Campaign Phone
3072759556
I am running because I love Wyoming. I was born in Laramie County and have been here most of my life. I am running for County Commissioner because change is on the horizon and more people in the county should have a voice in those changes. My career as the environmental manager for a multinational corporation provides me with experience in industrial siting and utilization of scarce resources like water and power that will be vitally necessary in the near future. Additionally, my involvement in the development of large industrial projects provides me with the experience in consensus building and community involvement that local officials sometimes lack.
Ensuring that our scarce water resources are managed and developed in ways that ensure that our grandchildren will have enough water for a high quality of life is the challenge that must be met by residents of Cheyenne and the rural county alike. There is less water in the Ogalla Aquifer every year.
Water scarcity is part of a broader challenge to make science-based decisions that will impact our future. Unfettered access to information is a critical aspect of this decision making. That is why the work of the Library Board is critical to me and choosing board members wisely will be an important aspect of what I hope to accomplish as a county commissioner.
Data centers are controversial because they bring obviously good things as well as obviously bad things to the county. Jobs are great. Good union jobs are even better. However, noise, water use, power use, and the impact on the community of a huge influx of people are all negatives that must be addressed. I am a proponent of ensuring that all data centers and data center expansions that meet a threshold criteria of water use, power use, and construction employees go through the Wyoming DEQ Industrial Siting process regardless of the cost of the expansion or whether the expansion occurs in a pre-zoned industrial business parks.
The current process leaves almost no voice for county residents who do not live in the city. My view is that all annexations should be approved by the county commissioners after a well-publicized public comment period. The city should not be able to unilaterally annex county land without county commissioner and resident approval.
Campaign Phone
307-293-6520
I am running for Laramie County Commissioner because I believe residents deserve transparent government, responsible growth, and leadership that asks tough questions before major decisions are made.
My background includes healthcare, retail operations, small business ownership, and community involvement. As a business owner, I negotiated commercial leases, managed expenses, solved problems, and learned firsthand that every dollar matters. These experiences taught me accountability, budgeting, and the importance of listening to people with different perspectives.
I will approach every issue with an open mind, seek facts before forming opinions, and work to ensure county government remains responsive to the people it serves.
One of the greatest challenges facing Laramie County is managing growth responsibly while maintaining the quality of life that residents value. Large development projects, including proposed data centers and workforce housing projects, raise important questions about whether our infrastructure and public services can keep pace. Residents already experience challenges in areas such as transportation, public safety, and access to services. We need thoughtful planning to ensure growth benefits our community rather than straining the resources residents depend on.
I believe county leaders must support growth by sound planning, transparency, and public input. I will ask tough questions, seek facts, and work to prioritize the needs of taxpayers.
I do not believe the question is as simple as supporting or opposing data centers. I support economic development and job creation, but I also believe residents deserve clear information about the long-term impacts of major projects.
Before moving forward with large-scale developments, county leaders should carefully evaluate infrastructure needs, water resources, energy demands, public services, and the overall costs and benefits to taxpayers. Residents deserve transparency and meaningful input throughout the process.
My focus is not on whether a project carries a particular label, but on whether it is a good long-term fit for Laramie County and the people who live here.
Annexation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. I generally support annexation when it is requested by property owners and provides clear benefits such as access to city services and infrastructure.
When annexation is proposed over the objections of property owners or affected residents, government should have a compelling and transparent reason for moving forward. Elected officials should carefully consider property rights, infrastructure impacts, costs, benefits, and long-term community planning. Residents deserve meaningful input and a clear understanding of how annexation decisions will affect them.
Campaign Phone
3072229312
Running as a Democrat in Wyoming, I'm not a typical candidate. I grew up in Pennsylvania's Rust Belt, where blue-collar jobs and steel were king and which exposed me to issues not unlike the coal and oil industries here. Wyoming is special, but it's struggling. What I offer comes down to this: showing integrity and respect in dealing with all people, tempering tradition with opportunity, taking pride in honest work, and building a strong community that can face rapid change head-on. Over a span of 50 years I've gained broad experience facing challenges with rapidly changing technology, computer use in schools, applying climate data research for sociological benefit, and designing the National Science Digital Library for K-16 education.
