2016 Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup Wyoming Newspapers, Inc.
Guide
Published Nov. 1 and 4, 2016
Page 2 • November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup
2016 General Election Candidates County Races
State Races House District 20 Republican Albert Sommers
Senate District 14 Republican Fred Baldwin
Democratic Jeanne Brown
Democratic Charlotte Sedey
County commissioners Republican Mack Rawhouser David Burnett Tom Noble
House District 22 Republican Marti Halverson
Senate District 16 Republican Dan Dockstader
Democratic Courtney J. Skinner Tim Lingle Kendra Cross
Democratic Marylee White
Democratic Richard Kusaba
Independent Kay Malkowski Soil Conservation District At Large David Pape Craig J. Smith Rural Meghann D. Smith Jim Albritton-McDonald Rural Health Care District Mandy L Norris Michael Pompy Wendy Boman Kathy Anderson
School Distrcit #1 School District #9 Dawn Marquardt Bill Tanner Adam Linn Bobby Hammer Melanie Bennett Brian Knotts Darby Hoffman Ray B. Pape Brian Meador Greg Clark Upper Green River Cemetery District Jana Bloxham Kent Van Ron Wilson Big Piney Cemetery District Bob Wilson Linda Leonard Valerie Williams
Tuesday, November 8
Precincts
Polling location 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
I’m voting for
Wendy Boman for Health Care District Paid for by Marti Seipp
Pinedale 1-1
Wrangler Gym – Pinedale
Pinedale West 1-3
Wrangler Gym
Boulder 1-4
Boulder Community Center
Big Piney 2-1
Marbleton Senior Center
Marbleton 2-2
Marbleton Senior Center
Cora 4-1
Kendall Valley Fire Hall
Daniel 4-2
Daniel Schoolhouse
Bondurant 5-1
Bondurant Elementary School
Thank You
Sublette County School District #1 Voters! I appreciate the privilege you gave me of serving on the SCSD#1 Board of Trustees. My difficult decision not to serve another term reflects my current need to spend more time on other critical priorities, but I love this community and hope to be a better public servant and citizen in the future because of the trust you placed in me for the last four years. I continue to be dedicated to education and an ardent supporter of our students and staff. Thank you! Liz Covill
VOTE: Tuesday, November 8
November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Page 3
Rural Health Care District candidates Kathy Anderson Biography: Sublette County: Treatment Court coordinator past 10 years; past president and treasurer of Wyoming State Drug Courts Association; chair, Coordinated Care of Sublette County; Prevention Coalition member. Administrative assistant Knox County (Tenn.) District Attorney General’s Office (data research and case prep); customer service manager; U.S. Naval Reserve Unrestricted Line Officer (active duty); BA in philosophy (taught me critical thinking). Why are you running for the board? To do the best I can to ensure that all of Sublette County has quality, financially stable, health care. To make certain that our health care system plans ahead for, and is responsive to, changes in our county’s economic situation. To address our aging population’s needs. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the
district? • Financial overextension – Spending more than collecting. Do we cut more? Ask residents to pay an additional 2 mil? Build a CAH? • Sublette County residents – Our champagne expectations with a beer budget. Difficult and distressing choices to meet entire population’s needs. • Existing political reality – Neither current county commissioners nor Sublette Center boards support the CAH. If neither board changes position, the RHCD needs a Plan B and possibly a Plan C. Given the role of financial management the district plays, what experience do you have successfully managing a budget? For the past 10 years, I have managed the Treatment Court’s budget and have consistently returned money to the general fund. Prior to that, I have managed various departmental budgets in military and civilian life. Do you support the effort to construct a critical access hospital? Why or why not? I support whatever it takes to get the RHCD solvent. Within the current political climate, I doubt CAH will fly.
