GILLETTE, Wyo. — As the Aug. 20 primary election nears, County 17 has sent lists of questions to each primary candidate.
These questions are designed to give readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Except for minor grammar editing and clarifications, all candidate responses submitted to County 17 are republished as they are received.
Read responses sent by Jerry Means, candidate for Campbell County Commissioner, below.
What issues, if any, impacted your decision to run for this position or why were you interested in the position?
I have attended County Commission meetings regularly for the last 10 or so years. I have a good understanding of local issues. I believe the biggest problem we currently face is the uncertainty of the oil, coal & gas industries due to federal government regulations. Our tax revenues are decreasing. Because of this uncertainty I feel we need to be smart with spending. We need to first make sure our county needs are covered before our “wants.” We also must make sure our existing facilities are maintained. I am not against growth or new facilities, but I believe the taxpayers need to vote on all high-cost projects and have a good understanding of new proposals.
What unique life or career experience would you bring to the role?
I am a Wyoming native, born in Buffalo and a resident of Gillette for about 60 years. My wife and I have been married for 48 years and have five kids and thirteen grandchildren. I am retired and a former co-owner of KG Construction and Magna Energy Services. I helped design and build projects for coal, oil, and gas companies. I had the opportunity to see and work through the ups and downs of these industries from initial start-ups to the maturing stages.
Do you have previous experience in governmental office?
I am currently on the Campbell County Land Board.
How would the 1% Cap Tax be best spent, in your opinion?
The citizens will soon vote on the three projects proposed: Cam-Plex dual arenas, barns, and infrastructure, the overpass, and the Wright subdivision. It would be my job as commissioner to support whatever the voters decide. If voters would like more information on the Cam-Plex proposal, they may contact any land board member. The city administrator can answer questions pertaining to the
overpass and the mayor or city council in Wright can answer questions about the subdivision proposal.
What is your view on taxation more broadly?
I feel the county, state and federal government already tax the citizens enough and officials need to always work to be more efficient with taxpayer money.
What are the top issues facing communities in Campbell County right now, and what would you do about them if elected?
The most important job of a commissioner is to make sure the cities in the county are clean, well-maintained, and safe. Because of the instability of our energy industries, there has been a push to diversify the economy by enticing outside business or industries to locate to Campbell County. I do believe we should reach out and promote what we have to offer here. I am not however in favor of
financing with taxpayer dollars relocation expenses or enticements. This should be left to private enterprise.
What is your stance on recently enacted BLM rules regarding coal and oil leasing in the county and broader Powder River Basin area?
The federal government has always tried to overregulate federal leases. This is not just a Campbell County problem but for every county in Wyoming. The BLM is controlled by the Department of the Interior. When challenging the federal government it would take communities, city and county officials, state representatives and the governor along with other states in filing lawsuits to limit government control.
In their role, commissioners approve a wide variety of local organizations and government bodies to apply for grants from various sources. What would your approach to county financials look like and do you have any opinion on taking federal money for projects such as infrastructure improvements?
I would have no problem taking federal money for projects such as infrastructure improvements as long as it didn’t come with the kind of strings that change the project from how it was originally intended. After all, it is taking back tax money that has already been paid. My approach to county budgeting is that in these uncertain times we need to be watchful and take care of our “needs” before “wants.”
Being on the Land Board I have seen that maintenance issues at Cam-Plex are not resolved in a timely manner. The Cam-Plex is currently behind 6–8 million dollars on maintenance according to Cam-Plex staff. For example, the boilers in the Wyoming Center are in a precarious state. I would like to see a more comprehensive maintenance plan for county facilities, especially before any more big projects are approved. As far as grant money for local groups it would come down to the commissioners deciding on which ones can truly benefit the community.
Do you have any previous experience working with budgets in a governmental, corporate or non-profit capacity?
As stated before, I was previously a co-owner of KG Construction and Magna Energy Services for 45 years. I was very much involved in the both the budgeting and implementing of budgets for these companies. In business your success depends on how well you manage money!
Have you ever held, or do you currently hold any title, affiliation or investments that would be a conflict of interest with your duties as a county government official?
I am currently retired and I don’t believe I have or have had any conflicts of interest. I am currently on the Campbell County Land Board but would resign if elected a commissioner.
