Rural, urban and at-large seats open on conservation district

There are three director spots on the ballot with regard to the Hot Springs Conservation District; they are for Rural, Urban and At-Large.

Sonja Becker, who is on the ticket for the Rural position, wants to help the community provide for the resources here, and believes the soil, water and other resources here need protection. This doesn’t just apply to those in rural settings. The conservation district could help address many concerns, she said, and she would like to see the district have more influence in that regard.

Larry Bentley, also going for the Rural position, has been here since 1980, and worked at several ranches in the community. For the past 12-14 years he has been the consultant for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, in the Natural Resource and Policy section. He said his experience he’s had there would help him to guide the county.

Bentley has been on the Conservation District once before, and was named a supervisor of the year during that time.

Jim Andreen, running for the Urban position, has served in the Navy. Additionally, he’s worked with Weed and Pest for the past five years, and has a good working relationship with them, as well as other water improvement districts. He is also a volunteer fireman, EMT, and does coroner duty.

Lee Campbell, who’s on the ballot for the At-Large position, became involved with the conservation district when two previous directors resigned about the same time and he was asked by the other directors to help out. He noted the conservation district is involved not just at the local level, but also at the state and federal.

The main thing Campbell would like to see is to “keep the ball rolling” when it comes to the impact the district has.