Wendy Boman Biography: I’ve been involved in health care since 1985 starting in the Tampa, Fla., area. I continued my passion for EMS by working in Sublette County as an EMT for 20-plus years. I’ve raised two sons in Sublette County. I’m a member of the Pinedale Community UCC, serving on the church council. I work full time in the oil and gas industry. Why are you running for the board? I’m concerned about the direction the district is going and will devote my time and energy to make a difference for Sublette County. I believe we need to take a serious look at expenses to determine if we can rein in some unnecessary spending. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the
Why are you running for the board? I am an incumbent for the SCRHCB, having served on the board for the past four years. I have a very strong interest in the future health care of Sublette County and feel the importance of keeping health care in Sublette County a major priority. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the district? • The biggest challenge facing the district is
determining whether or not the CAH is going to come together. Talk of a CAH has now been ongoing for two years with no development. • The mill levy, as it will be dropping down to around the level that it was in 2004, which is going to really impact the health care services that can be offered within Sublette County. • Keeping the budget BALANCED.
Why are you running for the board? I have been increasingly concerned about the district’s financial health and the high turnover of medical staff in spite of record tax revenues. There needs to be more accountability and openness to the citizens of Sublette County. I hope to provide that and
Do you support the effort to construct a critical access hospital? Why or why not? I think the concept is great, but at this time, I’m not convinced it’s self-sustainable.
SCSD #1 SCHOOL BOARD ‘AT-LARGE’ DISTRICT Paid for by candidate
Given the role of financial management the district plays, what experience do you have successfully managing a budget? I have been very upfront when it comes to the SCRHCB budget. I feel that when you set a budget, you must stand by that budget and not allow deviation from the plan. I dislike seeing numbers in the red. Do you support the effort to construct a critical access hospital? Why or why not? I stand on middle ground on the CAH. I’ll support what is financially in the best interest of this county.
Michael Pompy Biography: Born: March 20, 1947. Graduated high school from Newcastle, Wyo., in 1965. Attended University of Wyoming, then completed a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering at South Dakota School of Mines in 1969. Worked at Hughes Aircraft Company in Los Angeles until 1978, then moved to Big Piney. Worked for an electrical contractor until 1982. Worked for Northwest Pipeline.
Given the role of financial management the district plays, what experience do you have successfully managing a budget? I have gained experience in budgeting and financial management during my time as a small business owner. Currently my full-time job requires oversight of confidential financial documents.
WRITE-IN STACY ILLOWAY
Mandy Norris Biography: I am a lifetime resident of Sublette County. Health care in Sublette County has been a very big part of my life. I worked at the Pinedale Clinic for over 20 years. I received my certified professional coding (medical coding) certificate in 2015 and I own a home-care business assisting in elderly care, Home to Stay, LLC.
district? 1.) The budget – I believe there needs to be more oversight to monitor spending. The financial impact of the depressed economy on the district may require more spending cuts. Obviously, we need to be very prudent in those decisions. 2.) The proposed CAH’s self-sustainability and the role of the Sublette Center. 3.) The recent closures of the after-hours ER in the Marbleton-Big Piney Clinic.
get the district spending under control. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the district? I see only one major challenge and that is to get the spending under control so we can provide the medical services needed for Sublette County. Given the role of financial management the district plays, what experience do you have successfully managing a budget? I was on the board 20 years ago. It was a difficult time, but we operated with much less and still provided for two clinics and ambulance service. Do you support the effort to construct a critical access hospital? Why or why not? I could support the CAH if the district finances were healthy enough to support it. That is not the case.
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Page 4 • November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Com Dr. David Burnett (R)
Kendra Cross (D)
Tim Lingle (D)
I am a family practice physician and have practiced medicine in Sublette County for the past 27 years. Twenty of those years were in a private-practice setting. I have served on the board of trustees for School District #9 for 24 years. I have been chairman for the past seven years.
I am a fifth-generation Wyomingite, born and raised in Sweetwater and Sublette counties. Educated in political science and business, and I have owned a small business. I am innovative, inclusive, an active listener and am action-oriented. I have been described as visionary, passionate and persistent. I offer a strong, proven work ethic.
My wife and I moved to Pinedale 11 years ago. We now are raising two kids and plan to continue living here. I earned a B.S. in botany from UW and manage a local consulting firm. I recently completed a four-year term on the Pinedale Town Council where I strove to be fair and open in all public business.
In your own words, how would you describe the mission and job description of a county commissioner?
Commissioners are elected to manage the business and concerns of the county. The mission is to provide a wide variety of services to the electorate with responsible costeffective government.
