, and noise.

Rural Development

There are rural areas that can be developed to allow for increased availability of affordable housing. Development of these areas should foster a rural environment and tie into available infrastructure.