See what candidates in Albany County and Wyoming legislative races say about why they’re running, the issues they want to address and how they would represent their constituents.
Joel H Defebaugh
Position: Albany County Attorney
Q. Why are you running for this position?
A. I am running for Albany County Attorney because I believe our community deserves experienced leadership, fair and impartial justice, and a commitment to public service. Having served as a Deputy County Attorney for eight years, I understand the responsibilities and challenges of this office. I want to build on its strengths, lead an effective team, and ensure the County Attorney’s Office continues serving the people of Albany County with integrity every day.
Q. What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A. My priorities are protecting public safety, ensuring fair and consistent application of the law, and strengthening relationships between the County Attorney’s Office and our community partners. I want to support victims, maintain strong cooperation with law enforcement, and use appropriate alternatives to incarceration when they improve public safety. Equally important is providing sound, objective legal counsel to the county government and ensuring the office operates effectively and professionally.
Q. How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A. The County Attorney’s Office serves every resident of Albany County. I believe effective leadership requires listening, being accessible, and maintaining open communication with the community. I will work collaboratively with law enforcement, county officials, victims, and community organizations while ensuring decisions remain grounded in the law. My responsibility is to serve the public fairly and impartially, regardless of personal beliefs, politics, or outside pressure.
Q. What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A. For eight years, I have served as a Deputy County Attorney, representing the County in civil matters and prosecuting criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I advocate in our local courts almost daily and have extensive trial experience. Additionally, my service as a Judge Advocate in the Wyoming Army National Guard has strengthened my leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. I am prepared to lead this office from day one.
Q. What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A. One of my primary goals is to strengthen communication and collaboration between the County Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, county government, and the community. I want to build relationships that encourage open dialogue, improve coordination, and ensure the office remains accessible and responsive. Strong partnerships help us address challenges, better serve victims, and promote public safety. I believe effective leadership begins with communication and a shared commitment to serving Albany County.
Ross Davenport
Position: House District 45
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: A person can only sit on the sidelines for so long, if you want change in this world you have to be the change.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: K-12 funding and accountability, data center transparency on infrastructure to these facilities and, homeowner and renter bill of rights
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I will forever listen to the people and take their voice to the capital. Concerns are from “we the people” not personal agendas.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A:I have worked in engineering in the private sector the majority of my life. I am a problems and solutions driven individual, I don’t have an agenda and I’m not a career politician. This is the first time I’ve ever run for office and will bring a fresh perspective to the office.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: I would like to get my Homeowner and Renter Bill of Rights passed, this is to protect both owners and renters from predatory practices.
Ken Chestek
Position: Wyoming House of Representatives, District 13
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I have served two terms as your Representatives and, while I have made some progress on the issues that matter to my constituents, there is much unfinished business. I am committed to public service and to using my expertise in legal writing to help solve Wyoming problems.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: I am working on a bill to strictly limit the amount of water data centers can use to cool their servers. I want to limit the influence of money in politics, and to work toward making county elected offices non-partisan. I will work to protect University funding, women’s reproductive freedom, and to start summer food programs for needy children.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I will participate in public forums and meetings and listen to my constituents’ communications with me. I will do the research I need to make decisions based on science and truthful information.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: I taught at the UW College of Law for 12 years before retiring several years ago. My specialty was teaching legal writing, which is exactly what a state legislator does: write laws. I have frequently used my experience in legal writing to help improve the bills that we vote on in the legislature.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: Pass legislation protecting our water supply from being wasted by data centers.
Daron L. Wyatt
Position: Albany County Sheriff
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I believe the residents of Albany County need and deserve an experienced law enforcement professional who will bring principled leadership, character, and competence to the Sheriff’s Office. A leader who believes in Public Safety over Politics and will serve the entire community without regard to political party.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: The safety and security of the Detention Center is the highest priority. Our jail has a death rate 300% higher than the national average, has had three suicides in five years and is the ONLY jail in Wyoming that has had more than one suicide. I will institute strong policies that will reflect the national standards and will be defensible in court.
