(Fremont County, WY) – County 10 sent the following questionnaire to each of the Fremont County Commission candidates, ahead of next week’s August 18 Primary election. The answers from candidates who responded by the deadline are presented below, unedited and in alphabetical order.
Ron Fabrizius
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents
As a Commissioner, I am required to follow the laws of the land, County, State, and Federal laws. We were already starting this year’s election process when the decision came from the U.S Supreme Court and sent on by Secretary of State Chuck Gray. I believe this issue will be settled in the courts. The decision will more than likely be challenged by the tribes or the States and the Commissioners will follow the results of that decision.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
To make certain all lines of communication are open, the Fremont County Commissioners invite all people and media to view our proceedings either by attending in person or by watching each meeting on zoom. Our doors are always open to the public for our meetings on most Tuesdays starting at 9 am. You can find the scheduled agenda on Fremontcountywy.org/offices and depts/commissioners; as well as view detailed minutes of past proceedings. We also invite concerned citizens to express their opinions during the public comment period or you may get on the agenda for further discussion of your concern. I enjoy visiting with the public, my email is ron.fabrizius@fcowy.com or my phone is 307-709-5598.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
The ¾ of 1 penny sales tax is now in the hands of the voters on August 18th. This is not like the ½ cent economic development tax which went to a committee to choose who received the money and who did not. This tax is for a specific purpose, has set parameters and can only be used for those purposes and nowhere else.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
County Commissioners have limited direct power over school operating budgets, since funding is mostly a State and local school district matter. The Commissioners role is to levy the mandatory mill for the county school tax, which the County Treasurer then distributes to school districts based on average daily membership.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
My strength on the Commissioners is my past learning experiences on Riverton’s School board 8 years, where I voted to build the new Middle School, voted to bring in Reading Recovery, and voted to bring in dual credit; State Chairman of the Youth Workforce Development Council working under Governor’s Freudenthal and Governor Geringer 6 years to bring job training; on the Board of Cooperative Education 8 years where I voted to bring in Job Corp. I worked to bring jobs and businesses to Fremont County partnering with Charles and Thelma Starks to build Starks Welding and Machine, Star Tech Corp, Legacy Injection Molding and Yellowstone Billboards. I have a broad range of experience working in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and oil and gas. I try to learn from my weaknesses, study for deeper clarity, analyze difficulties, try harder, practice lifelong learning, and turn weaknesses into strengths.
Stephanie Kessler
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents?
I oppose Secretary of State Gray’s efforts for many reasons: 1) he was attempting to apply a court ruling about a very different circumstance as a one-size-fits-all pattern to Wyoming and did not take the time to learn about Fremont County’s situation, nor speak with officials here; 2) the Wind River Reservation is comprised of two sovereign-nation Tribes, recognized as such by the federal government, with special authorities, their own governments and their lands were formally recognized as Tribal homeland by the US government even before Wyoming was a state, with the Eastern Shoshone granted those treaty rights in 1868; 3) there is no doubt in my mind that Reservation citizens are a “community of interest” deserving of their own representation, just as the town of Riverton gets its own “community of interest” representation in the state legislature, and as is enacted throughout the state for other cohesive areas; 4) having WRIR representation on the county commission ensures better governance for all, due to improved communication, coordination, shared resources, and especially because their residents represent 20% of our population.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
First, Commissioners need to appoint members to these governing and advisory boards who want to serve the overall mission of these institutions and understand they have a responsibility to represent all the public of Fremont County in their decisions, not just serve a certain segment or a personal agenda. During vetting and training Commissioners need to ensure board members appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability in these jobs, and respect the expertise of the professional staff that run these institutions. Board members need proper orientation that includes open meeting, transparency & public comment laws, other good governance practices, and an understanding of board duties. Commissioners should closely monitor how boards are operating and liaisons should regularly attend meetings of the boards they are assign to and report back to the full Commission so there are no surprises or major upsets. When needed, Commissioners should change board composition to improve operations. I suggest Commissioners update the application form and process for volunteer board members to better vet candidates and maybe update the current training or orientation process.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