I see a county commissioner as a leader for the community governmental affairs and close liaison to the state. The job includes making decisions on county budgets to keep the county thriving. The role is one of public service.
Commissioners must be conduits for the public’s voice. They must acknowledge that institutional inertia will often demand that they vote against the will of the public. The county staff work for the public, not the other way around.
What are the three biggest problems you’d like to fix in county government?
Problem solving is a collective process. A strong leadership team will be critical to approaching difficult problems. Economic downturn will produce many challenges. Rather than focus on an agenda I choose to focus on a collective process for solutions.
I would like to see active leadership emerge with adequate research on issues, taking input from the community and meetings becoming more interactive. I would like to see more public participation and understanding of governmental affairs and will take action to help facilitate this interaction. I would like to see more open response to public concerns regarding long-term health care, energy development and alternative energy opportunities within Sublette County.
First, institutional inertia. This includes putting bloated department budgets ahead of nonprofits that provide needed programs on a shoestring. Second, vision. Our county has had so many opportunities to diversify over the last decade that were squandered. Working with the Wyoming Business Council to bring in grant money and produce public-private partnerships to keep our economy growing and make it less dependent on a boom-and-bust cycle. Third, building a critical access hospital.
Who’s a political figure (past or present) you admire and try to emulate, and why?
Winston Churchill – He was the greatest statesman of the 20th century and a strong defender of democracy. Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” He was very pragmatic.
Susan B. Anthony was an activist her entire life and integral in women’s right to vote. Seeing needs in her community, she took action – despite condemnation, violence and ridicule – as an education reformer, an abolitionist and organizer of labor rights.
Teddy Roosevelt. He fought against massive monopolies, siding instead with labor unions and consumer protections. He was also pragmatic, and recognized that the needs of businesses that kept the economy growing should be balanced with protections of our natural resources.
Did you support the petition to go from three to five commissioners? Why or why not?
I support the decision of the electorate. I do believe it will give more diversity to the office of county commissioners.
Yes, as there was an acknowledged need for diversity of representation on the commission. Sublette County’s budget is the largest in the state and that requires deliberation and thoughtful input, and more people will collectively make better decisions.
I did. The three incorporated municipalities have 15 elected officials overseeing a combined budget 1/10th the size of the county’s. The addition of two will allow for much better oversight, which will easily offset the increase in commissioner salaries.
Do you view nonprofit organizations as optional line items in the county budget or as providers of essential functions the county should always support?
These are supported from discretionary funds. They are based upon availability and priority of need. These organizations should show evidence that they have maximized their efforts for funding separate from the county.
Nonprofits help out the tax base by getting philanthropic money instead of taxes to fulfill a community’s needs. Nonprofits can turn a little money into a lot of support. They are critical for our communities’ wellbeing.
Nonprofits are not optional. Many of the services they offer are what enable working families able to stay in Sublette County. Withdrawing funds from vital programs our nonprofits provide is looking for cost savings in the wrong place.
Perhaps.
Yes
Yes!
The county’s budget is about $225 million. What are some concrete examples where you have successfully managed a budget?
I operated a private medical practice in Sublette County for many years. This included staffing, benefits, medical supplies, janitorial services, snow removal, laboratory services, and 24-hour call. I managed a budget of almost $1 million. As chairman of School District #9, I was responsible for about a $15 million budget.
I have run both a production company and a small business. With this experience, my business education, and a family of business owners, I understand what it is to be financially prudent and how to make hard budgetary choices. Having five commissioners manage this budget with a variety of skills will help ensure responsible financial decisions are made.
As a project manager, I deal with bids and budgets frequently, and I brought this to my work on the Pinedale Town Council. I was very involved with Pinedale’s budget for four years, and created a procurement policy that was voted on and adopted. When it was finally put into place, the town immediately began seeing cost savings.
At $11.8 million, the county’s Road and Bridge Dept. is the highest in the state and $5.4 million more than the next highest. Too high, too low, or just about right, and why?
The road and bridge department budget was decreased by 33 percent last year. With my mission to provide responsible, cost-effective government, I will be following this.
As important as our infrastructure of roads and bridges are, I would like to see local companies have the opportunity for some of the work that goes to this county department. I would advocate for an evaluation of this budget.
