Candidates for Laramie City Council

City Council members are paid $50 per meeting they attend. There are no insurance benefits. Council is non-partisan, the two candidates with the most votes in each ward go on to the General Election ballot. Only residents within the ward vote on the candidates from each ward. Ward 3 candidates will serve two years, filling out an unexpired term created when a council member resigned. All others will be elected to terms of four years.

1. Biographical information. (100 words)

Ron Glazer (Ward 3, 2-year term): I was born and raised just east of Cheyenne in a railroad family of five kids. Four-H, scouting, hunting and fishing were our major activities when we got done with our chores. After completing an apprenticeship in masonry, I put myself through college here at UW, graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Geology. I have been in West Laramie 30 years or so. I have worked about every job in town, from cleaning toilets to Research work in order to remain in Laramie. Currently, I am employed as a scientist at Western Research Institute.

Roger C. McKinley (Ward 3, 2-year term): I was born in Ada, Oklahoma in nineteen fifty one and lived on a dairy farm. Most of my growing up years were in southern Colorado and I completed high school at Walsh, Colorado. I attended college at the University of Idaho and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fish and Wildlife Resources. I have lived in West Laramie for over five years. I am employed as a Forestry Technician with the US Forest Service. I am married and have three children.

F. Dee Mickelson (Ward 3, 2-year term): I have lived in Laramie for 25 years and Ward 3 for 20 years. I was born in Lovell, Wyoming. I graduated from the University of Wyoming. I taught math for 40 years, 22 of them in Laramie at the junior high and high school. During this time I coached wrestling and soccer. I retired from teaching and am currently employed as an installer for Wyoming Office Solutions. I served on the school board in Bighorn County. I am invested in Ward 3 and have the experience to represent the people and the needs of the community as a whole.

Scott A. Mullner (Ward 4): I was born and raised near a rural South Dakota farm community. Received a BS from South Dakota State University while serving in the US Army National Guard. Received MS and Ph.D. from University of Wyoming. Employment experience includes being an USDA Forest Service and State of Wyoming biologist. Also employed at UW WyGISC campus lab and as an independent environmental consultant. I currently own and operate businesses in Wyoming and Colorado. Since 2006 I have been a member of the Laramie Planning Commission and ZAC. I am also President of a Denver Area Advertising Co-Operative and an HOA President.

Erik Molvar (Ward 5):  I came to Laramie with my family eight years ago from Montana's Gallatin Valley, drawn by the small-town character and quality of life. I get things done; by 22 I completed a Masters in wildlife management and authored twelve books by 30. A love of hunting and flyfishing led me to a career in conservation. A prominent Wyoming leader for conservation, I've built consensus among diverse interest groups around stewardship of wildlife and open spaces, and advanced innovative solutions like directional drilling. A strong proponent of smart growth, I have worked locally to protect our aquifer and prevent urban sprawl.

Brad Williamson (Ward 5):  I was born in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1980, and have lived in Wyoming nearly all of my life. I came to Laramie in 2001 to attend the University and to date, I have completed my Junior year in mathematics. I am taking a break from school to pay bills and have reconstructive surgery to repair damage I suffered in a construction accident. I run my own flooring business and own a home here in town. I am running for city council because I want to prove that young people can be responsible and capable leaders.

Joe Shumway (Ward 6): I served as Mayor of Laramie and President of the Laramie City Council from 2001 – 2003. I am a board member of the National Committee for Public Safety and Crime Prevention. I serve as a board member of the Wyoming Legislative Services for WAM. I am the city council liaison to the DDA and serve on the Laramie Finance Committee. I am a past Chairman of the Albany County Republican Party from 1993-95, a committee member of the Laramie Community Service Day, a former Linford PTA President, an Eagle Scout and property and business owner in Laramie for over 25 years.

Karl McCraken (Ward 7): I was raised in Cheyenne,  then attended Arizona State University receiving a degree in accounting.  After ASU I went back to Cheyenne and worked for Wittler, Smith and Associates doing primarily tax work with some summer audit work mixed in.  In 1982 I moved to Laramie to manage the WS&A  office.  They later merged with Touche Ross and Company.  I then worked at Foster’s, Inc. where I met my wife Trudy.  For five years I had my own office (McCraken and Associates, P.C.) in downtown Laramie and was controller of Insitu, Inc. before returning to Foster’s, Inc. in 1991.

Troy A. Pierson (Ward 7):  I was born and raised in Wyoming with deep political roots throughout the state.  Growing up, I was around family who were voted into and worked in both city government and public offices.  I was a part of the planning committee that brought about and carried through the LIFE Project in Downtown Lander.  My love of both Laramie and our beautiful state is profound.  I am asking for your vote in November to keep the orb which is Laramie moving forward.  Thank you!