Next is fiscal responsibility. With looming budget cuts, we need to be able to save money without laying off personnel and without cutting services to the public. I will examine existing contracts (Jail medical contract, etc) to see where we can save money without reductions in the workforce or services provided.
Finally, I will create a Mission Statement along with visions and values that will prioritize a reformed response to mental health crises, while serving the residents of Albany County with professionalism and dedication.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I will take an oath of office that says I will protect, support, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Wyoming. With that oath comes a responsibility to the residents of Albany County. I will hold regular Town Hall style meetings to meet with the residents in our rural communities so that we can listen to their needs and desires.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: I have been in law enforcement for 38 years. Almost half of that time has been in leadership roles. I have worked Patrol, SWAT, gangs, vice, narcotics, homicide, domestic violence, use of force investigator, and Public Information Officer. I am a certified Peace Officer in the State of Wyoming.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, and a Master of Arts degree in Behavioral Science. I have spent the past 18 months traveling throughout the County and have spoken with residents from all walks of life. I have listened to the input and concerns from residents all across the county and will be ready to take over leadership on January 4th.
Q:What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: I want to look at the residents of Albany County in four years and tell them that NOBODY has died in the Albany County Detention Center during my tenure as Sheriff.
Aaron Appelhans
Position: Albany County Sheriff
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I am running for re-election as Albany County Sheriff to build on six years of progress. We have increased transparency, ensuring our office is open, accessible, and the first to notify the public during emergencies.
Mental health is a priority. I will continue training deputies for crises and partnering with local clinics to redirect individuals away from jail. We are also using grants to reach 100% staff training in de-escalation.
Our rural towns face unique challenges. From land disputes to natural disasters, my commitment to county residents will never waver. Backed by a diverse background in engineering, leadership, and a law enforcement career rising from Detective to Sergeant and Sheriff, I have the experience Albany County needs.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: Mental health is a priority. I will continue training deputies for crises and partnering with local clinics to redirect individuals away from jail. We are also using grants to reach 100% staff training in de-escalation.
Our rural towns face unique challenges. From land disputes to natural disasters, my commitment to county residents will never waver. Backed by a diverse background in engineering, leadership, and a law enforcement career rising from Detective to Sergeant and Sheriff, I have the experience Albany County needs.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office faces a major budget threat from a ballot measure to slash property taxes by 50%. Since property taxes fund county services, its passage will force tough budget decisions. I will fight to preserve staffing and emergency responses, but non-emergent services may be reduced or eliminated.
We also face rising Search and Rescue demands. Federal public land rulings have brought more visitors to our open spaces, increasing rescue calls. We must launch public safety education campaigns and upgrade aging rescue equipment.
Finally, we remain focused on eliminating impaired driving. We will continue alcohol safety education with local colleges and residents while strictly enforcing DUI laws to reach zero traffic fatalities.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: Having been Albany County’s Sheriff for the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many residents over that time and listen to their needs and concerns. Having listened to my constituents, we have either continued working on or accomplished the following:
Reducing traffic fatalities
- Many of the fatalities that we experience in Albany County are due to traffic crashes. Many are due to excessive speeds, or drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. As sheriff I will continue to incorporate fact-based, and data driven traffic safety measures to reduce this type of fatality.
Mental Health crisis response
- Many law enforcement calls are intertwined with a mental health crisis response. I want to continue ongoing training efforts, so Sheriff Deputies feel more confident in responding to these situations
- Continue work with community resources to refer those in mental health crisis to clinics and other professionals outside of law enforcement. Not every crisis requires a law enforcement intervention or a criminal justice solution. Continue to utilize non-law enforcement partners within our community.