I understand that there are many who may be confused or frustrated with the tax, especially due to missteps with past “economic development” taxes. But this ¾% tax is designed solely restricted to the 3 uses identified, with no discretion allowed for other spending. Also, state law restricts how such optional taxes can be packaged, and this “economic development” tax is the only mechanism that allows for increments of ¼ percents. All that said, I support the tax for several reasons, the most important is that we must have ambulance service in Fremont County. The county has struggled with adequate service for years. The steady income provided by this tax – for 4 years – should enable the county to switch back to a county-run program, with better accountability, and there’s a good plan for right-sizing operations to fit our dispersed locations and needs. This will also give us time to explore more long-term, sustainable options such as a special district or legal designation as an “essential service” by the legislature. To be a thriving community – for families, seniors, visitors and businesses – we have to have this service. Secondly, I consider air service a necessary part of connective infrastructure for rural communities. We can’t have business and job growth, medical services and a visitor economy without reliable service. Finally, as a potential representative of the Lander and Hudson areas on the Commission, I know both these towns voted for the tax and it will be my job to listen to constituents and represent them.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
The school recalibration bill took local control away from school districts by “siloing” funding into certain buckets which stripped away a lot of traditional funding for sports and activities and provided no flexibility at the local level to meet the needs of their students. This has created problems with funding the pool in Lander and potentially losing teams, coaches and travel funds for a range of activities. The pool stands out, as its funding was originally proposed to be shared between the City of Lander and the Lander school district. I believe the commission has enough funding challenges of its own and can’t help directly with money, but as a Fremont County local government entity, commissioners can help by supporting draft legislation currently moving forward to revive the Wyoming Countywide Consensus capitol, repair and maintenance grant program from the state which allocates funds directly to counties and municipalities that reach a local consensus on spending priorities, which could provide funding assistance for the pool; educating state legislators about the importance of local control and leaving local government decisions in the hands of the locally-elected authorities who know their communities best, instead of Cheyenne top-down control. Counties share these state-overreach concerns with school districts and towns and we can advocate to stop or reverse these legislative trends.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
I am a can-do person that sees challenges as strategic problems to be solved –– drawing upon my extensive experience with local, state and federal government policies, knowing how to build a team, listen to expertise, bring people together, and engage the public.
My weakness, but as a leadership trait I’ve learned – is that you can’t let anger or frustration on a topic or event dominate your approach. When you let that happen, then you’re making the issue about you, instead of finding the solution or focusing on others. I always think it’s good to tell yourself, especially in public service, that “it’s not about you.” There are times you need to step back, chill and refocus on the true mission and who you are serving. A time that stands out is when I was the legislative campaign manager for passing the WY Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust law. We had a diverse team, many hurdles and unforeseen challenges, but we regrouped after setbacks by reminding ourselves – it’s not about us, then looked forward, focused on the next step and that attitude led to success. I would remind myself often of this attitude in serving the people of Fremont County.
David Mossburg
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents
I believe the ultimate question of whether Fremont County’s current district system remains constitutional is one for the courts to decide, not for Secretary Gray or the County Commission to unilaterally resolve. The existing district map was put in place by a federal court order in 2010 following the Large v. Fremont County case. Any significant change would likely require returning to court.
That said, drawing electoral boundaries with race as a predominant factor is a double-edged sword. While one district was clearly intended to provide representation for the Wind River Reservation communities — where Native Americans make up roughly 21% of the county’s population — it also has the practical effect of limiting where tribal members can run for office. A tribal member living in Riverton or Lander, for example, would not be eligible to run for the “reservation” district seat.
Interestingly, under a true at-large system, the Native American community — representing 21% of the county — would have a realistic opportunity to elect one, and potentially even two, commissioners of their choosing anywhere in the county.
My position is straightforward: we will follow the law. If the courts determine that our current map is unconstitutional and order us to return to at-large elections, we will implement that ruling. Until then, the Commission has no authority to make that change on its own.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
Effective communication with the many boards, councils, and districts in Fremont County is essential for good governance. If elected, I would prioritize keeping an open line of communication with all entities the Commission works with. This includes responding promptly to their concerns, making sure information flows both directions, and ensuring the public has clear access to decisions that affect them. Transparency builds trust, and I’m committed to fostering strong working relationships across all levels of county government.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
Many Fremont County voters are skeptical about this proposed three-quarter percent sales tax, and that skepticism is understandable. The previous half-cent economic development tax damaged public trust because many felt the money wasn’t used as promised. That loss of trust still lingers.