Navigating tradition vs. change vs. opportunity when they seem to be mutually exclusive. This means managing the wave of change with intention. Data center development is here. We must review and bolster our county guidelines in this new light to assure we do not jeopardize the health of our residents, our precious resources, the beauty of our natural environment, and our budgets.
I support economic growth when it aligns with a broader, intentional plan that considers the wellbeing of constituents and environment. Data centers in Wyoming offer the potential for life-altering growth and may well make sense but have arrived like a train rushing full bore when no tracks have yet been laid. To many in the county it feels like a train wreck in the making. It came with quiet secrecy by city and county officials, lack of public explanation, compounded by refusal to seriously consider reasonable pleas for time to build the needed infrastructure plans and has bred mistrust at a deep level.
City annexations of county lands for data center development in my view are being done hurriedly and disingenuously at the least, and possibly employing questionable workarounds to avoid responsible safeguards that are built into the industrial development ordinances involving the Department of Environmental Quality. The result seems to be insufficient regard for many issues known and unknown that are unquestionably inherent in any volatile, erratic, frenzied introduction of world-altering change (such as AI demand) in an already tumultuous political environment.
Campaign Phone
307-640-4248
To preserve Laramie County for future generations, and leave Laramie County a better place than we found it.
Not preserving our western heritage, i'm putting more emphasis on water and Land and drought conditions protecting the farmers and ranchers that feed America.
Also not putting big issues like data centers on the ballot for a vote. Putting it on the ballot lets the people of Laramie County decided and not five people in the back room.
I believe if it was on a ballot vote and the people passed it that the commissioners should do a better job and negotiating with these multi billion dollar companies, for example, put a tariff on them and give the money to law-enforcement. Our schools libraries get something for our community instead of just giving them a tax incentive.
Because if we had that money to help our community, we could give more tax breaks on private property.
Very Concern of a mass annexation would cause surrounding property owners some serious issues. If data centers are a good thing and the people want then, they should be just fine in the county why does the city want an annex the property owners so it'll be a part of the city and even if the owner wants to be annex who has the right as the property owners that right, but you need to respect your neighbors because they have rights too and need protected also.
Campaign Phone
(307)640-3454
Laramie County is rural ag land, even though the center of population is in Cheyenne and the surrounding ranchettes. I was raised on an farm in Western Nebraska, where I learned to value our natural resources. Actions have consequences. It is vital that the long term impact of development be part of the discussion when industrial projects in particular are considered. I have experience as a small business owner, understanding the challenges they face daily. I have also worked in retail sales. Wyoming is where we choose to return to raise our family, following retirement from the military. I am the only Commissioner who resides outside Cheyenne in Laramie County. I am an active listener, who will work for balanced common sense solutions.
Larmie County is experiencing unprecedented growth in population and economic diversity. This change has come about in a short time. Many feel that local government & large digital companies haven't been transparent about the data centers, wind or solar projects. Increased transparency is needed by all involved, as the number of industrial projects increase. Population growth has led to an increased demand for housing at nearly all levels of affordability and is putting additional demands upon local infrastructure.
I support the development of data centers as long as they are developed the Wyoming way and protect our natural resources. Americans are producing data everyday from military research, medical, banking, employment records, personal data via social media etc. At one time companies stored much of this data on site. With the current data explosion it is more cost effective for them to move these documents to "The Cloud" which in reality is the data centers.
Large acreages of land that are annexed into the city decrease the property tax base for the county. this presents funding challenges not only for county government, but also for the fire districts where the parcels lay. Statutorily the county doesn't have a say in whether or not land is annexed into the city as long as it meets the current state statute. The land is often annexed at the request of the developer or land owner. They are exercising their property rights. Smaller parcels, known as County Pockets, may be unilaterally annexxed without being subject to standard appeals if 75% of the land is contiguious to the city. The city may not annex in such a manner creates " County Pockets."