- Continue to use mental health resources within the detention center; establish connection with local resources for inmate reintroduction into the community and greater reduction in recidivism
Alternative sentencing options
- Jail is not a hospital, it’s not a mental health clinic, and it’s not a substance abuse clinic – it is a temporary holding facility
- What it lacks could be made up by what we don’t have in sentencing requirements to avoid jail time and get people the help they truly need by incorporating alternative sentencing programs for those suffering with substance or alcohol abuse, mental health issues, or food, health, and financial insecurities.
- We only want to put people in jail that need to be in jail
- An effort to reduce or eliminate a person’s time in the detention center
Increase transparency
- Being open, up-front, and available to the community
Diversity and Inclusivity
- Recruit and retain diverse staff to promote a more diverse and inclusive workplace and law enforcement response for the community.
- Lots of people come from lots of different places and backgrounds. The more people with the various backgrounds we have in law enforcement the better the agency.
De-escalation
- Continue ongoing efforts to incorporate de-escalation training and techniques amongst all staff at the ACSO. Utilize grant funding and community partners to establish long-term, sustainable training efforts with the goal of having 100% of deputies trained in de-escalation techniques.
Commitment to Rural Residents
- Rural residents have unique challenges w`e to focus on their needs, not solely on the residents in town. As Sheriff, I’ve committed to listening to the concerns of our rural residents and towns and have followed with action. Whether it be land management issues, range management issues, unauthorized access, property line disputes, or natural disaster response, my office has always been willing and able to lend a helping hand. While I’m in office, my commitment to county residents and rural towns will never waiver. I’ll continue to work with local residents and volunteer firefighters to make sure the Sheriff’s Office is always available to lend a helping hand.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: I came to Laramie as a UW student in 1999 and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 2003. Not coming from a small town, I became accustomed to the benefits of small-town living pretty quick, like being able to meet your neighbors and “go where everyone knows your name;” participating in and coaching kids in city recreation sports leagues, attending kids’ school plays, concerts, recitals; learn and enjoy the many outdoor activities. I have called Laramie my home ever since.The experience I bring to this position is unique. Having worked in multiple industries prior to law enforcement, I am able to take my experience, training, and certifications and apply it to find solutions to every problem or incident.
Having a degree in Engineering and having worked in the field, I am able to understand and navigate solutions to traffic and building safety along with having a solid footing on how to create, implement, and secure new designs, bids, and security analysis for Albany County. Experience in leading large projects with expansive crews and tight deadlines also helped me take on the role of Sheriff and succeed in areas that others neglected.
My time at the University of Wyoming as a recruiter, marketer, and college counselor gave me the opportunity to travel and meet people from all walks of life. Being able to communicate with different people in different situations and cultures has helped in all facets of law enforcement and is a key component in my work as Sheriff.
I started my law enforcement career later in life than most. Being a sworn peace officer since 2010, I’ve had the opportunities to gain experience and training in almost every phase and level in police work. Having worked my way through the ranks as a School Resource Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and now Sheriff I have the experience needed to continue and serve my community.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: The Albany County Sheriff’s Office does not conduct mass surveillance on our residents, nor do we contract with companies providing mass personal data.
As Sheriff, my position is firm: my office has two core mandates to the public—to enforce the law and to protect your constitutional rights. While mass data collection firms are common in law enforcement today, it is our absolute responsibility to follow the law while enforcing it.
The Albany County Sheriff’s Office will continue to reject contracts with mass data collection firms. I will ensure that your Fourth Amendment rights remain fully intact while I am in office.
Tracy Fletcher
Position: Albany County Treasurer
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I am proud to serve as the Albany County Treasurer and am seeking reelection to continue providing experienced, responsible, and transparent leadership. My commitment to the citizens of Albany County remains focused on protecting public funds, maintaining excellent customer service, and building upon the improvements already underway in the Treasurer’s Office. I believe my experience, knowledge, and dedication provide the strong foundation needed to continue moving our office forward.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: My priorities focus on three key areas: financial transparency, improved taxpayer communication, and operational strength.
First, I am committed to completing the technology modernization projects currently underway, including an online financial dashboard that will provide the public with up-to-date information on county revenues and expenditures.
