Council candidates line up for primary

With the primary election just around the corner, your candidates for mayor and council seats in Moorcroft and Pine Haven share a little about their motivations in running for office.

Moorcroft Council

Ben Glenn

Incumbent.

Glenn lives in Moorcroft and owns his own construction business.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“I feel I have a good understanding of what the majority of Moorcroft needs and is looking forward to. I think we have a lot of really good plans in the works and just need to see them through.”

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on?

“I believe the main focus needs to be not only on what’s below the ground in the infrastructure – sewer, water and garbage – but also above the ground as parks and recreation; keeping the younger generation here, giving them something to do other than just knowing they have water and sewer available to them.

“We must keep the town alive and make sure that it does not become a place where the youth just grow up and leave and never come back. I think we need to make sure that we always have a place for them to come home to. Several of us, including myself, have grown up here, started businesses here and work in the community. I believe that’s what we need to continue so that we have a good life available in Moorcroft for everybody.”

John Aloisio

Aloisio lives in Moorcroft and is retired.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“I have lived in Moorcroft for the past 18 years and worked in Crook and Campbell Counties for most of the past four decades. Having worked as a teacher, principal and administrator I have assisted individuals from the very young to the elderly and have gained a wealth of experience about the unique needs of each group. Presently, I am semi-retired, working as a National Park Ranger at Devils Tower during the summer months.

“I believe that ‘people first’ should be the foundation of any action taken by a governing body. Each decision should further that philosophy, whether we are deciding items such as playground equipment, senior services, sewer lines, the cost of garbage pickup or any of the countless needs in a community.

“As an individual, I do not spend money I do not have. As a public leader, that must be doubly true. It is your money, taxpayers’ money, and careful consideration must be given before spending it.

“I am, by nature, a process person. If you do it right in the planning, the outcome is generally a good one.”

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on if you are elected?

“If elected, I would hope to create a one, five and ten year set of goals. For example, if you need a new vehicle for the police department, you set aside a specific amount of money each year to pay for it. Emergencies will always happen. An account that puts aside money for that contingency should be a normal part of each year’s budget, rather than cutting something to pay for something else. Most decisions should be made after at least two meetings, in order to have time to study the requests.

“I am particularly concerned about long term debt. We now have over three million dollars in loans for the sewer project plus others, some of which stretch over 40 years. Left unchecked, such debt eventually will make short term needs difficult to achieve because of the yearly repayment of principal and interest.

“As Wyoming struggles with reduced income, so does our county and town. I believe that the council must be very pro-active in helping create more business opportunities and take actions that directly support those businesses already here.

“Over the past year, I have walked every street and alley countless times. I mostly see pride in ownership reflected in well kept homes and property, but I also see the opportunity to make it even better. We can do more to help attract new families and businesses to our community. A well organized governing body committed to achieving these goals is the most visible sign of Moorcroft’s commitment to a positive future.

“Leadership is the foundation to all these goals. I ask for your consideration to be a part of that leadership.”

Paul Gallegos

Gallegos lives in Moorcroft and is retired.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“An outdoor educator with 13 years of experience, I was an instructor with the United States Marine Corps where I instructed outdoor survival and received a BSc with a minor in criminal justice. In 2016, I was working on a second Bachelors degree, in outdoor education. While studying I served on several teams within the outdoor education department. One of my lasting legacies at Northland College was the bee keeping program I helped build and fund.”

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on?

“I have sought out this opportunity with the town council to continue forward with my leadership and resourcefulness. Whether leading and excelling in the Marine Corp or sharing skills with local students and youth, I’m committed to better our community. Most importantly, I will always choose to courageously work on issues that strengthen and bring economic growth for our community. 

“Regardless of my success, you’ll find me always fighting to improve the education of our local youth here in Moorcroft. In 2018, I donated and instructed a French language course at our public library. I helped our high school FFA students in 2019, developed the FFA beekeeping program. I would like to work with our local, state and federal leadership to improve students’ educational opportunities, find new funding so we as a community can provide after school extra academic activities, extracurricular programs. Let’s work together to bring programs to life.”

Mayor of Pine Haven

John Cook

Incumbent.

Cook lives in Pine Haven and is retired.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“Having spent 15 years as an administrator in a school setting I have the ability to solve problems, deal with people in various settings and work with employees and the town council in a congenial manner.”

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on?

“At this point in time with the budget cuts we are experiencing providing the same level of services to which the citizens of Pine Haven have become accustomed will be the biggest challenge the mayor and council will face for at least the foreseeable future. If cuts in services are required, prioritizing and determining the cuts that will affect the least change will be an added challenge.”

Pine Haven Council

Emily Smith

Incumbent.

Smith lives in Pine Haven and is retired.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“I have positive and useful experience working with various levels of government in Wyoming, schools, and private business. I enjoy and value working with others toward equal, correct and effective outcomes, which properly serve the community and the people. We are blessed to live in Pine Haven.” 

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on?

“I see the main issues as those prioritized by our staff, council and public survey, maintenance of infrastructure and a balanced and appropriately used budget.”

Karla Brandenburg

Incumbent.

Brandenburg lives in Pine Haven and is retired.

What strengths would you bring to this office?

“I have already served my first term so I am well aware of the issues that our community faces.”

What are the most important issues you intend to focus on?

“Staying fiscally responsible with the loss of some income to the state due to the mineral industry getting hit so hard.”