Vicki S. Henry (At Large): I have lived in Laramie for 20 years. I am a member of the Laramie Planning Commission and Zoning Advisory Committee, providing input and direction to our city development. I was a member of the Citizens Project Advisory Team, providing input to the Laramie Comprehensive Design Plan. I joined the Friends of Community Recreation years ago (now president) and helped to get the Laramie Recreation Center built, and we continue to raise funds for recreation endeavors in our community. I am also president of the Laramie Audubon Society, working to educate our citizens and conserve habitat for our wildlife.

Adam D. Vernati (At Large): I am a resident of Laramie for almost 9 years. I currently work for the Laramie Economic Development Corporation as a Project Manager. I am also co-founder and chair of the Big Hollow Food Coop. I am also active in other groups in town, one being the West Laramie Business Association steering committee to improve West Laramie drainage and street issues. I am recently retired from 15 years service from the military. 7 of those years have been in the Wyoming National Guard. I am also completing a degree in Business Administration from UW.

Joseph Vitale (At Large): I was born in Monroe, Michigan and was raised with five brothers. After high school I attended UW on a football scholarship and graduated with a BS degree in Secondary Education. I also attained an MA degree in Community Education from Eastern Michigan University and earned additional credits from North Carolina State University in Revenue Management, Grantsmanship, Trusts, and Budgeting. My work experience includes science teacher, coach, Community Center Director, Parks/Recreation Director, Assistant Athletic Director at UW, and restauranteur. My wife, Nancy, and I have two sons, Joseph and Frank and a granddaughter, Victoria.

2. To what uses do you think we should put the fifth cent and possible seventh cent sales tax revenue when (and if) these taxes are available? Explain your answer. (75 words)

Ron Glazer (Ward 3): I do not have any firm positions excepting the idea that my job is to represent the desires of all the folks in West Laramie. I personally believe in a “back to basics” approach, where public safety and infrastructure receive the greatest priority. The City should treat residents as valued customers and restore public comments to their rightful place at the beginning of meetings. A good councilor serves with thoughtfulness and humility.

Roger McKinley (Ward 3): Improving the things that we already have is the best use of the fifth cent tax. There is a need for street, drainage, sidewalk, and waterline improvements. These things are needed by all of us and should have first priority. The seventh cent tax is intended to staff the new fire station. It is not very popular at this time due to record high fuel and food prices. It may have to wait for a better time.

F. Dee Mickelson (Ward 3): Top priority should be the infrastructure and the West Laramie Fire Station. The waterlines need to be replaced in many areas to improve the water pressure. Currently the pressure cannot be increased in some areas because the lines will break. Firemen need to be trained so they are ready when the fire station is opened. The new station will benefit not only West Laramie but the city as a whole and Albany County as well.

Scott A. Mullner (Ward 4): Laramie has many critical issues facing it in the near future. Two primary items I believe we must address with sales tax revenue are city infrastructure and the city landfill. We must be aware that as Laramie has grown it has fallen behind in infrastructure (sewer and street) redevelopment and reconstruction in established neighborhoods within the city. We must also consider the city landfill and options to extend its life such as recycling and composting.

Erik Molvar (Ward 5):  The fifth cent should provide basic services and also acquire parks and open space (especially over the aquifer), reduce energy waste in city buildings and vehicles, pave roads that cause dust pollution, and enhance our historic downtown. The seventh cent should fund a fire station in West Laramie because basic services are essential. It should be built for energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, because we shouldn't squander our tax dollars on high energy bills.

 Brad Williamson (Ward 5):  A common complaint I hear is that the city of Laramie is far behind in road and infrastructure maintenance. These taxes could be specified for improvements in road surfaces, and the replacement of old water and sewer lines. Also, the city staff have come up with an excellent plan for paying for the operating expenses of the proposed fire station with only four years of taxes. We are in good economic times right now and should be paying for these things while we can afford it.

Joe Shumway (Ward 6): Sales taxes are a major source of funding for municipalities. 70% of the first 4 cents of sales tax are kept by the state, 98% of additional sales taxes are returned to the city from where the tax was collected. The 5th cent is a major source of funding for municipal capital projects. I would support placing a 7th cent on the ballot for a West Laramie Fire Station and for infrastructure projects.

Karl McCraken (Ward 7): The 5^th cent currently funds city operations and needs to continue this function so as to not cause massive disruptions in city services.  Should the voters pass the 7^th cent, I would prefer  it only be used for phasing in the West Laramie fire station and for needed infrastructure repairs and improvements.  I  do not support using it for any expenses or projects that would have continuing costs past the expiration date of the tax.

Troy A. Pierson (Ward 7): I like that the 5th cent tax goes to replacing our city's current technology requirements and other outside funding but I still have reservations about what the 7th cent tax revenue should be used for. I believe that the estimates to replace just one mile of city street is a little over $1.1 million and the costs to replace sewer and water lines at near $120 a foot, the uses for this money could be endless; but I think that roads and line replacement are in the best interest of our community.

Vicki S. Henry (At Large): The extra revenue should be used for updating and expanding our water and sewer mains for new and existing developments and for protecting our aquifer. The revenue can be used for purchasing easements for the Green Belt trail that needs to be expanded throughout and around the city for public recreation. The revenue should be used for a recycling and composting program for our city residents and businesses to extend the life of our landfill.

