Standing room only at candidate forum

Monday evening, the Thermopolis Middle School Commons was packed with political candidates and their constituents for public forum. Candidates from the town, county, state and federal level were each given two minutes to introduce themselves, and another 90 seconds for each question presented to them if any. Following is some information presented by the candidates, grouped by the position they are seeking.

Senator

Speaking on behalf of Senator John Barrasso was his wife, Bobbi, who said her husband takes his job seriously. She further noted he knows it is his job to represent Wyoming. John, Bobbi said is a lifelong conservative Repbulican who is proud to support the President and his conservative efforts in our country. Additionally, she said, he is also proud of the largest tax cut in 30 years and what it has done for people across the state and country. He is also proud, she said, of having worked on rolling back regulations and law that are burdensome to Wyoming businesses and economy, and working with his colleagues to confirm a conservative justice to the Supreme Court.

Bobbi said John also works tirelessly on behalf of the people of Wyoming, taking comments back to Wyoming and being our voice there.

Charles Hardy said one of the major problems in politics is money, which is something he's been talking about that for years. Among the concerns he has include the costs associated with healthcare, the minimum wage that hasn't been raised in nine years, fiscal responsibility and money in politics.

US Representative

Greg Hunter, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, said he has 35 years experience dealing with federal issues and has worked for almost every agency and earned his way to Washington D.C. He didn't like what he had to do to stay there, so he left and has been primarily working for land management agencies. He said he loves the West and our public lands, and supports keeping them in public hands. He also noted there have been higher rates and costs related to healthcare, which needs to be looked into hard. He plans to govern based on Constitutional principles, and would work to ensure energy, tourism and agriculture get the most "bang for the buck" so money comes back to the Legislature to fund public education.

Governor

Phyllis Baker, co-chair of the Sam Galeotos for Governor campaign in the county, read a letter from Galeotos. Among the information presented about the candidate was his being a third generation Wyoming resident, born and raised in Cheyenne, his strong pro-life stance, his defense of the Second Amendment and his support of conservative values. Galeotos is running for Senator, Baker said, because he believes this is a critical time for the state. His focus will be on an education system that prepares kids for Wyoming jobs, economic growth and building of the private sector. Additionally, she said, he would fight for lower taxes, less regulation, and protection of schools, businesses, farmers, ranchers and natural resources.

Presenting a letter on behalf of Mark Gordon was his wife, Jennie, who noted he was busy as the State Treasurer and his campaigning. Gordon, she said, grew up on a family ranch and he continues to ranch. He is a lifelong conservative, and advocate for smaller government closest to the people and a defender of the Second Amendment, Jennie said, and has worked in industries most important to Wyoming – energy, agriculture and tourism. As treasurer, she noted, he has grown state funds by $5 billion, modernized the office to do more with less and stood up against federal overreach. She said he has a proven record of saving taxpayers money, working with the Legislature to bring Wyoming businesses and defending the Constitution.

Harriet Hageman said she grew up on a ranch and comes from a long line of ranchers, teachers and small business owners. She said she has spent the past 20 years of her career fighting to protect private property rights, civil rights and water rights. Additionally, she's worked with the Farm Bureau on many issues and has worked for federal regulatory reform. She also noted she's worked to protect farmers, ranchers, municipalities, counties and the state, and plans to do much more if elected governor. She is running for three primary reasons – federal and state regulatory reform, getting the "fiscal house" in order as Wyoming is facing a $1.15 billion structural deficit and to ensure the state's legacy industries are protected.

Taylor Haynes described himself as a "pure constitutionalist." He is running on a platform of taking over management of all federally-managed lands with the exception of Yellowstone/Grand Teton, Devils Tower a couple other small lands that would be considered monuments. This is important, he explained, because private property is "the key to liberty and success." A state having control of all of the property within its borders, he continued, can use the natural resource from that property to protect itself from taxes and unconstitutional agencies. Many such agencies, he noted, aren't bad people, but have crossed the line between the federal government constitutional authority and state constitutional authority.

Auditor

Kristi Racines believes and wants a government that is efficient, cost effective and accountable to the people. She is a fourth generation native to Wyoming and a UW graduate. She said she loves Wyoming and can't imagine living anywhere else. The auditor is the "chief accountant of the state." As a CPA and currently a CFO for the State Judicial Branch, she prepares a budget of about $80 million and is in charge of Human Resources for the branch. The auditor, she said, does not get to be just a figurehead. "There's a real job to do there, and I have the skills to do this job."

Nathan Winters said he has been campaigning on a message of efficiency and transparency in government. Winters has served as the District 28 Representative and said he wouldn't step away from that unless he felt he could better serve as Auditor. Winters explained the CPA auditing function was actually taken out of the Auditor's office in 1989 and placed under the Department of Audit with a director appointed by the governor. What it became about then, he said, was leadership and he's had time to "really build up what is necessary for this office. Within the office, he said, it's important to have efficiency and accountability. He further noted he's currently the House Republican Caucus Chair and Vice Chair of Judiciary, along with being a member of several committees, which has given him the leadership skills needed for the Auditor position.