Second, I want to expand communication with taxpayers by implementing additional methods of sharing important information, deadlines, and available services.
Finally, I will continue strengthening our financial processes and preparing for potential reductions in property tax revenues through responsible financial management, accurate revenue forecasting, and sound internal controls.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I believe effective public service begins with listening, being accessible, and treating every citizen with respect. I will continue maintaining an open-door policy and welcoming questions, concerns, and suggestions from the people of Albany County.
I am also committed to continuing town hall meetings alongside my fellow elected officials to encourage open dialogue, provide information, and better understand the needs of our community. Transparency, accountability, and responsive customer service will remain central to how I serve.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: I bring 23 years of hands-on experience in the Albany County Treasurer’s Office, including nearly eight years serving as County Treasurer. Having worked my way through the office, I understand its responsibilities from both an operational and leadership perspective.
My experience includes motor vehicle registrations, sales tax collections, property tax administration, and the accounting and financial management responsibilities of county government. Combined with my Accounting degree from the University of Wyoming, this experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of the office and the importance of safeguarding public funds.
I offer proven leadership, institutional knowledge, and the experience to continue serving effectively from day one.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: My top priority is completing the online financial transparency dashboard, a project I initiated and that is currently underway.
This enhancement to the county’s website will provide citizens with convenient access to up-to-date information about county revenues and expenditures, making it easier to understand how public funds are received and used.
I believe transparency builds public trust, and this project represents an important step toward greater accountability, accessibility, and informed engagement with county government.
Shane Swett
Position: Wyoming House of Representatives, District 13
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I am running to be a true “citizen legislator” rather than a career politician. The people of District 13 deserve a representative who listens, who shows up, and who puts their interests above politics. I want to bring practical, blue-collar “kitchen-table” economics to Cheyenne and prioritize local residents over government overreach. It’s time for change!
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
By maintaining a community-first approach. True representation requires active listening, empathy, integrity, and accountability. I owe my constituents honest, clear explanations for my decisions rather than relying on spin or deflection. I don’t need your money; I need your trust.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: I am a lifelong Laramie resident, a small-business owner, and a candidate with blue-collar roots. In Laramie we know what it takes to get off the line fast! I have spent my life around engines, running a small business, hauling folks home when they break down – fixing what needs fixing. Running my own local business has taught me how to balance a budget, deal with economic pressures, and cut waste. I know what it takes to live within our means, and I will demand the same fiscal accountability from our government.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: My specific goal is to secure permanent property tax relief for Wyomingites—such as supporting a homeowner’s exemption for primary residences—while stripping away bureaucratic fat from the top down to ensure our classrooms, first responders, and infrastructure are fully funded.
Kayla Marroquin
Position: Albany County Clerk of District Court
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: I am running for this office to provide strong leadership and a
continued close, positive working relationship with the other offices of
the District Court to ensure court records are processed quickly and
efficiently.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A:I believe the most important issues to be addressed are public access to
court records, efficient jury trial proceedings and a healthy work/life
balance for the employees of the office.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: This office exists solely to serve the public, and that has been done
successfully over the previous years and will continue to do so under my
leadership. I understand the importance and necessity of people to be
able to access court records, to file new cases, and to obtain
passports. I believe these needs are currently met sufficiently with
the exception of public access to court records. I will work closely
with the Supreme Court to implement technology to allow public access
from anywhere-not just the courthouse-in the future.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this
position?
A:I have been in the legal field for over 15 years. I started as a
process server. I spent some time working in three different law firms
after that. Later, I worked as an independent contractor for Lexis
Nexis collecting court records throughout the State. I have spent the
last seven years working as a judicial assistant at the District Court,
where I use the electronic filing system and the Court’s case management
system daily. In addition to my work experience, I have been a litigant
in the court system here and in another State. I believe all of this
gives me a unique perspective on the court system from multiple
viewpoints which has helped me to understand what works well and what
needs improvement.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A:I believe there is some improvement to be made when it comes to jury
trials, and I intend to tackle that issue if I am elected. I don’t
believe our jurors are affording enough time to prepare to serve on a
jury, and we are in a jurisdiction where we have more jury trials each
year than almost anywhere else in the State. I understand how much of a
burden serving on a jury can be, but I also understand the importance of
a fair jury trial being held so I will work closely with the Court to
ensure both of these needs are met.