When our commissioners asked nonprofits to slash their budgets and services to achieve a few thousand dollars in savings while failing to scrutinize the road and bridge budget, you have institutional inertia. Procurement might be one way to cut costs.
Were you to be elected, what areas, if any, might you have a conflict of interest in terms of the broad spectrum of issues the county tackles?
Perhaps health care.
I would rescind any activity that would come into conflict due to my employment at Pinedale Aquatic Center.
I would have none. My work is broadly for agencies and industry, and I have never been contracted to work for the county and don’t foresee any issues.
In a word, do you feel a CAH is needed to sustain health care in the county?
November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Page 5
missioner candidates Kay Malkowski (I)
Tom Noble (R)
Mack Rawhouser (R)
Courtney Skinner (D)
Born in the old clinic in Pinedale, graduated from Big Piney High, living in Daniel – Sublette County is home. I have been active in the community, from 4-H as a kid to SAFV and the Green River Valley Museum. Commissioner is a good way to continue giving back to the county. My family is grown and I have time.
I grew up on the Bootjack Ranch in Cora, Wyo. The majority of my career has involved heavy equipment operations, which lead to wetland rehabilitation projects. Work has taken me to the Antarctic and back to the gas fields in Pinedale. My wife Windy and I have three daughters; our children are the fifth generation in Sublette County
Forty-year resident of Sublette County; Vietnam veteran; retired school teacher after 34 years; school board member for six years; vice chairman of Region 5 B.O.C.E.S. in Jackson, Wyo.; board of directors Wyoming School Board Association; board of directors Wyoming High School Activities Association; married to Ruth for 44 years. We have one married son and three grandchildren.
Born and raised in Wyoming with Wyoming values. One of six brothers, with all six brothers encouraged by parents to be graduates from the University of Wyoming. Skinner Brothers Wyoming Outdoors, Ohio State University, University of California and The National Science Foundation were all part of my profile with mountaineering, teaching, observing and directing scientific and military research programs.
Commissioners are the voice of the people of the county to local, state and federal governments and even to the county, itself. There are many mandated job descriptions but I would like to see the commission focus on economic diversity.
To follow the statutory requirements of the job, while serving the public
My mission would be to do what is best for the residents of Sublette County. I think that is the job description of a county commissioner. My approach to accomplishing that mission is to listen, learn and use common sense.
Commissioners are responsible for many significant government services, from taxes to land titles. They act as the executive of the local government and administer many governmental services. Of importance is that a county is an administrative division of a state.
The bare-bones agenda is hard to plan around. If more information and supporting documentation were available prior to the meetings, it would help with the appearance of lack of transparency. The website is really hard to navigate around or use and finding it is not easy. 1. Detailed agenda, 2. More supporting information before the meetings, and 3. Work on the website to make it userfriendly. Little things that add up to moving Sublette County ahead.
The challenges will always come and go. My goal will be to work through them in a timely and positive manner.
The biggest problem I would like to fix in county government is the perception that we have a lot of problems. The county is doing well. We just need to work together to make sure we balance the budget, and keep the county moving smoothly. Robert Frost said, “Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”
• A more open response to the legitimate concerns of the citizens of Sublette County. • A more balanced approach for our next mineral development to protect our irreplaceable natural landscape. • Medical care, our precious water, clean air, our wildlife, their habitat and corridors.
Jackson Hole elected an all-women town government in 1920. I admire those women who were willing to run for office and win by substantial margins. Wyoming has a rich history of women in office.
I admire the current and past public officials along with all board members of Sublette County. They have been instrumental in building this great county, which we are fortunate to live in.
My Dad. He was active in our community in Nebraska. He was president of the Rodeo Association; president of the Chamber of Commerce; on the school board. He taught me to get involved and serve the people well.
Retired Wyoming U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson for his ability to speak straight on issues and to do so with civility. A close second is former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan for his ability to reach across party lines and move forward.
I not only supported it, I spent time gathering signatures for the petition. Having three commissioners, with one of them a strong personality, makes it too easy to be governed by one person. Diversity with five commissioners helps prevent that.
No, I feel strongly that we already have too much government.