Treasurer

Leland Christensen noted this past year's budget saw a $1 billion structural deficit. Wyoming, he said, must can and must increase investment returns while remaining prudent. He said he's the best prepared to bring increased returns, not new taxes. He noted his family's been involved in various Wyoming industries, and he's served as a Wyoming law man, county commissioner and state senator. He's found the state has real opportunity to improve our financial help. As a member of the State Land and Investment Board, he strongly supports investing in Wyoming and knows the impact of dollars that come back to Main Street. He also knows of the threat of new taxes, and plans to fight them as Treasurer.

Curtis Meier said he's been a senator since 1995, serving eight years on the Appropriations Committee and 10 years on the retirement system. He said he knows a little about investing, pointing out in his own personal investing since 1989 has had returns of 17.66 percent. Increasing investing in Wyoming is important, he said, for the economy, to balance the budget and to pay the K-12 education bills. The first thing to do is a forensic audit on all account, sub-account and contract so they know what they have and what they have to change.

District 28 Rep

Tim Morrison said he was a county commissioner for eight years, and has experience dealing with multimillion budget and employees over 100. As a member of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, he said, he also got experience in dealing with legislative committees, testifying before the Legislature and helping draft legislation. As a commissioner, he learned how to work with fellow commissioners and county elected officials. He said he would tirelessly serve the people of House District 28, and work with other Wyoming representatives to address the needs of the people and the needs of the district.

John Winter was born and raised in Cody, graduated from UW with a degree in range management, and worked for the BLM for about 15 years as a range econ and wild horse management. He said his passion is natural resources and common sense management. Additionally, he's been working to broaden his knowledge of the issue in the county. Though he admitted he's got a long way to go but he's excited for the opportunity. With regard to natural resource management, Winter said there's a lot of problems stemming from the federal government but the state also has a duty to address the issues and make sense of them. He noted his concerns include predators and wildfire, and he's also interested in regard to education and transportation.

Howie Samelson, who is running unopposed for District 28, said there are many important races to be decided in the primary election. This is a critical time for the state, he said, and when looking at issues the Legislature will face in the next couple years he sees opportunities we can all unite around, including education, energy, the environment, employment, entrepreneurship, economic diversification, equality for all residents and promotion of elections that are free and fair. Samelson noted many people already know him as a member of many civic, arts and educational organizations, but he wants to use his skills now to engage in meaningful dialog to build consensus and promote compromise in the Legislature.

Following their introductions, the candidates were asked what their thoughts were of the Wyoming Pioneer Home remaining in Thermopolis rather than becoming privatized.

Morrison simply stated, "The Wyoming Pioneer Home will stay in Thermopolis, period." Winter said he agrees, noting there's some real concerns from the residents and they need to make the right decision. Samelson said this was just another area where people are unified in the needs for the community and state, and we just need to move forward on ensuring that it stays here.

HSC Sheriff

Jerimie Kraushaar explained he's been a deputy for the county since 2004 and at last count, was one of only 60 drug recognition experts in the state. He further noted he has plenty of experience in controlled buys from dealers in the county. He's also a child forensic interviewer and second point of contact for the county for the sex offender registry. He intends to be a working sheriff and accountable to all in Hot Springs County.

Concerning the drug problem in the county, Kraushaar said it's out of hand. Law enforcement knows who the dealers are, and laws are in the books to protect the criminals. Kraushaar said it should be that way, as officers should have to work hard to deal with them. Many people ask why officers don't just go after people, Kraushaar said, and noted there are steps that have to be taken, which they do.

The vandalism issue with the state park, he said, is there are good kids who get really bored so officers have to try and interact with them the best they can. There are pro-active patrols, he said, but unfortunately they can't provide 24-hour coverage. That is where a working deputy would be beneficial, he said.

Tom Christensen said he was a deputy here 15 years ago and is professionally certified in peace officer and detention. One of his biggest concerns is not getting our money's worth with the sheriff's office nearly $800,000 budget. He believes the office is lacking leadership, and somebody needs to be available to take and be responsible for calls. He noted his phone number is listed, and regardless if he's elected he'll be available to answer questions. Christensen also said he would do the best job he could, and that anyone who puts on the badge and takes the oath are good people, but some need leadership to continue on and do the best job in the county.

Christensen said there is a bad problem with meth, with heroin coming up as a close second. He said the way to address it is to get every user and "squeeze them a little bit, get what we can out of them and just work our way up the ladder."

Christensen agreed there needs to be patrol at odd hours, and noted criminals can figure out when officers go home. He suggested a rotating shift from 12-8 a.m., and having schedules that provide more coverage with fewer people.