Kayla White
Position: County Clerk
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A:My why is simple: I believe Albany County deserves a Clerk who is knowledgeable about the statutes, understands the responsibilities of the office, and is willing to perform all of the duties required of the position. There are many days you can find me right at the counter, issuing vehicle titles, processing a marriage license, or helping a member of the public. There isn’t anything I would ask my staff to do that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. I believe in fiscal responsibility, free and fair elections, and treating every person who walks into the Clerk’s Office with dignity and respect. I absolutely love what I do, and I love serving the people of Albany County. It would be an honor to continue serving you for the next four years.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: The three most important issues I would address are election accessibility, government transparency, and access to public records.
I believe every eligible voter should have a convenient and accessible opportunity to participate in our elections. I am committed to exploring ways to improve the voting process while maintaining accuracy, security, and public confidence in our elections. One area I would like to explore is providing voters with a way to track the status of their absentee ballots.
I am equally committed to transparency and access to public information. Albany County residents deserve to have information about their county government readily available and easy to understand. I would like to work toward improving access to county financial information, including revenues and expenditures, and making public records requests easier to submit, track, and fulfill.
As a County Clerk, my goal is to approach these issues in a fair, nonpartisan, and practical manner. I will continue listening to the public, exploring opportunities for improvement, and keeping the needs of Albany County residents at the center of my work.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I will represent the needs and concerns of Albany County residents by listening, being accessible, and taking the time to understand their perspectives. I believe that hearing concerns is the first step toward finding meaningful solutions, and I will continue to maintain an open-door policy, welcoming members of the public to come speak with me about any questions or concerns they may have.
Every person who walks through the doors of the County Clerk’s Office deserves to be treated with the same dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background or political affiliation.
I will also continue to hold town hall meetings alongside the County Assessor and Treasurer to encourage open communication, answer questions, and keep the public informed. Transparency, accessibility, and accountability are essential to building trust with the people we serve, and I will continue working to ensure Albany County residents feel heard, respected, and informed.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A:I have worked in the Albany County Clerk’s Office for 19 years. I was hired as the administrative assistant in 2007 and was appointed as Chief Deputy Clerk in 2009. During my time as Chief Deputy, I gained hands-on experience in every area of the office, including the budget process, real estate, vehicle titles, County Commissioners, payroll, accounts payable, and elections.
My experience and knowledge of the office mean that I can continue serving Albany County residents effectively from day one. You can expect the same reliable, consistent service you have come to know and depend on.
Over the past four years as County Clerk, I have demonstrated my ability to manage the office and keep its operations running smoothly. I am fortunate to have a dedicated, knowledgeable staff who work hard every day to serve the people of Albany County. Together, we will continue providing the professional, dependable, and courteous service our residents deserve.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: One specific goal I have if reelected is to implement an improved system for public records requests. I would like to develop a centralized online landing page where members of the public can submit records requests, track their status, and view previously submitted requests and available records at their convenience. This system would make it easier for residents to find information, follow the progress of their requests, and access information that has already been requested by others, when appropriate and legally permissible. By creating a more organized and accessible process, we can reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and increase transparency throughout county government.
I believe the public should have convenient access to information about their county government. This is an opportunity to use technology to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public access while ensuring that confidential information and applicable privacy requirements are protected.
Karlee Provenza
Position: Wyoming House District 45
Q: Why are you running for this position?
