To continue the good work serving Laramie citizens by streamlining services, solving problems and creating impactful policy. I’m experienced and collaborative. Importantly, this is a team effort and I want to be part of the team. Working with our amazing council, city staff, and our many volunteer members of the community that serve on the various boards and commissions has been important and rewarding. Additionally, partnering with our county commissioners to create budgetary efficiencies and our legislative delegation to assist with the creation of good policy all with the singular focus of serving and improving Laramie and Albany County.

Plus:

If I had to pick just one reason, one issue or one focus area with a long-term benefit for the citizens of Laramie I’d like to continue my work with the Ranch Advisory Commission. So much work to do related to the city/citizen owned Hart and Monolith ranches and so many opportunities for: a) revenue generation; b) nature conservation to include: preservation of wildlife, plants, and their habitats; c) historic preservation with tourism and education possibilities; d) public access; e) ranching partnerships; f) outdoor education; and g) water rights. The water rights these two properties hold is the main reason for the investment and importance to the city. Transitioning agriculture water right to municipal use is a long-term (decades) endeavor and process.  Currently 40% of our municipal drinking water comes from the Laramie River and the reason we (the citizens of Laramie) own these properties is to protect and provide to the best of our ability our municipal water source and supply. May it continue to be available for many future generations.

I moved from Alaska to Wyoming in 1998. Started working for the University of Wyoming in 2003. Officially became a city of Laramie resident in 2009. Therefore, I’ve lived in the city of Laramie for 15 years.

Housing, to include all types: rental, low-income, affordable, workforce, single and multi-family. Specifically, workforce housing.

I have been a dedicated member of the Laramie City Council, representing Ward 2 for over 11 years. During my tenure, I served three two-year terms as Vice-Mayor. Part of my city council responsibilities include serving on various boards and commissions. I’m currently serving on the Ranch Advisory Commission, Laramie Urban Renew Agency, Urban Systems Advisory Committee, and the Rifle Range. Known for my collaborative approach and extensive experience, I hold a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Wyoming, which I earned in 2008. Beyond my council duties, I devoted over two decades to the University of Wyoming mostly assisting remote learners through the Online & Continuing Education division.

I’m very supportive of the recent property tax relief provided by the state especially for veterans and those over 65 who have paid property tax for 25 years or more. In most cases (not all) when the state provides a benefit for citizens or a reduction to the municipal budget, it also provides an increase perhaps via direct distribution funds so the municipality can remain revenue neutral. At least this is the hope. At this point, the total fiscal impact and if the state will backfill funds is unknown. Based on materials provided and discussions with the county assessor’s office and city staff it is too early to know the exact reduction. Spending Priority One-Essential services (fire, police….); Spending Priority Two-Infrastructure.

It is unfortunate. Recall, the topic did not make it out of committee the last time it was discussed, hopefully this will occur again. Currently, Corporations, Elections, & Political Subdivisions has opted to revisit. Their next meeting is scheduled for 7/30-31/24 in Evanston. I hope to attend and speak in support. ASUW (Associated Students of UW) was our strongest supporter of the ordinance and hopefully will be again. The ordinance is about basic health and safety standards and is complaint driven. Importantly, the Laramie ordinance was legally challenged and stands amended with few changes.

Housing. Some changes recently approved can be achieved by ordinance and some require different steps. Recent housing development changes include multi/single family zoning (set backs, lot width, lot size), additional dwelling units, downtown commercial zone (parking and building height), and the establishment of the urban renewal authority. These proactive changes have already sparked development. City Council should continue to discuss and amend infrastructure, zoning, parking and fee requirements. Importantly, an ordinance needs to be approved three times and a public hearing must be held. The quickest an ordinance can be passed is six weeks. Public comments at each reading/hearing are accepted and encouraged.

Yes, while recognizing we all might define ‘affordable’ differently. How-three additional considerations: a) Given this is a statewide issue, working with our legislative delegation to encourage the development of a statewide mechanisms or grant opportunity to assist communities and developers with costs, specifically infrastructure costs; b) Private-Public Partnerships; and c) Continue local discussions regarding building and infrastructure requirements related to set backs, lot width, lot size, and other potential modifications.

a) Offer a pass during the next registration period to those landlords that have registered, given many have not; b) Develop incentives to encourage landlords that have not registered; c) Create a seal that can be displayed to show renters that their landlord is participating; d) Improve city website; and e) Create a new social media campaign to inform residents. Broadly, work with our current legislative delegation, Wyoming Association of Municipalities, and Associated Students of UW to continue to educate the legislature and provide public testimony to the Corporations committee that has decided to hear the issue this month.

The Police Advisory Board is new and has only had five meetings to date. They are public and previous meeting topics include: a) board roles and responsibilities; b) internal investigations; c) hiring and training; d) patrol rifles; and e) Volunteers of America. It is too early to rate effectiveness. The formation of a civilian oversight board is impossible based on current Wyoming statute. A fact that is repeatedly overlooked and forgotten! This is a discussion for the legislature, not the city. If legislation changes, then a local discussion becomes an option.

Yes, absolutely. Achieving net zero by 2050 is going to be challenging but not impossible. Future councils should continue with this goal, require regular achievement updates and be flexible as technology changes and what might be considered difficult today may not be difficult in 2034. Additionally, the city should not stand alone. Finding other partners and a broad community wide commitment should be encouraged.

The city is already playing a vital and important role in the development and return of public transportation in Laramie and Albany County as the transit planning project has begun. Late in 2023, the city applied for and accepted a $160,000 pass through federal grant from the Wyoming Department of Transportation with a $40,000 match from the city. Early in 2024 the County Commissioners reinstated the Albany County Transit Authority. Importantly, this project requires the support of local partners. The planning project will identify gaps, financial sustainability, quantify need for low-income and disadvantaged populations, and create an operational model.

Yes. Enforcement has been an issue but that is being addressed. Stay tuned. Most parking complaints pertain to downtown or around the university. Years ago, city staff presented a plan to expand permit parking around campus and council did not support. That was a mistake and should be revisited. During recent council meetings related to downtown parking it became apparent that some residents, business owners, and employees have magnified the problem by not parking a few blocks away to provide space for customers. Once downtown is united in parking practices a needs assessment should follow. Perhaps, conducted by the Downtown Development Authority.

Yes. I am one of three remaining council members that voted yes to establish the nondiscrimination ordinance in 2015. The creation of this ordinance was: a) not easy; b) a team effort; c) a year long process; and d) an amazing accomplishment. The recent establishment of the human rights commission added an additional 5 points to Laramie’s Municipality Equality Index score, moving from 89/100 in 2023 to 94/100 in 2024. Additional points are possible by providing all gender facilities and required annual inclusive diversity workplace training for all employees. Laramie has the highest score in the state!

There are virtually no extra funds as Laramie is in the services to people business and it takes people to provide services. Services include: a) essential (police, fire…); b) infrastructure (water, sewer…), c) capital construction (roads…), and d) other (parks, recreation…). Laramie’s revenue generation ability is statutorily provided by and dependent upon the state. Specifically, we are in the process of creating a joint ranch (Monolith and Hart) operations plan. If elected, I will be a strong voice for additional revenue reserved for ranch operations as the Laramie River provides 40% of our municipal drinking water.

Collaborative, communicative, respectful, open, and effective. With the singular goal of providing the best and most cost-effective services and opportunities to the citizens of Laramie.