Campaign Phone
3076302906
It has been an honor to serve Laramie County for a decade as an LCCC Trustee, currently Chairman of the Board. I’m running to bring my leadership experience to new challenges. I advocate for a clear Mission Statement and Strategic Plan to prioritize taxpayer funds and ensure total transparency. I want to build a county where our kids stay and raise families, which requires smart growth and high-wage jobs. I also aim to develop the Archer Complex into a regional treasure with a Master Plan, and ensure the 2020 Carey Ave building has a concrete purpose, just as I helped transform LCCC. Please share your concerns; I am here to listen.
Laramie County faces three main challenges: trust, growth, and sustainability. First, transparency is lacking; residents need clear tracking of tax dollars to rebuild trust. Second, rapid development pressures require smart planning to protect our ranching heritage and manage data centers responsibly. Third, we must retain youth by creating new opportunities.
If elected, I will address these by bringing transparency, disciplined planning, and responsible growth. First, I will ensure taxpayers can easily track project spending. Second, I will develop a comprehensive strategic plan to keep government focused. Third, I will update the Comprehensive Plan to guide smart, compatible growth.
I support the development of data centers in Laramie County, but only through "smart growth" rather than "growth at any cost." I do not oppose them, as they have been a state priority for 15 years. However, I strongly object to the current lack of transparent planning regarding their locations. We must know where they will be built to avoid trapping residents and to properly plan surrounding housing. To fix this, I advocate for updating the Laramie County Comprehensive Plan, unrevised since 2016, to clearly zone industrial versus residential area.
While state law governs the mechanics of municipal annexation, as a County Commissioner I would prioritize collaboration with the City under shared land-use frameworks like PlanCheyenne, they play an essential role. I view legal annexation as a practical tool to streamline infrastructure, enhance emergency response efficiency, and accommodate economic growth. Instead of taking an adversarial stance, as your County Commissioner I can and would actively participate in public hearings, advocate for fair transitional zoning, and work to ensure that annexed properties receive equitable city services without overburdening Laramie County's remaining taxpayers.
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Campaign Phone
3074214752
I am running for re-election because Laramie County has tremendous opportunities ahead, and I believe experienced, steady leadership is essential to ensuring growth benefits our residents while protecting the quality of life we value. As a sixth-generation Laramie County resident, County Commissioner for eight years, and Chairman for five, I have helped oversee budgets, public safety investments, infrastructure projects, and economic development initiatives. My 18 years in real estate and business leadership have given me practical experience in budgeting, workforce issues, and problem-solving. I offer a proven record of fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and delivering results for taxpayers.
The greatest challenge facing Laramie County is managing growth while ensuring essential services keep pace with the needs of our residents. Inflation has increased costs for families and local governments alike, while major investments in energy, defense, technology, and manufacturing are creating new opportunities. Our challenge is balancing that growth with the infrastructure, public safety, and workforce needs that support a thriving community.
To address this, I will continue focusing on responsible fiscal management, strategic infrastructure investments, and workforce partnerships that prepare local residents for good-paying jobs. We must capitalize on these opportunities while protecting our quality of life.
I support responsible data center development because I believe Laramie County can attract investment while protecting natural resources, preserving our quality of life, and respecting private property rights. Economic opportunity and responsible stewardship are not mutually exclusive.
My position is straightforward: if a project complies with the law, addresses legitimate impacts, respects neighboring landowners, and successfully navigates the public process, it deserves fair consideration. That approach protects property rights, encourages responsible growth, strengthens our tax base, and helps ensure Laramie County remains a place where opportunity, accountability, and common-sense governance work together.
My view on annexation begins with respecting private property rights. If a landowner chooses to pursue annexation because they believe it is in the best interest of their property, they have the right to make that request. At the same time, annexation decisions should be carefully considered because they affect future growth, service delivery, and community planning.
It is also important to understand that Wyoming law gives counties virtually no authority over annexation decisions. Annexation is a municipal process governed by state statute, and the final decision rests with the city and the affected property owners.