A: Many lawmakers don’t have the experience of working hard to make minimum wage, struggling to pay medical bills, or wondering how they would afford groceries. But I have. Despite the odds, after dropping out of high school at 16, I ended up at the University of Wyoming, where I completed my Ph.D. in 2021. For the past several years, I have worked as a nonprofit coach helping organizations create grassroots plans that increase civic education and engagement aimed at giving power back to the people. I am running because I want to build a Wyoming where my neighbors have a future here that includes prosperity, freedom, and where power is truly inherent in the people. It has been my greatest honor to serve you these past three terms.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
A: The greatest issues facing Wyomingites are healthcare, the heartbreak of our young people leaving due to lack of opportunities, and out of state extremists funneling resources into Wyoming to divide us and dismantle our public institutions.
The first two struggles can be solved together – funding programs in healthcare would create jobs for young people, support them in growing their families, and support our aging population. We need new programs that expand maternal healthcare, senior services, and rural healthcare solutions, so the money Wyomingites put into healthcare is spent in here, not in bordering states.
The issue of extremism has played a central role in our state legislature. Fortunately, this burden was largely solved in the last primary election when voters ousted the Freedom Caucus. I am committed to centering Wyoming problems and solutions, and I will continue working on anything that will improve the lives of the people of Wyoming so they have the freedom to prosper.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
A: I believe deeply that power is inherent in the people and I work to engage communities on how they can participate in their local governments. You will often see me engaging in public events, local governments, and building grassroots power. Additionally, because I have the experience of living paycheck to paycheck and I have experienced the obstacles that everyday people face, I am well-suited to understand the hardships that most people in Wyoming are facing. I’m not some polished politician who lives in the ivory tower, I am a working-class young woman with a huge pile of student loan debt.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
A: It is an honor to currently be serving my third term as Representative where I serve on the Agriculture and Public Lands Committee, and the Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Committee. I have previously served on the Education and the Judiciary Committees.
During my time in the legislature, I have passed laws protecting public land access and various bills aimed at government transparency and accountability. In 2024, after years of community organizing, I helped pass legislation that strengthened oversight of law enforcement in Wyoming.
I am a nonprofit coach for organizations aiming to build grassroots power. I believe deeply that power is inherent in the people and I work to engage communities on how they can participate in their local governments. I earned my Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at the University of Wyoming and I enjoy wildlife photography. You may have seen some of my recent work when I took a photo of Rebecca Bextel handing out checks to members of the Freedom Caucus on the Wyoming House Floor.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
A: I want to make Wyoming a place where young people want to live and raise their families in.
Gary Wilken (or Rev. Gary L Wilken)
Position: Democrat for Wyoming House of Representatives District 46.
I have been a resident of Albany County for 29 years. I came to Laramie by way of Rawlins where I served the First United Methodist church from July 1, 1994 – June 30 1997. Our family had decided to move and put some roots down (after 7 moves over a 19 year career). We liked Laramie and it matched a lot of previous rural pastorates.
I am running for the legislature because of my experience of partnering with people to deal with problems and my training as a Police Chaplain to help them do that. I began work as a Detention Deputy, then Detention supervisor and did this for fourteen years. My regular duties were supplemented by work with the Drug Court program, as well as connecting inmates and staff and their families with mental health folk and substance abuse treatment programs. When I had to retire from law enforcement because of an eye disease I went to work for the Albany County Planning Dept. and worked as Code Enforcement Officer (PT) My job was to assist in nuisance situations where Health and Safety issues were a problem among neighbors and the community.
That background continues as I work with Public lands that are being used as dumping grounds, and junkyards and problem sites. A healthy environment where we help each other care for our lands, private and public is very important to our health and safety. I have helped move many problems to murually satisfying solutions, and also monitored waste water treatment and septic system installation and Water safety with the protection of our Aquifer and groundwaters.
As a Untied Methodist minister I helped share the challenges of living and maintaining our spiritual health by helping the church communities minister to the homeless, mentally ill, substance abuse users, and struggling folks.
I am an advocate for healthy living and the right to choose our own healthcare as affirmed in the Wyoming Constitution.