While I will likely support the tax since the money is legally restricted to emergency medical services, commercial air service, and public transportation, I believe the outcome of this vote will say a lot about the level of trust voters currently have in county government.
If elected commissioner, I will make it a priority to ensure that every dollar is spent exactly as voters are being told it will be spent. Rebuilding that public trust will be essential.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
The County Commission has limited direct authority over school funding, as K-12 education is primarily a state responsibility. However, we can still support our local districts by maintaining good communication and advocating for them with state legislators.
The recent recalibration bill created real challenges for our schools, especially smaller ones, where fixed costs are spread across fewer students. This makes per-student spending significantly higher in places like Dubois and Pavillion compared to Riverton or Lander.
In the long term, I believe the solution lies in giving parents more choice. Once the $7,000 Education Savings Account program is fully established, I expect to see new private schools emerge across Wyoming because of a steady revenue stream. Many existing Christian and Catholic schools can already educate students for less than $7,000 per year, so this program should open up real options for families.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
I believe my strongest asset is that I’m a practical, common-sense problem solver. I’ve spent my career getting things done efficiently, and I’ll bring that same straightforward approach to the County Commission — focusing on solutions rather than politics.
The area I’ll need to work on most is learning the detailed operations of county government. There are many departments, processes, and intergovernmental relationships I’ll need to get up to speed on quickly, and I’m committed to doing that.
I was raised on a dairy farm in Indiana. As a farm boy, you deal with failure almost every single day. Weather, equipment breakdowns, sick animals — something is always going wrong. But you learn to get up the next morning and go to work correcting whatever life threw at you the day before.
I enlisted in the Air Force to get money for college and some discipline. If the failures and adversity of farm life wasn’t enough, the military fed me a steady diet of it as well.
Whether it was equipment breaking down on the farm or facing tough challenges in the military, you learn to get up the next day and work to overcome whatever was thrown at you. That mindset of perseverance and problem-solving is what I will bring to the Fremont County Commission.
Ryan Preston
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents
I oppose Secretary Chuck Gray’s proposal to alter Fremont County’s electoral boundaries. My position is based on the belief that the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes should not be viewed simply as a minority group seeking special consideration, but as sovereign nations whose members deserve fair and meaningful representation in county government.
Tribal members represent a substantial portion of Fremont County’s population. With more than 25,000 enrolled tribal members, the Tribes are not an insignificant minority within our county. Their presence, contributions, and interests are central to the future of Fremont County.
I believe the current district-based system provides an important opportunity for tribal communities to have their voices heard in the county government. Any proposal that could diminish that representation should be approached with extreme caution and only after public input.
My priority is ensuring that every resident of Fremont County has fair representation and that the government-to-government relationship between the county and the Tribes is respected and strengthened, not weakened.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
Communication and collaboration are essential to solving the challenges facing Fremont County. If elected, one of my first priorities would be meeting with every mayor in our municipalities to discuss the needs of their communities and the county as a whole.
I would work to establish a monthly leadership meeting that includes the County Commission Chair, mayors, city administrators, the Sheriff, police chiefs, and other key leaders. The purpose would be to regularly discuss countywide issues, share information, identify challenges early, and coordinate solutions that benefit all residents of Fremont County.
While organizations such as FCAG provide valuable opportunities for cooperation, I believe we need more consistent and direct communication among local leaders. Too often, communities focus only on their individual concerns when many of our challenges are interconnected. We need all the key stakeholders in the same room on a regular basis, working together toward common goals.
My philosophy is simple: together we succeed and thrive; divided we struggle and become stagnant. Fremont County is unique from the rest of Wyoming because of its large geographic size, diverse communities, and unique population makeup. Those differences require a higher level of coordination, cooperation, and leadership than many other counties. By strengthening communication and building partnerships, we can better address the needs of all Fremont County residents.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
I support the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax because of the way the ballot language is written. The language is clear that the funds can only be used for three specific purposes: ground transportation, air service, and ambulance services. While the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can be amended over time, the ballot language approved by voters cannot simply be changed to allow the money to be spent on unrelated projects.
The funding could be allocated differently among those three categories depending on future needs, whether that means more support for air service, ambulance service, or ground transportation. However, it cannot legally be diverted outside of those purposes. If a municipality attempted to use the money for something not authorized by the ballot language, it would be in violation of the law.
