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 Bob Jordan, 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?
Over the past 40 years that I have spent in service to this community, I have seen how people can help solve problems, create problems or ignore problems. Campbell County has been through challenging times before, and we’re going through difficult times again now. I am concerned about our county’s economy, taxation, and future. I want to ensure that even with the decreases in our nation’s reliance on coal and oil, our county will thrive.
It is essential that we re-structure our local economy and make our county budget as practical as possible. We need to keep our facilities and other infrastructure running well and in good repair and avoid placing a financial burden on the next generation that we could have prevented had we used better financial sense today. I want to help the county avoid adding any new costs or services that we will not be able to afford in the future. I believe that I have the skills, experience, and motivation to strengthen our county’s position in this economy.
What unique life or career experience would you bring to the role?
I spent 30 years in corporate work for an electric utility. I’ve also worked in operations and maintenance management and industrial/home building construction. I’ve been a small business owner in agriculture/oilfield work, and I retired early to start a nonprofit agriculture consulting company. Back in the early 1980s, I served in the U.S. Army in an engineering unit.
Do you have previous experience in governmental office?
I was selected in January 2024 to fill a vacated seat on the board of commissioners. Previously, I served on the Conservation District Board and on the Campbell County Planning Board.
How would the 1% Cap Tax be best spent, in your opinion?
It’s already been settled how the 1% cap tax that’s on the ballot this November will be spent.
- The 1% cap Tax if decided by the people in the November vote will add 1% to our sales tax (if all three projects are voted in) raising our sales tax from 5% to 6% for the next 8–10 years. The 1% Cap Tax is divided into three choices:
- 1% is for the Gurley Overpass a city project estimated to be a 3–5 year payout
- 1% is for the Wright infrastructure project estimated to be a 1-2 year payout
- 1% is for the Cam-plex project at $200 million dollars, the estimated payout is 8-10 years pending the sales tax revenues.
I will elaborate on my own perspective of taxation in the question after this one.
What is your view on taxation more broadly?
The maximum tax mill on property is set by state law at 12 mill. In 2023, the Campbell County tax mill was 11.10 mill. Due to budget reduction, the county was able to cut the county tax mill to 10.95 mill. This is the first time in over 40 years that this mill levy has been below 11 mill. I believe we have enough taxes (from sales and property taxes, which are under the county authority). The budget needs to best represent our revenue stream as the coal tapers off. That way, we can continue to provide necessary services.
I don’t support a 1% cap tax for the $200 million dollar CAM-PLEX arena buildout. We can’t afford the addition to the CAM-PLEX. In fact, I’m not in favor of any tax increases or new taxes.
What are the top issues facing communities in Campbell County right now, and what would you do about them if elected?
The main issue is a national energy policy that doesn’t favor the Campbell County economy. We need to maintain a budget we can afford and keep taxes in line, not add or increase them.
Housing is another major issue, but the county has very little leeway by state statute to do much about it. The county cannot directly give to an individual, and I don’t think the county should be picking winners and losers by subsidizing businesses. One thing that the county can do to help with the shortage is selling some of the properties it has. The county can plat the land, zone it, and then sell the property to developers. Under state law, the county cannot develop properties or build homes for individuals.
What is your stance on recently-enacted BLM rules regarding coal and oil leasing in the county and broader Powder River Basin area?
The recent BLM rules regarding coal and oil leasing in the county and broader Powder River Basin area need to be addressed at the state level. The county can show support for our legislators and continue the push in Cheyenne and Washington D.C.
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?
Grants come with strings attached. They often require matching funds from the County. We have two services that require grant support: the senior center and Children’s Developmental Services. Other services in the community get grant support that do not require matching funds. Most of these grants are legacy programs that go back decades.
Recently, the library requested for a grant to repair the Wright Branch’s drainage issue. I’m personally very leery about such grants. However, this grant had no strings attached and it was one-time funding, so I understand why the library requested it. It saved Campbell County $1,000,000 in the general budget.
My suggestions are to closely monitor the grants we have received and to be mindful that an increase in a grant amount may require the county to match that increase in dollars. We should not take on any new services.
Do you have any previous experience working with budgets in a governmental, corporate or nonprofit capacity?
I have budget experience in government (as a Campbell County commissioner and as a member of the conservation board), in business (oil field/construction), in nonprofits (consulting business, farmers market), and in corporate.
I believe that being fiscally responsible is paramount in any organization. Spending because you “got it” is not prudent. All budgets should be decided on your “needs,” not your “wants.” As an educator/advisor for entrepreneurs and small businesses, I prioritize fiscal responsibility and best business practices. I carry these values in every role/position or business I work with.
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 have never held, nor do I presently hold, a position that is a conflict of interest with the business of the board or of the county.