My son and I own a cleaning business, and are looking at ways to enable sober living houses, treatment facilities, and more healthcare to our rural communities. The last seven years I was at the Sheriff’s Office I served as liaison with the Drug Court program, encouraging healthy choices by our offender population and helping them and their families and employers confront this issue.
As a pastor I have helped visit the sick, encourage them and minister to them. I like to use Matthew 25 as an example we are all challenged to.
Education and knowledge are tools that are a great help in dealing with life’s issues and I strongly support public education, the University of Wyoming, the community colleges and our trade schools and apprenticeship programs.
I still assist the pastoral staffe in study groups, pastoral care, and partnering with folk.
One specific goal I have is to maintain all the partnerships I have experiences with folks working the land. In Albany County, along with the many ranches and farm operations whe have city, county, state and federal lands that offer many opportunities for work, recreation, solitude and spiritual expansion. I want to continue cleaning them up and opening up opportunities for more folk to grow as land and wildlife lovers. I ask for your vote in HD 46 and please contact me and partner in these challenges.
Chelsie Mathews
Position: Albany County Assessor
Q: Why are you running for this position?
I am seeking reelection because I believe the County Assessor plays a vital role in ensuring property is valued fairly, equitably, and in accordance with Wyoming law. Experience and knowledge are essential to this position. I understand the importance of every tax dollar and recognize that my responsibility is to serve the taxpayers of Albany County. I am committed to treating property owners with respect, providing accurate and uniform valuations, and ensuring the laws and regulations governing property assessment are applied consistently and fairly.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
My top priority is ensuring fair, equitable, and uniform property valuations throughout Albany County. I encourage property owners to reach out with questions or concerns about their property assessments and believe open communication is essential to maintaining public trust. If reelected, I will continue educating the public about how property values are determined and ensuring residents are aware of property tax exemptions and relief programs for which they may qualify.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
I believe every taxpayer deserves an office where they feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and seeking information. I will continue to maintain an open-door policy and provide responsive, professional customer service to the residents of Albany County. I am committed to listening to taxpayers, addressing their concerns, and ensuring they understand the assessment process and the resources available to them.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
I have worked in the Assessor’s office for over 17 years and was appointed County Assessor in November of 2021. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive knowledge of the office by serving in several roles, beginning as the Mobile Home Specialist and advancing to Field Supervisor, Residential Appraiser, and Deputy Assessor in 2016. I have been certified by the State of Wyoming as a Property Tax Appraiser since 2010 and have completed more than 535 credit hours of education and training. My hands-on experience in nearly every area of the office gives me a comprehensive understanding of its responsibilities and allows me to lead with the knowledge and experience necessary to serve Albany County effectively.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
I plan to continue strengthening communication and transparency between the Assessor’s Office and the residents of Albany County. One way I will accomplish this is by continuing to host town hall meetings alongside fellow elected officials, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and better understand county government. I will also continue providing educational information with property Notice of Value letters, including explanations of changes in property values, instructions for appealing an assessment, and information about available property tax exemptions. My goal is to ensure taxpayers have the information they need to understand their assessments and make informed decisions.
Cam Wright
Position: Wy House District 46
Q: Why are you running for this position?
To provide fair, responsive representation to our district in Albany County.
Q: What are the most important issues you want to address if elected?
Keeping public lands public, strong education, diverse economy, available and affordable housing and healthcare.
Q: How will you represent the needs and concerns of the people you serve?
I’ll continue to show up to community events, meet with people, communicate over a variety of channels such as social media, website, email,, etc., to listen and understand what matters to our people, then advocate for those issues.
Q: What experience or qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position?
I served 30 years in the military (Navy and Air Force, enlisted and officer), taught engineering at UW for over 23 years, served as Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences for six years. I’ve led units of more than 300 people, had budgets of more than $750 million, and learned how to deal with complex problems that have no simple solutions.
Q: What is one specific goal you hope to accomplish if elected?
To provide fair, responsive representation to our district, and help bring back serious, thoughtful legislation to Wyoming.
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