I strongly support the measure because both air service and ambulance service are critical to the future of Fremont County. Our airport serves as an important economic engine that benefits local businesses like Amazon, Exxon Mobile, Job Corp , NOLS, CWC, and the Catholic College to be specific, and many other businesses rely on dependable air service to attract employees, students, visitors, and customers.
As Central Wyoming College prepares for a leadership change when President Brad Tyndall retires in 2027, reliable air service will remain an important factor in attracting highly qualified candidates to our community. More broadly, the airport brings visitors who support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, generating millions of dollars in economic activity throughout the region.
Ambulance service is equally important. Response times of 30 minutes to an hour are simply unacceptable when a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency. Fremont County needs additional ambulances and EMT personnel to adequately serve our large geographic area. While the Legislature provided counties with an avenue to create ambulance districts, and our current commissioners failed to take advantage of that, our focus now must be on finding solutions and to just fix the problem
WRTA is a service I personally think is vital, I had an older employee who worked in maintenance and had developed neuropathy in his feet and didn’t drive, so he walked to work daily from his house by north 8th west to the hotel. When things got so bad for him that walking to work became impossible, WRTA was a life saver for him getting him to and from work 5 days a week. Without WRTA he would have become unemployed. He was too young to get social security and the process to get him on disability took him over a year. Without that service he could have become homeless once his unemployment ran out after the 12 weeks. This is one person’s story, but this is reality for so many Fremont County residents
This tax proposal is not a complete solution, but it is a significant step in the right direction. It provides a dedicated funding source for services that are essential to public safety, economic development, and quality of life throughout Fremont County.
4. What can the commission do to assist school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
The property tax bills passed by the Legislature are having a significant impact on school funding because property taxes help fund our schools, ambulance services, roads, the sheriff’s office, and many other essential local services. While the county is responsible for conducting property assessments in accordance with state law, it does not control how those properties are ultimately taxed.
What the County Commission can do is serve as a strong advocate for our local school districts at the state level. Commissioners should work with legislators to support policies that protect educational funding and ensure that rural communities are not disproportionately harmed by changes in state tax policy.
Commissioners also have a responsibility to keep the public informed. Residents deserve to understand the local impacts of legislation before it becomes law, including the potential effects on schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other critical services. If funding is reduced, there will be real consequences for our communities. County commissioners should be proactive advocates and reliable sources of information, helping citizens understand both the benefits and the tradeoffs of legislative decisions.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
My greatest strengths are budgeting, fiscal management, and relationship building. I have spent 26 years in the hospitality industry, where I am responsible for developing budgets, controlling expenses, and making difficult financial decisions to ensure a hotel remained financially healthy. Managing a business profitably requires discipline and accountability, especially during challenging economic times.
At the same time, I have learned that strong relationships are just as important as sound financial management. Building trust with businesses, schools, government agencies, and community partners creates opportunities to solve problems together when challenges arise.
A good example occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, our hotel experienced a dramatic decline in revenue, at times generating only about $25,000 per month. Instead of laying employees off, we made significant expense reductions and looked for creative solutions to keep the business operating and protect jobs.
Because of a strong relationship we had built over many years with ConocoPhillips, we were able to work together with the Holiday Inn to develop a proposal that supported the rebuilding of Train 3, which had suffered a major fire the previous year. Beginning in May 2020, the project brought a large workforce into the area, and both hotels provided lodging, breakfast, boxed lunches, and dinners seven days a week for project personnel.
We also partnered with local businesses, including Bunks BBQ and other restaurants and food vendors, to provide meals throughout the week. This collaboration benefited not only our hotel but also several local businesses. Most importantly, it allowed us to restore all 24 employees to full-time hours and continue serving our community during an extremely difficult period.
As a result of careful budgeting, strong partnerships, and teamwork, our hotel experienced only about a 10% loss in revenue during 2020, a year when many businesses faced far greater challenges. Had those relationships not existed, the outcome could have been very different for both the hotel and our employees.
One area I would continue to strengthen as a County Commissioner is gaining a deeper understanding of every aspect of county government and the legal and regulatory issues that come with the position. While I have extensive experience in budgeting, leadership, and community partnerships, I believe effective public service requires continual learning. I am committed to listening, asking questions, and working with experienced staff, fellow commissioners, and community stakeholders to make informed decisions.