Dan Pebbles noted he has a very diverse work background in his 31 years of law enforcement here. Pebbles grew up wanting to be a cowboy, and noted cowboy ethics include living each day with courage, taking pride in work, always finishing what you started, doing what has to be done, being tough but fair, keeping promises, riding for the brand – in this case, law enforcement and the people they serve – talking less and saying more, honesty, integrity, duty and knowing where to draw the line. Pebbles said he's lived this code his whole life, and would continue to do so as sheriff.

With regard to fixing the vandalism problem, Pebbles suggested using cameras with motion sensors and more vigilant patrol, possibly in unmarked vehicles.

Regarding drug issues, Pebbles said he's worked hundreds of drug cases. The drug issue is one that involves everyone, he said, and combating it involves talking to people and working with the county attorney's office In a small town, everyone knows who the officers and their families are so they can't just walk up to dealers and make buys. He hopes they might completely stop the problem, but noted they need to never stop trying.

Pat Cornwell came to Thermopolis in 2003 and was hired on with the police department. He plans to focus on the job of sheriff and be a working sheriff, "one that's going to take the calls, one that's going to do everything he can to find the criminals and put them where they need to be."

Cornwell noted meth is a problem, and noted officers daily are getting marijuana stops and drug interdiction stops, and there's only so much one person can be squeezed. Officers are hitting the dealers, he said, but when one person is taken out five more show up. Looking at marijuana, he said until the law changes it is still an illegal drug and they will do the same thing they do with meth abusers. "We'll put them in jail where they belong, and hopefully the judges get tired of seeing them every day."

Cornwell said he would also like to see deputies working after 10 p.m., when most of the vandalism is happening. He pointed out that's just how things are with being down to two deputies and recently coming back up to four. He also suggested working with the police department to patrol areas and stop vandalism.

Michael Nelson said he believes he is the most qualified for the position, noting his qualifications were on flyers he had at the forum. Additionally, he believes he has the most experience. A major focus for Nelson is bringing contemporary training and resources to current deputies. He would also take a very pro-active approach to the growing drug problem, and noted an issue is that local officers can't write their own search warrants.

Nelson acknowledged the drug problem is here, and will be until driven off. There are steps to take and there are people who know who is doing it, he said, but none of that matters if officers can't make a case or write a search warrant. The county is not yet a high intensity drug trafficking area, and Nelson said that is not desirable as it would hurt the tourism industry.

Nelson said a problem is not having 24-hour coverage. People know when the police "go to bed" and that is when the crimes are happening. He also said officers need to develop a relationship with the public, with children, to where they talk to law enforcement and provide good information to make a case.

Thermopolis Mayor

Forrest Coleman-Weisz described himself as ambitious, and acknowledged there are issues the mayor and council need to take of care of. He further noted there are resources to use and people to access, and new ideas are always welcome. Among the focal points for the town, he said should be expanding economy to bring new businesses to the town and county, which would provide income for families and bolstered tax revenue. Another point is using that expanded tax base to anticipate and pay for increasing cost of infrastructure. A third point is brokering and maintaining a good relationship between other towns and the county. "I'm a firm believer that we are stronger together and we should be working for the shared goal of prosperity and financial stability for all."

Coleman-Weisz said when it comes to infrastructure we need to do what we can to promote the town. There are some very stout benefits to the town, he said, and we should do what we can to appeal to new industries to town and bring their money and tax dollars to town. There are budgetary issues, he said, but bringing people and money to town will help us afford what our streets need.

Mike Chimenti said he is a Wyoming native and spent most of his adult life in Thermopolis. He's been involved in law enforcement for more than 40 years, serving two terms as chief of police under two different mayors, and has been on several committees. Chimenti believes there needs to be a strong infrastructure, and if it breaks or completely goes down the economy slows or stops. He would like to maintain and ensure there is a good source of drinking water and that the city and county agencies start working together to address the issues "not just in the city, but county-wide."

Asked about street conditions and infrastructure maintenance, Chimenti said without infrastructure and street the town comes apart and there is no forward motion for the economy. It's expensive to replace infrastructure and while not one for raising taxes "but we need to figure out how we're going to get this done." Chimenti said he would not be the only one on the council, and he would work with the other four members to get the job done.

Bradyn Harvey said he and his family love the town and community. Being a native, he said, has provided him opportunity to see what the town has as well as its untapped potential. Harvey said a mayor needs to have certain qualities to properly serve the community, including integrity, devotion, loyalty, fiscal responsibility, leadership, honesty and the ability to be a team player, all of which, he noted, he possesses. If elected mayor, Harvey said he would be a public servant and devoted to the community. Harvey would like to help implement more family-friendly activities, work to find solutions to the current water issues, such as an underground water source. He also plans to work with law enforcement to address the drug problem.

