Carbon County Commissioners and Wyoming House District 15 Primary Political Forum

Introduction

• Moderator: Jennifer Moore, Director at Highed
• Key Personnel:
  • Janet Garcia: Facebook Live Stream
  • Karen Webster: Timer
• Format:
  • Community questions pre-gathered from the website and Facebook
  • Candidates have 3 minutes each to introduce themselves covering duties of the office, experience, and goals
  • Responses to community questions with optional rebuttals

Candidate Introductions

John Espie (Statement Read by Moderator)

• Cited important issues: declining revenue due to federal policies
• Advocated for economic support and fighting for county interests
• Highlighted roles in multiple committees and boards

Gwen Bartlett

• Long-time Carbon County resident and County Clerk
• Emphasized extensive experience in county governance
• Prioritized employee and budgetary management
• Highlighted recent courthouse project management

Sue Jones

• 11.5 years as County Commissioner
• Emphasized historical knowledge and diverse county challenges
• Involved in fire district formation and local community efforts
• Advocated for the new land use plan and airport projects

Jimmy Hinkle

• Emphasized extensive community involvement
• No prior commission experience but dedication to community service
• Background in education and conservation districts

Garrett Irene

• Newly appointed County Commissioner
• Emphasized family legacy and local involvement
• Prioritized economic development, infrastructure, and budget concerns

Community Questions and Answers

Pressing Issues in Carbon County

• Sue Jones: Declining revenue; emphasized tough budget cuts
• Jimmy Hinkle: Economic development; stabilizing community pillars
• Garrett Irene: Economy and budget cuts; responsible future spending
• Gwen Bartlett: Sustainability; balancing services and budget constraints

Budget Priorities

• Jimmy Hinkle: Statutory obligations; advocating for new revenue sources
• Garrett Irene: Prioritizing infrastructure; thoughtful spending
• Gwen Bartlett: Focus on employees and efficient county operation
• Sue Jones: Maintaining services and looking to state legislature for better revenue systems

Healthcare Consistency

• Garrett Irene: Tough financial structure; need leadership and collaboration
• Gwen Bartlett: Kudos to the current board; need for systemic change or redesign
• Sue Jones: Open to downsizing, changing modes of operation, and new management
• Jimmy Hinkle: Proper management crucial; fix billing and coding issues

Economic Development

• Gwen Bartlett: Balance between growth desires and cultural impact
• Sue Jones: Local small business development crucial; cautious about Renewable Energy Projects
• Jimmy Hinkle: Support for new projects with responsible growth
• Garrett Irene: Concerns about unequal taxation for renewable projects; balance environmental and economic factors

Public Land Use Issues

• Sue Jones: Importance of having a seat at the table; cooperative relationship with federal partners
• Jimmy Hinkle: Importance of land use plans; Universal principles
• Garrett Irene: Follow land use plans diligently; careful with public input
• Gwen Bartlett: Participation and legal compliance; education is critical

County Appointed Boards

• Jimmy Hinkle: Encourage volunteerism and appreciation
• Garrett Irene: Provide leadership and promote youth involvement
• Gwen Bartlett: Education on roles and responsibilities
• Sue Jones: Various board functions; need for effective liaisons and support

Closing Statements

Garrett Irene

• Emphasized time commitment and dedication

Gwen Bartlett

• Emphasized experience and efficient service delivery
• Improved courthouse project

Sue Jones

• Emphasized hard work and historical understanding

Jimmy Hinkle

• Emphasized passion and community understanding

Wyoming House District 15 Candidates

Terry Weickum

• Extensive government experience
• Focus on helping local government
• Importance of partnerships with legislature

Pam Tollefson

• Years of experience in economic and community development
• Goals around quality of life, education, and economic opportunities
• Focus on genuine representation and problem-solving

Key Questions for House District 15 Candidates

Goals as Wyoming Representative

• Pam Tollefson: Focus on quality of life, education, Economic Development; data-driven decisions
• Terry Weickum: Invest in local governments; change outdated methods

Decision-Making Process

• Terry Weickum: Represent citizens truly; communicate effectively
• Pam Tollefson: Listen to all sides; make data-informed decisions

Budget Cycle Priorities

• Pam Tollefson: Review tax structures and inefficiencies
• Terry Weickum: Invest in county and city infrastructure; State assistance

Young People's Retention

• Pam Tollefson: Job security, housing, and amenities
• Terry Weickum: Create economic opportunities and modernize job markets

Vouchers for Private Schools

• Pam Tollefson: Education should be state responsibility
• Terry Weickum: Open to different education methods

Closing Statements

Terry Weickum

• Emphasized dedication and practical experience

Pam Tollefson

• Commitment to problem-solving and genuine representation

Reminder: Primary elections are on August 20th. Vote!