This experience taught me that even when faced with significant obstacles, solutions can be found through sound financial management, collaboration, and perseverance. Those are the same qualities I would bring to the Fremont County Commission.
Shanell Stanley
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents?
I am opposed to Secretary of State Chuck Gray’s effort to have Fremont County redraw or reexamine its electoral boundaries based on the Louisiana v. Callais decision. I do not believe our county districts are an example of racial gerrymandering. The Wind River Reservation is a unique governmental and geographic entity with its own tribal governments and boundaries. Recognizing those boundaries and the communities that exist within them is not the same as drawing districts simply because of a person’s race. Fremont County’s districts reflect the geography, communities, and unique circumstances of our county. I believe we should be very careful about applying a Supreme Court decision involving Louisiana to a situation that is fundamentally different. Any discussion about our electoral boundaries should be based on the law, the Constitution, the geography of Fremont County, and the needs of the people we represent, not on assumptions that the reservation automatically constitutes racial discrimination. During this campaign I have had some constitutes talk to me about going back to an at large vote. My concern is the places that have a much lower population feeling as though there is not equal representation.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
I would not say I can “ensure” communication and transparency, but I can make them a priority. I believe good communication starts with listening and building relationships. I would make an effort to stay in regular contact with the boards, councils, districts and commissions that work with the county, attend their meetings when appropriate, and make sure they have an opportunity to bring concerns, ideas and information to the Commission. I would also encourage clear communication back to those groups about county decisions that affect them.
Most importantly, I would be accessible, follow through on commitments, and be willing to listen even when we may not agree. Transparency means being open about how and why decisions are made and making information available to the public whenever possible.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
The proposed 3/4percent sales tax is written specifically for the airport, ambulance and ground transportation. It is my understanding for the money to be shifted in any way within those three entities there will first need to be public comment and a unanimous vote. I do like the idea of FCAG (Fremont County Association of Governments) having oversight. I am going to support this during this election with hopes that a lot was learned from the 1/2 percent tax. There have been many conversations from people who served on the 1/2 percent tax that I think did the best they could with what they knew at the time, with some hindsight reflection. I do want all these services to remain in our county and if the 3/4 percent tax is what it is going to take, I am going to support it.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
I am still learning about the details and local impact of the school finance recalibration, and I think it is important to be honest about that. The county commission does not control the state’s school funding formula, so I would not want to promise something the county cannot do.
What I can commit to is working closely with our local school districts to understand how the changes are affecting them, listening to their concerns, and helping identify areas where the county can be supportive. If there are issues that need to be addressed at the state level, I would also be willing to advocate for Fremont County’s schools and students. I believe our schools are an important part of the strength of our communities, and I would approach this by listening, learning the facts and working collaboratively toward solutions.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
I don’t have a formal educational background in the traditional sense, so throughout my career I had to find my own ways to continue learning and growing. As a single mother, I went to work for the school district, and I took every opportunity I could to expand my knowledge and better serve the students and families I worked with. I became certified in Moral Reconation Therapy, completed training in trauma-informed education, facilitated the Kids Are Special curriculum, Mending Broken Hearts and am certified in Restorative Justice. Those experiences taught me that learning doesn’t stop when you leave a classroom. Sometimes you must find your own path, be willing to ask questions, learn from others and keep growing. I think that would serve me well as a commissioner. There will be things I don’t know, particularly when it comes to county government, finance and some of the technical aspects of the job. However, I do know how to learn, I do know how to ask for help, and I am not afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
Clarence Thomas
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents
Fremont County has had districts in place for numerous years and if the issue needs more input and is a major concern from the constituents of Fremont County then there should be an overall county vote on the issue. I am an elected official and I serve the people. We have individuals in numerous elected offices that have forgotten that. The People come first not individual agendas.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
Fremont County Commission has been communicating with all these stated boards. It is also the responsibility of those boards and agencies to set times to meet with the County Commission. Many who are running will make “I” statements to say what they would do, but they have no Idea that we have been meeting and communicating with these boards, councils, districts because they do not attend the commission meetings.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