Yes, the school board in Big Piney has five members. It has enabled us to benefit from a wider variety of backgrounds. I believe that it will work well for the county. It is what the people voted for.
YES – YES on every occasion and so did the voters in Sublette County on two occasions after it was voted back to three once. Five heads are better than three, and three, on most occasions, leave an odd person out.
I do think the supporting nonprofits is important to our county. The commissioners may need to address how they choose the groups that receive the money in the future, rather than an across-the-board cut.
Yes – I am a firm believer in our nonprofits, as long as funding allows us to help them.
Nonprofit organizations are very important to the county on many levels. Essential functions should be given the highest priority.
Each nonprofit organization should be viewed in its own context and their budgets looked at in line with their circumstance and goals.
Yes.
Unresolved.
Conflicted.
YES
As a member of the Green River Valley Museum and SAFV boards, I have worked with the other board members and directors to create budgets on a year-to-year basis.
It was instilled in me to live within your means and work hard. I plan on bringing these values to this board.
As present board vice chairman of C-V in Jackson, we have a $12 million balanced budget. Presently working on the board of School District #9’s; our largest past balanced budget was $17 million; I feel confident to work with everyone to balance a budget.
In Antarctica, almost that same amount, 16 scientific personnel, 16 military, and three helicopters and with fuel at $15 a gallon, you can see my flight time was a very critical budget. But I also had marvelous help. China was different; everything was a line item, a three-person road crew was paid $1.66 each per day for $1,060,360 total spent.
The Road and Bridge operating budget is $5.2 million with project and equipment funds making up the rest. Any monies not used go into the general fund to be reappropriated or into reserve funds to be used in the future.
Of the $11.8 million, only about $5 million is operating money. The rest is for upcoming projects that were allocated during the previous budget session. The remainder goes back into the reserve fund.
Recently, the Road and Bridge cut almost $6 million from their budget. That is almost 33 percent of their budget. For me to answer that question completely, without having all the information, would not be prudent.
It is a big county with many miles of roads, and they do a superb job, but in comparison to the next highest, too high, perhaps because of new equipment purchases.
I would abstain from voting on any budget issue that is related to county employees’ salaries and benefits, my businesses, or me personally.
I do not foresee any conflicts; if one were to arise, I would abstain from the discussion and voting.
Being a retired schoolteacher, there are no areas where I should, or would, have a conflict of interest in county affairs.
I don’t, at this time, see any conflict of interest nor any in the foreseeable future. There will be conflicts for sure, but I’m good at resolving them.
Page 6 • November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Commissioner Dr. David Burnett
Kendra Cross
Tim Lingle
With commissioners often claiming it’s a full-time job, how do you plan to ensure you have adequate time to devote to the many duties of county commissioner?
My career has demanded that I effectively deal with time management. I will maintain my commitment to the county if elected.
I currently work between 25 to 30 hours a week and I am allowed scheduling flexibility. I have the energy and availability to serve this community.
My wife can attest that in my time on the Pinedale Town Council that I dedicated the amount of time needed to get things done and to keep folks informed.
If elected, do you plan on running for a second term? Why or why not?
Yes – I believe that you become more effective as you gain experience. It is necessary to build and provide leadership.
As my freshman entrance into local politics, I would hope to run again if supported by my constituents.
Even at the national level they aren’t talking about 2020 yet, so let’s get through this election before we start talking about the next one, OK?
What are some professional accomplishments you can point to that demonstrate your ability to work with others and achieve goals?
There was a serious automobile accident involving seven teenagers. I was not contracted to provide emergency medical services. I summoned my team to go to the clinic, which was understaffed. Through my leadership as well as the combined efforts of my staff, the clinic staff, EMS personnel and the SCSO, we achieved our goal to save lives.
Whenever I am involved in any project I look for opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness. I have taken lead on many ventures both self initiated and assigned as well as actively participated as a consultant, or partner and aided in other projects both small to large as an employee or a volunteer.
In my time on the Pinedale Park and Tree Board, we took a look at our pathways and asked if we couldn’t complete part of a years-old connectivity plan. Four months later, we had a proposal to the town Council and five months after that, we dedicated two new bridges and a path at 10 percent of the original estimate.
