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Campbell County Candidate Questionnaire: Kelley McCreery for County Commissioner

GILLETTE, Wyo. — County 17 has sent out a questionnaire to those running in the primary election in August. The following are the answers from Kelley McCreery, who is running for Campbell County Commissioner.

  1. Please introduce yourself and describe your educational and employment history. Please include your name and hometown and highlights of past Campbell County involvement.

I’m Kelley McCreery. I was born in Gillette, grew up on the family ranch 10 miles south of Gillette. I graduated from Campbell County High School in 1969 and went to the Army the same year. I did one tour in Vietnam as an infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division. I worked as a ranch hand when I got out of the Army for 2 years. Went to work in the Oilfield for 15 years moving drilling rigs. I was an owner/operator for the last 10 years of that work. Went to work in dirt construction and was a welder mechanic during that time which lasted 4 years. I worked at a coal mine (Caballo) for 5 years. In 1996 I started leasing the family ranch from my parents and in the same year I married Nadine McKenzie. We have been full time ranchers ever since.

  1. Why have you decided to run for this office? Compared with other candidates running in this election, why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have some friends that thought I should get involved with the Republican Party and be in either the Legislature or be a Commissioner. With some thought and advise, I’m running for County Commissioner. As a veteran, I was active in the American Legion and was the Commander of Post 42 for two years and was Chairman of the Club Committee for two years. That expieriance helps qualify me for being a good candidat for Commissioner.

  1. The position you are running for has minimum criteria. Do you believe there are additional qualifications that would help the person who will hold this office be best suited for the position?

One of the things that I think is very important is that I have started and ran different businesses, such as my first trucking company (PK Trucking), my welding company (PK Welding), P and K Services, a second trucking company that my son owns at the present time, a reclamation company (Kelley’s Tractor Service) and Cross Country Solar Pumping. All of these I have used in the ranching business. If people are wanting to be a Commissioner without actually owning a business, I think it puts them at a disadvantage. A leader will be able to make decissions that are quick and be good for the working people and the business owners.

  1. How have you approached any challenges you have encountered in working with public officials, government agencies and the public? What do you believe the Board of County Commissioners can improve on in its relationships with other entities?

Discussing view points is a big part of working with anyone or an entity. Being completly honest and transparent is the rest of it that will make it work.

  1. What is your vision for the future of Campbell County? What, if any, new initiatives would you like to implement if elected?

Campbell County needs to be wise on what we commit our spending on. We all know things can change rapidly. I think we need to decrease mill levy’s to compensate for inflation which make coal mines and oil companies pay a lot more in taxes than what is fair. If we don’t want them quiting or going out of business then we need to help them.

  1. What are the biggest challenges facing Campbell County that the Board of County Commissioners can address? How do you plan to address them? How can Campbell County prepare for future economic downturns resulting from volatile energy markets and a global shift away from coal?

We can do a lot to save some money or at least spend it more wisely. For example, I live on McKenzie Road that goes for approximately two and a half miles and then just ends. I jumped through the hoops and tried to get it shortened 5 years ago and the Commissioners didn’t do it. My answer to question 5 also fits here.

  1. How will you effectively manage taxpayer dollars? Do you plan to promote any changes to existing taxes? If so, why? Should any part of the county budget be shielded from cuts? If so, which area of the budget and why should it be protected from any cuts?

We have enough taxes. It’s the spending we need to watch. Nothing should be automatically shielded from cuts.

  1. Are county land-use regulations and permitting processes doing enough to assure the public interest or are they too onerous?

I would have to see the regulations for the different land uses. I’m usually against regulations but sometimes they are very necessary.

  1. Is there anything else voters should know about you?

Yes! I believe the Bible is tuely the Word of God. It’s what I live my life by. It has helped me become a more honest, loving, caring and happy person.

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