I have my own personal stand but as an Elected Official I depend on my constituents to let me know their thoughts on the matter. We put it to a vote and let the People have a voice. Voters just need to do their own research and understand what they are voting on.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
It is Better to ask the State what they can do since they continue to cut school funding along with negative actions taken by our Federal Government. The Fremont Commission supports our school districts but decisions made by State and Federal actions continue to hurt funding for our school districts.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
As a Commissioner since 2016 I have seen the changes in our County. I have witnessed the increasing influence of those political outsiders who do not live in Fremont County or even in Wyoming. I understand the current true information that is occurring with Fermont County Government and with that information I can make sound decisions. I do not feel it about strengths, more it is about knowing that we as Elected Officials are Servants to the People. Many who are either running for office, or they are in office have forgotten that our service is to those who have elected us and not private parties or their own personal agenda. The one hurdle that I am working on is to get a Firehall at Fort Washakie, Ethete and Arapaho. We were able to get a Firehall at Crowheart and I am very thankful for that. The next hurdle is to establish a Human Resource department for Fremont County. This would help assist our employees and Department heads
Jeffrey Young
1. Earlier this Spring, Secretary of State Chuck Gray indicated that he wants Gov. Mark Gordon and the Fremont County Commission to examine electoral boundaries in Fremont County in light of a U.S. Supreme Court decision (Louisiana v. Callais) on racial gerrymandering. Are you in support of or against the Secretary’s efforts? Why? If in favor, can you explain what the process would look like if the County reverted to an at-large selection from the current district system, and explain in detail what that would mean for voters/residents
Federal and State request; the County will do what they are requesting. That is how government works from federal to local. If elected, I will work for all of our county communities equally. At-large or districts makes no matter to me, the support will be the same.
2. The Fremont County Commission works with various boards, councils, districts and commissions. What steps would you take to ensure adequate communication and transparency with these and other boards?
Appointed boards are extensions of the Commission, so the Commission remains responsible for ensuring they are respected, heard, and held accountable. Board members should bring relevant experience and value to the board they represent, and appointments should be based on careful interviews and vetting of what each person can contribute. Board members should be commended for strong service and relieved of their duties when their performance is unbecoming of the position. The Commission’s duty is to support boards and committees, assist with decisions, and manage them with the same care, oversight, and accountability as a personal business.
3. Where do you stand on the proposed three-quarter percent sales tax? Please explain why either way. Is there anything about the proposed tax as written that you think voters/residents might have confusion about, or may be lacking clarity on?
I am in favor of the three-quarter percent sales tax. I have met with the Airport and the City of Riverton and believe that economic development in Fremont County will rely on the airport and our continued support. I have met with WRTA and believe that supporting our aging community with public transportation to work and medical associated trips is important. Expanding their support throughout the County will be a priority. The ridership per month has increased almost 60% per month from 2024 to 2026. The ambulance service is an essential service for our citizens and FCAG has secured additional funding through Federal and State assistance and will assist in reduction in this assistance in the future.
4. What can the commission do to assist with school districts in the county following the funding shortfall caused by this year’s recalibration bill?
Not a commission rodeo, the mill levies are assessed, and the State of Wyoming is responsible.
5. What specific strength would you bring to the Fremont County Commission? What is an area of weakness, or a subject matter that you would have to work on if elected? Can you think of a time when you failed at something, but overcame the failure or hurdle to work toward a solution that would apply to the role of a Commissioner? Please elaborate.
I am a registered professional engineer and have been for over 31 years. I was born in Riverton 58 years ago and am currently a 3rd generation cattle rancher and a 2nd generation engineering graduate of the University of Wyoming. I have successfully managed, operated and owned four businesses in Fremont County, three engineering firms and currently a cattle ranch. I have served on numerous local boards including the Lander Golf Course, LEDA, and am a past president of the Lander Chamber of Commerce, and the Lander Ambassadors. National and State Boards include the American Society of Civil Engineers-student and state president, region 7 governor/treasurer and currently advocacy captain for the State of Wyoming. I am the current past President of the Wyoming Engineering and Surveyors Society. I am also the newest board member for the Wyoming Seniors Golf Association. I am running for County Commissioner based on requests from past commissioners, elected officials, business owners, friends and family and the Fremont County agricultural community. My objectives are public safety, support of local business, responsible government and responsible spending. Fremont County supported me for the last 30 years and now it is my time to give back. Engineers are only faced with problems, never solutions and have to solve them.
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