Regarding streets and infrastructure, Harvey said there are better ways to spend money than having the newest equipment, such as putting the pavement down.

Current mayor Mike Mortimore noted he was on the council in the late 1980's and mayor through a good part of the 90's. He then got on the council again and has been mayor since 2014. He said he's running because there are some issues coming up and he believes it is important there is someone with experience taking care of it. He noted people had been speaking about more law enforcement, but cautioned such actions would mean more taxes. "I don't like taxes. I'm not going to raise taxes so we work with what we get.

As for streets and infrastructure, Mortimore said there is a current "chip and seal" program, through which about 10-15 blocks can be repaired for $100,000. Doing what needs to be done, he said, which includes tearing up streets and fixing infrastructure, would cost about $2.2 million for a section the length of 14th Street. Ways to do that, he explained, include creating an improvement district and having a neighborhood pay for it or by doing bond issues. Currently, he said, the chip and seal program is working though it may be an inconvenience.

Town Council

For Town Council, John Fish was the only candidate appearing at the forum. Fish said he chose to run for council because he wanted to step up and do something about the issues. Born and raised in Cody, he moved to Thermopolis 40 years ago. About 27 years ago, he started working for Hot Springs State Park, which he describes as running a town in itself. Tourism, he said, is what will help the community, and he's got some ideas of promoting what we have to bring in tourists. "We're going to have to all work together, because if we're not growing we're dying."

As for how the town's nuisance ordinance should be handled, Fish noted this is a senior community and suggested working together to help those folks who can't get their lawns mowed or eliminate other issues that could be considered nuisance. He further suggested developing a "task force" to address such issues, reiterating that everyone is in this together.

HSC Attorney

Although running unopposed, County Attorney Jerry Williams said he has a simple philosophy – everybody is responsible for their actions. Sometimes mistakes are made, but his office is there to get citizens back on the right track. He added if you hurt others you need to be responsible for that, too. His job is to figure out who needs a hand up and who needs locked up.

HSC Clerk

Incumbent clerk Nina Webber's main platform is keeping our elections safe and secure as well as seeing all our taxpayer dollars are strictly accounted for. She has been working on digitizing the county records and would like to see the project through.

She added the goal is to have all the county records digitized as it is part of our county's history. Granted, it is a slow process, but it is for the future. She would also, eventually, like to have them all available online.

Rose Deseyn is a 22-year resident of the county with 14 years working for the county and 16 years in banking. She said she sees her part as county clerk to be one not just of leadership, but being a team worker, too, hands-on along with everyone else right at the counter. Willing to work hard with the commissioners, she is looking forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Hot Springs County.

When the question of digitizing the county records was asked, Deseyn said she has been doing the same thing with all of the records in the district court so she is quite familiar with the process. Ultimately, she would like to see it all in a manner where people could access the information themselves.

Joe Martinez is the third candidate for clerk and has served not only on the school board, but several other local and state boards in his career. He said he is a team worker and is committed to the community. He would like to research grants for more funding for the county and is able, now, to be more involved. He sees the county as something great that will survive the ups and downs.

Martinez is all for digitizing our records. He looks at it as an ongoing project and leadership and teamwork is what will get the job done. It will need to be done systematically over a period of years and he's ready to take on the project's management.

HSC Commissioners

Tom Ryan is the incumbent running again for County Commissioner. According to Ryan, one important issue facing the county right now is water, particularly drinking water. He would like to see the re-development of the property where the old airport was become reality, and added that the condition of the county roads are a continual issue.

When asked what the most important issue facing the county is, Ryan said he doesn't see one 'most important', not one issue that is particularly pressing, but there has been a tremendous decrease in revenue. Now, we're seeing a bit of an up-tic, but he stated the job is really managing the county the best you can.

Steve Shay is retiring as chief-of-police and said now he has the time to devote to being a commissioner. He feels his experiences in law enforcement should transfer well to being on the board.

He agrees with Ryan that there are a lot of issues out there facing the commissioners, but none float to the top other than a stable source of funding. Shay would like to see the board foster some new things to provide some additional legs under the table. He agrees, as well, that water is another issue that needs addressed.

Jack Baird said he would like to keep some common sense on the Board of County Commissioners, a conservative view. He pointed out everyone depends on the government. He feels the senior center is an important issue to keep a handle on.

The budget is definitely the most important thing to Baird. It's the commissioners' job to take care of it he said and if there are other hot button issues that come up, they'll deal with them as they come.

Mike Leisch is also on the ballot for commissioner, having been a life-long resident of Hot Springs County. He feels his experience as a business owner and an accountant will go a long way on the board.

Leisch said he has no axe to grind in running for commissioner, but he has a lot to learn. He has been attending the commissioners meetings of late in order to get a handle on what the issues are.