(Gillette, Wyo.) There are eight candidates running for city council in contested races.
There are three candidates for mayor. There are also four candidates in two races for Ward I council positions. Why are there two races for Ward I? There are three wards in Gillette, with two councilors in each ward. Kevin McGrath resigned from his Ward I position, and the council appointed Shawn Neary to that Ward I position. It has two years remaining, and Bruce Brown and Darin Edmonds are running for that spot. The second Ward I council position is also up for election for a four-year term. Shawn Neary and Terry Sjolin are vying for that spot on the council.
Incumbents Tim Carsrud and Robin Kuntz in Ward II and Ward III are also up for election, but their races are unchallenged.
As part of our goal here at County 17 of informing voters for the upcoming primaries, we are sending out unique questions for each race to let voters get a better understanding of who the candidates are.
We’ll be posting answers from the councilor candidates through today and the weekend. Here’s previous responses:
Why should people elect you as a city councilor to represent them?
How would you make funding decisions and set priorities?
Has the council handled the Madison situation responsibly for everyone involved?
What are your thoughts on economic development?
Do you have time to serve on the council?
The primaries are Aug. 21.
What do you think the proper role of the Gillette City Councilors is at the state, regional, and national level? Do you think it is important that the city engage at all of the above levels? (limit 300 words)
Mayoral Candidate Louise Carter-King
I traveled with a delegation from UW and the Governor’s office to Japan to talk to industry leaders about developing technologies in Campbell County. As a result, Kawasaki will be joining others at the ITC to continue this effort. We have been known as the Energy Capital of the Nation and now we can add Research to that as well.
Gillette needs to be at the table at the state level as well as national level. Because our economy is so dependent on energy and we are “The Energy Capital of the Nation” we need to tell how Powder Basin Coal is the cleanest burning in the world and how we need to be able to send it around the world to countries that are begging for it. Environmentalists should be working with us not against us so that our clean burning coal and technology can help our climate. After all, we in Wyoming were environmentalists before it was the “in” thing to be.
We also have international teams competing at the ITC for the Xprize. Gillette and Campbell County will be in the limelight for a long time to come.
Mayoral Candidate Jarik Dudley
I believe it is important that our municipal government insert meaningful influence at all levels of government. Our main purpose is to promote our city and do what is in the best interest of our citizens.
Mayoral Candidate Robert Kaczmarek
We as elected officials represent the people of Gillette and should show this with all due respect.
Ward I (2-year) Councilor Candidate Bruce Brown
The City Council has an extremely important role in all levels of government that affects the City of Gillette. Who better is there to talk about the issues impacting the city of Gillette than the city council? We need to foster a good working relationship at the County, State and National levels of government.
Building on the relationship with the County elected officials will be my list of the things I would like to accomplish as a City Councilman. We won’t always agree but we need to have the kind of relationship which allows us to debate the issue open and honestly.
I think the relationship with the State elected officials is an important relationship to build. The decisions made in Cheyenne directly affect the citizens of Gillette. We need to be able to talk directly with our, and other State Representatives and Senators to inform and influence how the decisions are made that impact the citizens of Gillette.
We talk a lot about distancing ourselves from the federal government in Wyoming and I agree. The government closest to the people governs best. However, the federal government is not going away. We need to build excellent relationships allowing us to influence any of the decisions in Washington which affect the City of Gillette.
Ward I (2-year) Councilor Candidate Darin Edmonds
There is definitely a role to play at all levels of government for a city councilman from the energy capital of the world. There are things in Campbell County that are relative at the county level, state level, and as our energy industry shows us, at the national level. A huge portion of the nations electricity is made possible not only with PRB (Powder River Basin) coal, but also the states natural gas and other energy products. So yes, it is important to be engage at all levels, as there may be legislative actions at the state or federal level that could dramatically affect our way of life.
Ward I (4-year) Councilor Candidate Terry Sjolin
As a political official, I believe it is important to develop relationships with members of all levels of government. Whether it is to have conversations and share ideas, to provide information about local issues or to lobby for decisions that will benefit Gillette and its citizens, building that bridge is part of the job. Gillette City Council is the face and voice of the community and there is a responsibility to look out for its best interests at local, state and even national levels.
Ward I (4-year) Councilor Candidate Shawn Neary
To represent the citizens of our ward and our City, this involves educating yourself on the relevant issues that may affect our City. Of course, it is important that we stand up for Gillette at all levels.