What are three improvements you would like to see the county implement?
Better communications with our constituents, improved transparency, and government that governs least.
I would like to see the county implement more scrutiny in our county budget to assure funds are appropriately allocated with the whole community's best interest in mind. I would like a long-term vision of our county to be developed and implemented to guide decision-making processes. I would like to see a bolder approach to the innovation of economic growth in Sublette County.
Support the critical access hospital. Start a transparent prioritization process so that folks can weigh in and help decide the future direction of the county. Follow through with ideas laid out by SERC to diversify our economy.
Vote Tuesday, November 8 Sublette County Melanie Bennett Biography: I have lived in Sublette County for eight years with my husband Corey, a Big Piney native, and our five children. I graduated from USU in elementary education and taught fourth and first grade. I currently serve as the co-chair for PFAC, providing a voice for increased art programming in Big Piney schools. I’m a Booster Club board member.
provides well-rounded understanding and new insight into issues facing our district.
Why are you running for the school board? As a parent with children attending all three Big Piney schools, I have a strong interest in the continued success of our school district. I believe that my perspective as a previous teacher, mother, and family-business owner
What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I am passionate about providing the best education possible for the students in Sublette County. I will look for new ways to utilize the resources we have as a school district. I intend to listen, learn and take action.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? Budget cuts created by the decline of student population are the No. 1 concern facing our school district. Additionally, evaluating and retaining qualified teachers is a crucial ingredient to the ongoing success of our rural community. Finally, we must encourage an environment that allows for open and effective communication between teachers, parents, students, administration and the community.
Bobby Hammer Biography: I was born and raised in Wyoming and have been a resident of Big Piney for 20 years. I currently work for DNOW and have been with the same oil and gas company for 18 years. My wife’s name is Amber and we have two children; Kodie is a freshman and Jake is in fifth grade. Why are you running for the school board? I am running for school board to be able to
help support the district by making good, solid decisions and policies to ensure quality education as well as extracurricular activities. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? I believe the top three challenges to be the finances within the district, the average daily attendance and the continuance of keeping quality teachers. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? By serving on the school board I hope to accomplish a positive impact for the kids, staff and community.
November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup • Page 7
candidates, continued Kay Malkowski
Tom Noble
Mack Rawhouser
Courtney Skinner
It would be what I do for the county for the next four years. I have time to attend state meetings
The flexibility at my current job will allow me to commit 100 percent of my time to this board, with the exception of my family.
Being retired, I have all the time and energy to devote to the people of Sublette County.
My level of interest in Sublette County, the people, and the challenge of its natural beauty and resources will more than make up for any time lost in other pursuits.
It is four years away, but at this point, I plan to seek a second term.
My priority is to give full attention to the next four years. Running again would be determined at that time.
Yes, I love to be involved and busy, and I will be able to make Sublette County my highest priority.
Yes, because this has been my goal for some time now and the duty to serve is a strong calling.
I started and ran Wagons A+cross Wyoming for five years. We took dudes to the Lander Trail on Monday and brought life-changed guests back on Friday. A lifelong goal to influence people in a positive way.
Zoning board, fire department, and management of wild land hydrology projects.
My years as teacher and coach demonstrated my ability to work with many other people of all ages. In 1987, I was named “Wyoming Coach of the Year” for boys’ basketball. In 1992, I was named “Wyoming Coach of the Year” for girls’ basketball. While being on the school board, I watched our academic scores climb every year.
I have been very fortunate all my life working with many people and helping them achieve their goals along with mine. Professionally moving from student trainer to head athletic trainer for all sports at the University of Wyoming – or the White House directing the Department of Defense to fly the “Cowboys” to China to look for revealing rocks.
We have to get the Internet figured out to be competitive in anything the county wants to do. Sublette County needs the CAH, to bring stability to our medical community, to attract retirees with money to spend and to keep our local dollars local, not sending it to neighboring hospitals and stores. We must move forward, not stagnate. Help develop stable businesses to buffer our county against the boom-and-bust cycle.
• Establish a public information source to fulfill the concerns with transparency. • Work together with the boards and the public. • Be there to solve problems, not create them.