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Campaign Phone
307-221-1535
Having served the people of Wyoming for 40 years as a Professional Civil Engineer with WYDOT, I know I still have a few more good years of dedicated service left in me. I am ready to channel that experience into working for the citizens of Laramie County as your next County Commissioner.
My career has been defined by practical leadership and public service. As your Commissioner, my focus will be ensuring the safety, efficiency, and long-term prosperity of Laramie County for all of its citizens.
As a new candidate seeking election as a County Commissioner, I recognize that there are many complex county challenges I will need to master. However, my 40 years at WYDOT taught me that each day naturally brings a new set of hurdles; as soon as you successfully address one, another takes its place.
Managing evolving situations is exactly what I have done my entire career. I am fully prepared to hit the ground running, listen to constituents, and quickly master the unique, pressing challenges facing Laramie County today so that we can deliver real solutions.
I neither support nor oppose data centers; my focus is entirely on objective oversight. These facilities have undergone a rigorous, eight-year vetting process just to reach the construction permit stage for the first site. As Commissioner, I plan to thoroughly review the groundwork that has already been laid, as well as the protocols required for any future expansions.
In particular, I intend to closely examine their Environmental Impact Statements to understand exactly how they have pledged to mitigate potential issues. My priority is to ensure these corporations are held strictly accountable to their promises and that Laramie County's resources are fully protected.
Municipal annexation is a highly complex issue. Transferring oversight of county land to the City of Cheyenne is a permanent decision with far-reaching consequences; once land is annexed, it cannot be undone.
As the population of Cheyenne grows, it is natural that the city limits must expand. However, this growth acts like a stone thrown into a still pond—it creates a ripple effect. We must ask ourselves: what are the second and third ripples doing to the citizens of Laramie County?
During my career designing roadway plans for WYDOT, we were required to look 20 years into the future. To do that accurately, we carefully analyzed the previous 20 years of state growth data. We must bring that same long-term foresight to county planning.
Campaign Phone
3076308310
I am running for reelection for county commissioner because I care deeply about our county and have chosen to raise my family here. I am a small business owner and have been for the past 27 years, I know the responsibilities and demands of signing both sides of a paycheck. I am a four-term incumbent on the commission, so I have the experience and knowledge to make the tough decisions. I will continue to make intelligent, rational decisions based on honest family values.
The greatest challenge we are facing is the high volume of industrial sized projects and the need to house construction workers for those projects. As I have done for the past fifteen years, I will assess and evaluate each and every project in Laramie County: taking into consideration private property rights; economic development and job creation potential; as well as potential adverse effects on neighbors. With that information in hand, I will vote for what is best for our community.
I was a part of the commission that voted to bring Microsoft to Laramie County 14 years ago. Since that time, Microsoft has become one of the top three annual property tax payers in the county. Data centers create high paying permanent jobs as well as construction jobs. New data centers use closed loop cooling systems, limiting water consumption and many are using a Wyoming product (natural gas) by building gas powered generators for their electricity needs.
It is imperative that the county commissioners work with these companies to address their work force issues to lessen the impact on our community.
There are many benefits to having data centers in Laramie County and I support them being developed here.
Annexation is done per state statute. State law does not allow me as a county commissioner to play a role in annexation. While I do not agree with forced annexation, I believe that municipalities have a right and a need to grow. If a private landowners wishes to be annexed into a municipality, and that annexation is within the rules of state statute, then that annexation should be allowed to occur.
Campaign Phone
307-640-2651
I am running for office because I believe that I can make a difference, especially in more ground-level matters such as maintenance of the roads.
What most people I've spoken to think say is the lack of money flowing into the county. I believe that the best solution for that would be to try to encourage (and potentially help out) small businesses to see natural economic growth.
I oppose the data centers in Laramie County because all they do is take up resources without giving us anything tangible in return.
I personally believe that the City should not be annexing County land, as all it does is disrupt the lives of those in both areas.
