IMPORTANT ISSUES
Every candidate will tell you they support good roads, public safety, fiscal responsibility and strong communities. I do too. But the important question is:
When difficult decisions come, how will you lead?
I will listen first. Learn the facts. Engage with the public. Bring people together. Explore opportunities. Then make the decision that best serves the public.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Did you know that aside from setting our own operating budget, Commissioners decide the budgets for our other elected county officials? This means we have to work closely with and understand the needs of our Sheriff’s Office, the County Clerk’s, County Assessor, Treasurer, Attorney, Coroner and Clerk of District Court.
I will build productive relationships with my fellow elected county leaders and respect their expertise – to ensure we’re working together to deliver the best services we can within our financial means.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY
Roads & Bridges, Emergency Management, Public Health, Land Planning, Treatment Courts, UW Extension. These are the core programs Commissioners oversee to assure we are providing essential services and safety for our citizens.
As a team of commissioners, we need to work in collaboration to assure these departments are getting the attention they need – finding efficiencies or extra funding, staying accountable to the public, and strategic in their implementation plans.
STRONG COMMUNITY
Museums, libraries, recreation, fair and rodeo programs, historic preservation, weed & pest, solid waste - these county services and boards – enhance our quality of life and build strong communities. Some are optional under state statutes and others are required.
These programs are used by a diversity of the Fremont County public. Citizen boards oversee the operations of these programs. I will be accountable for these public resources by appointing professional and balanced citizen leadership to these county boards.
PUBLIC LANDS
County Commissioners are given special roles in both state and federal law regarding public lands management. We are not the decision-makers, but land management agencies need to consult with counties through “cooperator” status and consider local county land use plans.
I support multiple use of our public lands, but we all know not all uses make sense on the same acreage. Our wildlife and wide-roaming big game herds are nationally significant and support a significant hunting and fishing economy. Wyoming citizens recreate in on our public lands more than any other state and our youth spend twice as much time outdoors as the average American kid. Public lands are part of our DNA and I will always oppose large-scale and broad transfer or sale of our public lands.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
County services such as roads, planning, weed and pest, the tourism board, airport funding and other programs support the economic vitality and growth of small businesses, as well as our large-scale industries. Businesses need basic services and quality-of-life enhancements to attract and retain workers. Fremont County’s economy is also driven by tourism, outdoor recreation & manufacturing and a robust agriculture sector.
I support our farmers and ranchers and their sustainable stewardship of our public lands. Counties have a role in commenting on new developments such as wind farms and other developments and I will seek to find a balance between job growth opportunity resource impacts and listen to community concerns.