One must always strive to improve. It must be done in the framework that is best for the county and within the team concept of the county commissioners, all working together. I have no preconceived ideas on what the county needs to change.
• Critical access hospital – a priority of utmost importance, with or without the retirement center. Enough is enough. Both clinics are working hard for the betterment of all, so let us not lose anymore of our citizens through indecisiveness and bickering. • A branch college overlooking the Wind River Range – one was almost here once and in many minds, not forgotten. • Open discourse.
Vote Tuesday, November 8 School District #9 Greg Clark Biography: I have a master’s degree in forest management with a minor in business. My wife Kathy and I made this community our home in 1987 and our two children completed K-12 in this school district. I worked as district ranger on the Big Piney District for 23 years. When my children were young, I coached Jr. Jazz and Little League.
diverse groups and developed successful solutions to tough issues.
Why are you running for the school board? I am running because I have the time and commitment to devote to the issues. I have leadership, management and negotiation skills along with extensive experience with budgets and personnel that will benefit the district. In addition, I have worked with
What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I hope to continue to provide transparency that will keep our community well informed about our schools and the decisions that are made regarding our district. I want to be able to provide focus and leadership in decisionmaking.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? • Maintaining the excellence in education for all of Sublette County School District Number 9. • Finding creative ways to fund the ongoing operation on Sublette County School District Number 9. • Maintaining and recruiting highly qualified staff that will provide for students in the future.
Brian Knotts Biography: I am married to Brittany Knotts and have two beautiful daughters. I am a 28-year resident of Big Piney, graduating from Big Piney High School in 1995. I attended Powell College for two years and currently work for Northern Lights, where I am a Partner in the company. Why are you running for the school board? District No. 9. My kids are entering the school system and as a parent, I feel like this
will be a good time for me to get involved. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? The top three challenges confronting the school district are decreased funding in our budget and state funding. Decreased students in our district – therefore, about $680,000 less dollars that we will receive and trying to figure out where we may need to cut. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? And how to continue forward with the standard of excellence that our district has established. I know I have a lot to learn and I am up for the challenge.
VOTE
VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH! Vote for MARTI HALVERSON, the Republican for MARTI HALVERSON House District 22. • Advocate for Agriculture – Friend of 4-H and FFA • Friend of Scouting • Protecting our private property rights • Four years on House Judiciary Committee - Brought “Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Reform” to Wyoming - Brought “No Trespass to Collect Resource Data” law to Wyoming • Two years on House Travel & Recreation Committee - Brought horseracing back to Wyoming - Stopped hunting and fishing license increases for Wyoming residents P.O. Box 5009, Etna, 83118 • Home: 307-883-0250 Mobile: 307-413-5236 • MartiHalverson.com MHalverson@silverstar.com • Facebook: MartiHd22 Paid for by the candidate
Page 8 • November 1 & 4, 2016 • Election Guide • Sublette Examiner & Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County School District #9 candidates, continued Darby Hoffman Biography: I am a lifelong resident of Sublette County, born and raised on my family’s thirdgeneration cattle ranch at the southern end of the county. I managed a local ranch for 10 years, and have worked for EOG Resources now for nine years. I enjoy the outdoors, working on our home, and supporting my family in their various activities.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? Foremost, financial stability. Distress in local and regional economies is limiting our numbers and resources. We will have to be creative to weather the storm. Secondly, maintaining morale and motivation in employees who are stretched thin already. I believe that happy employees equates to better education for students. Lastly, election years can bring changes to education at both the state and federal levels. We may be forced to field changes at an already troublesome time.
Why are you running for the school board? I have two daughters and several extended family members who attend school in our district and thus have a vested interest in the overall experiences of all students in our schools. I also want to give back to a community that has done much for our family.
What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I want to help keep the district moving in a positive direction that supports giving the students of SCSD No. 9 the very best possible educational foundation. I want to encourage not only academia, but also athletics, cultural and extracurricular involvement.
