Lewis runs unopposed for town council seat

Three names will be on the ballot for four-year terms on the Town Councils for Thermopolis and East Thermopolis.

Dusty Lewis, who is running unopposed for the Thermopolis Town Council seat, said he grew up in Wyoming, farm-raised in the Big Horn Basin. In 2005, he joined the team at Gottsche Rehabilitation, where he still works today.

Lewis said he loves Thermopolis, as it is a great place with great potential. One of the big issues facing the community, of course, is the recent economic downturn though he wants to be pro-active in making Thermopolis attractive to residents and a. Additionally, he wants to see continued growth in Thermopolis, while ensuring the town remains fiscally sound.

With regard to promoting individual business and development, Lewis would like to encourage people to bring their dreams to Thermopolis, and allow the town to help facilitate in making them reality. He also would like to see growth in recycling programs, but noted this would take a community collaborative effort.

Those on the ballot for Councilperson of East Thermopolis are Jack Kuiper and Merle William Moore.

Kuiper believes East Thermopolis is a very steady community. He noted that the budget is running in the black, and the town is not really facing any issues.

However, as a member of the Joint Powers Water District, he pointed out the Town of Thermopolis needs to get on board with getting some of the artesian water from Worland and Ten Sleep here, at a reasonable rate, rather than worrying about a water treatment plant.

Kuiper has been in the community for over 65 years. A former construction worker with his own company, but has been retired for about 10 years.

Attempts were made to contact Moore for an interview, but he was unavailable.