Adam D. Vernati (At Large): The 5th cent tax is a vital part of our city’s budget and should be continued. Over 20% or our general fund comes from this tax. Without this money much of the city’s ability to function would be greatly hampered. This tax allows for the function of the city to serve, provide for and protect its citizens. To the 7th cent tax, without guaranteed uses and benefits for all I cannot support extra taxation.

Joseph Vitale (At Large): The health of a community depends on deferred maintenance projects and development of new areas for growth. A ten year plan, amortizing the cost for such projects should be established. When sufficient funds are available the projects should commence. All special purpose taxes, including renewals, should be approved by a vote of the people. Specific projects should be identified to avoid ambiguous categories that allow for the transfer of funds to the general fund.

3. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of the present ward system for electing the Laramie City Council, and what changes (if any) would you make? (75 words)

Ron Glazer (Ward 3): The current system has resulted in more attention to West Laramie. In 2011, we have the opportunity to change. I think the poor performance of the City manager system is related to a lack of accountability to the voters. The Mayor, Pubic Utilities Director, Police Chief, City Treasurer, Fire Chief, and City Judge should all be elected positions. We only need to look at the county to see how much more stable this is.

Roger C. McKinley (Ward 3): The current ward system seems reasonable to me. The large number of council members makes them more accessible to the voters. As the city grows, city council may become so time consuming that councilmen will need receive full time pay. When this happens, it would make sense to reduce the number to seven to cut costs. When the next energy bust happens, it may be hard to keep nine

members.

F. Dee Mickelson (Ward 3): I believe it is a system that is working well.  Each ward is represented by a councilman who knows the people and the needs of their area. The system gives equal representation to all parts of Laramie.

Scott A. Mullner (Ward 4): The current ward system provides two at large seats for which individuals from any ward can run. The idea to increase the number of at large members concerns me, because this allows a concentration of majority that could supersede proper ward representation. Under the current system, fully one-third of the council can be from the same ward. This same concern prevents me from believing that reducing the council from nine to seven members is appropriate.

Erik Molvar (Ward 5):  Our ward system provides a voice for issues unique to certain neighborhoods. Ward races are more affordable for candidates, allowing more residents an opportunity to serve on Council. City-wide seats afford the advantage of representing the broader interests of all residents. I support the ward system, but am open to considering fewer, larger wards and more at-large seats. I'd like to hear more from residents on this and other issues; send viewpoints to MolvarCityCouncil@gmail.com.

Brad Williamson (Ward 5):  The Ward system is a good way to represent the sometimes very different needs of different parts of the city. Certainly the needs of West Laramie do not always coincide with the needs of the Tree Area, for instance. On the other hand, the way the district lines are drawn do not always give everyone a fair vote, or a reasonable chance for their voices to be heard. I think our system, however, is a fair way to represent everyone in Laramie.

Joe Shumway (Ward 6): I supported a three ward system when it was first introduced. I do not think of Laramie as being divided into seven districts. Perhaps a West Laramie Ward, a Central Laramie Ward and an East Laramie Ward would be more representative of who we are. Having three council members being accountable to each citizens of a west, central or east division, with every council member representing the entire community, seems more practical.

Karl McCraken (Ward 7): When passed in 2001, the main reasoning I remember was to have representation from more areas of the community.  Although the ward system has provided that, I believe it also limited the numbers of candidates for city council.  We have too little competition within many wards.  I believe this is caused by  too many wards.  I would suggest it be tweaked in 2011 to three wards of two persons each with three at large candidates.

Troy A. Pierson (Ward 7): The current ward system does have strengths but unfortunately I view more weaknesses.  I think that a prosperous city council only needs 5 to 7 people on it.  The way the current ward system is set up now is something that could come up for a vote to change during the course of my tenure on the city council if I'm elected.  I would vote to scale down certain wards to a more manageable size.

Vicki S. Henry (At Large): The strength in the ward system is that groups living and/or working in proximity to each other can elect representatives with similar ways of thinking. However, the weakness is that wards contain many different philosophies, so one councilperson may not represent all views in that ward. I would rather see seven at-large representatives serving on the Council. By reducing the number on the Council, business could be accomplished in a more efficient way.

Adam Vernati (At Large): Overall, a ward system does not benefit the city. Ward representatives are out for their ward and not for the entire city. This is a benefit to the ward, but issues for the city may be placed secondary. I would remove the ward system and have all council members be at-large. The candidates would then be responsible to the entire city and not just one area. This provides for increased accountability and responsibility.

Joseph Vitale (At Large): The ward system is designed to give a personal contact for the citizens of that precinct. With the turn over of elected officials and the lack of candidates to fill vacancies, weakness has been shown. This weakness can be attributed to a lack of interest or lack of leadership by other elected officials. I think the city should consider an elected mayor with six at large positions. The community should be surveyed.