Dawn Marquardt Biography: I am Dawn Marquardt, and I am running for the SCSD#9 School Board. I am a graduate of BPHS and WWCC. I am married, and have two children who attend elementary and high school in the district. I am the manager of the Dry Creek Sinclair, where I deal daily with employees, customers, finances, food service and government regulations. Why are you running for the school board? It has been a longtime goal of mine to give back to the community and the school district that has provided me with an excellent education. I want to see that same quality of education I received in the 1980s continue during the difficult economic times facing the district.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? Decreasing enrollment, coupled with mandatory state budget cuts, and our local economic downturn are affecting the district financially. The standards for PAWS changes every year, along with implementing common core standards, the teachers are overwhelmed when teaching in bigger classroom sizes with less help from aides, making it more difficult to teach to proficiency.The WHSAA is considering changing the ranking for BPHS from 2A to 3A for some sports teams. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? My goal for the district is to remain focused on insuring an excellent education for all students in financially difficult times, while providing an education that celebrates the learning accomplishments of each student, and prepares them for success upon graduation.
Ray Pape Biography: I was raised in Sublette County. I graduated from Pinedale High School. In 1997, I married Tracy Roberts and together we are raising our three children, Lainy, RC and Jake Pape. We have lived in Big Piney 15 years and all our children have started kindergarten here and will all graduate from the Big Piney school system. Why are you running for the school board? Our school system is experiencing hard times financially, with budget cuts across the state due to the decline in the energy industry. I have experience in crucial budgets and budgeting with corporate America and feel I have
a lot to offer. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? Budgeting: We are seeing continued loss of state funding and revenue with downturn in the energy industry. Enrollment: Due to the economy in our area, many families have left and enrollment has gone down. Safety: I believe the district could benefit from more training/drills using incident command system (ICS) and working with local emergency response teams. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? To ensure a balanced budget without losing the quality of education our school provides. To ensure a safe learning environment for our youth.
Adam Linn Biography: I was raised in Big Piney. I attended Sublette County School District No. 9 from K12. I’m married to Karen. I have a son Brody (5 yo); he started kindergarten this year and a daughter Macie (2 yo). I am a local businessman. Why are you running for the school board? After talking to a few friends and board members I was encouraged to run for school board. I would like to give back to a district that has given me the tools for success and providing our children with the tools for success as well.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? 1. There will be a challenge with the current down turn of Wyoming's economy, the challenges of budgeting money to most benefit the school district. 2. I also see a decline in student enrollment; which creates another challenge. 3. Holding our teachers to the same district values we ask of our students of Respect, Excellence, INTEGRITY, Responsibility, Empathy, and Courage. NO SHORT CUTS, NO EXCUSES, NO EXEMPTIONS. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I hope to help the school district weather the storm, through these hard times in Wyoming’s economy. I want to give back to the community and Sublette County School District No. 9.
Brian Meador Biography: A native of Rock Springs, I spent 15 years going to college and living overseas before coming home to Wyoming in 2009. I moved to Big Piney in 2013 with my wife and two sons. Our family loves living in Sublette County and are glad to be a part of the community. Why are you running for the school board? I am running for the school board because I believe I can be a valuable member and want to ensure our children continue to have the opportunity for a great education.
What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? The current budget situation is going to present numerous challenges, and I believe the school board will need to be consistent, professional and transparent in making some difficult decisions. The biggest challenge is ensuring we don’t negatively impact the education of our students. The next challenge is retaining the best teachers and staff. Another challenge will be keeping the public informed and engaged to help support our schools in these tough times. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I hope to be able to contribute to success of our students and maintain the focus that our students and their education is our top priority.
Bill Tanner Biography: I am a fourth-generation Big Piney resident. I graduated from the University of Northern Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in education. I own and operate three local businesses. I am married with two children, one a junior at Big Piney High School, the other a freshman at the University of Wyoming. Why are you running for the school board? One of the reasons I am running for a second term is to assist our new superintendent, Mr.
Loyd. A large part of my last term was spent searching for a new superintendent and I feel it is important to help him make the transition to our district. What do you see as the top three challenges confronting the school district? I believe that the biggest challenge our district is facing is a decrease in funding. We are also continually working to ensure the safety of our students. In addition, we are looking for ways to improve test scores. What do you hope to accomplish by serving on the school board? I sincerely feel that our school district is moving in the right direction and I hope to help continue moving it down that path..
Vote on Tuesday, November 8