www.LovellChronicle.com October 28, 2010 I The Lovell Chronicle 121
TOWN OF BYRON
Bret George • Mayor Alan Bair •
BIOGRAPHY: I was raised on a farm outside Cody and graduated
from Cody High School. I attended Northwest College and Chad-
ron State College, where I received my bachelor's degree in indus-
trial technology education. I also received my master's degree in
education administration from Chadron State College. I currently
teach industrial education at Lovell High School, where I have
been working for 10 years. In 1994 1 married a Byron native and
we moved to Byron in 1999. We have six children ranging in ages
from 14 to 2.
Council
BIOGRAPHY: I have lived in Byron for the past 39 years during
which time I have had the opportunity to work for 11 years as
school superintendent and 20 years with NEPECO.
THE CHRONICLE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATE:
Gary Petrich • Mayor
Karma Sanders • Council
BIOGRAPHY: I was born in Greybull and raised most of my life in
Byron. I attended Byron High School and after graduation I at-
tended Northwest College and then Brigham Young University,
where I received a bachelor's degree in elementary education. I re-
ceived my master's degree from Kansas State University. Ltaught
fifth grade for six years in Cuba, Kan. and then became a principal
in LaCrosse, Kan. for eight years. I decided to move home to Byron
and be closer to family so I applied and got a principal job for Big
Horn County School District No. 1. I was middle school principal
for two years and then added elementary for an additional 2 years.
During the past five years I have been the principal at Rocky
Mountain Elementary in Cowley.
Linda NeVille • Council
BIOGRAPHY: I was born in Redmond, Ore., and have resided in
Washington, Idaho, Utah, California and Wyoming. Education:
High school and college in California and Utah; Spouse: E. Den-
ney NeVille, Children: Krystal May, Amber May, Celeste NeViUe,
Camille NeVille and Jordan NeVille. Eight grandchildren. Moved
to Byron in 1976. Worked as an administrative assistant at North
Big Horn Hospital for 21 years. Retired June 2007. Elected to the
North Big Horn Hospital Board of Trustees in 2006.
Dennis Cozzens • Council
Questions00
WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO SEEK
OFFICE OR TO SEEK RE-ELECTION?
GEORGE: I have been interested in seeking
public office for several years. This inter-
est is prompted primarily by my belief in
the responsibility of citizens to contribute
to improving their communities. I also plan
on continuing to live and raise my family in
Byron and I'm interested in its future.
BAIR: I would like to see the mayor and coun-
cil adopt the philosophy of "keep it simple
and within budget, keep it fair and equita-
ble to everyone, and keep it open and hon-
estY' I see the role of mayor and the coun-
cil as facilitators of the public good and the
protectors of individual rights. I would like
to work toward the day that everyone in
town feels like they are a part of the de-
cision making process, that their thoughts
and ideas have been considered, and and
they do not feel that the town is out to get
them. As a council person I am willing to
take counsel from citizens who have knowl-
edge and experiences beyond or different
from my own.
NEVILLE: Prior to being appointed by May-
or Milton Meier to replace Joy Mulholland
.eiByron'wh Ccl in July Of 2009,:
-T-en]o'yd wkfig" with the Lunchroom
Building Committee, utilizing grant fund-
ing from the Wyoming Business Council
to remodel the Lunchroom Building into
our present beautiful town hall and By-
ron Museum. I am currently the liaison for
the Town of Byron working with the Byron
High School Facility Committee, which is
actively researching businesses and grant
funding for the utilization of the school
• building. I would like to continue working
with these committees and to work with
the mayor and council to develop other pro-
grams to address issues in our community,
i.e,, the equitable distribution and neces-
sary reimbursement of our raw water sys-
tem, research funding for the covering of
ditches and the beautification of our com-
munity.
SANDERS: I decided to run for Byron Town
Council to become more involved in the
community. I am interested in the future
of Byron and the direction that things are
heading. I felt that it was time that I be-
came involved rather than just sitting back
and watching.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR OFFICE - STRENGTHS,
EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP STYLE,
ETC.?
GEORGE: One of the main qualifications I
would bring to this office is my experience
in a variety of leadership roles such as serv-
ing as a committee chairman, conducting
meetings and volunteer church and commu-
nity service. I feel that my master's course-
work and internship taught me a lot about
administration and leadership in general.
As a leader I feel it's important to keep the
channels of communication open. I believe
in delegating responsibilities in a way that
utilizes the strengths of others. As a leader
I have tried to facilitate collaboration in an
effort to bring together the best of what in-
dividuals have to offer.
BAIR: I have had the pleasure of serving two
terms as mayor in Byron, one term on the
town council, six years as municipal judge,
one term on the Byron Cemetery District
Board and a member of the Planning and
Zoning Commission. I am encouraged by
the quality of the candidates running for
town council positions. Each has unique
strengths and I believe I can work well with
any new council person as well as those re-
maining on the council. I believe that my
strengths lie in many years of experience
in public administration dealing with a va-
riety of problems and situations.
NEVILLE: My background working in the
healthcare industry has provided experi-
ences working with 13 CEOs, staff, doctors,
patients and their families, vendors and
NBHH trustees. The healthcare industry
requires an understanding of compliance
with state and federal requirements, which
also applies to municipalities. With retire-
ment I have time to work on committees
and help develop programs, etc., for the bet-
terment of our community.
like to see accomplished in the next four
years. First and foremost are more public
involvement in town governance and more
communication between the town and the
public. Related to communication is the
need to assure that no discussion takes
place in executive session that is not an-
nonnced in public meetings prior to recess-
ing into executive session. Also, the council
must strive to limit topics of discussion in
executive session to only those topics autho-
rized by law. Effective communication on
the part of the town requires a willingness
to have open discussions about issues.
NEVILLE: Overall town improvement,
streets, sidewalks, properties, main street
lighting, median strip, utilization of school
building, addressing the raw water issue to
name a few. I have enjoyed working with
the Mayor and our present Council and am
looking forward to working with those who
are elected for the next four years, if elect-
ed. Issues: Vacated School Building: Cur-
rently working with Byron High School
Facility Committee to assess possible utili-
zation of building. Improve infrastructure,
that interferes as little as possible in the
lives of individuals.
BAIR: I would like to assist in making town
council meetings more productive by run-
ning them in a more business-like manner.
A kinder and more compassionate approach
to the enforcement of town ordinances is
also a priority, which should greatly dimin-
ish the large expenditures being made for
legal fees.
NEVILLE: Encourage the transparency of
the town government; assure that town
programs are run efficiently, economically
and according to codes and statutes, and
provide a safe and peaceful community to
live in. Encourage growth that is reason-
able and appropriate for our community;
determine effective use of town funds; work
with town government for the improvement
and beautification of the community; as-
sess daily services for efficiency and effec-
tiveness.
SANDERS: I believe that we need to really
look at the budget and expenditures and
prioritize what the citizens see as most im-
portant and provide them with the services
SANDERS: I have no experience in public of- i.e., streets, sidewalks, raw water, parks, that they expect from a town.
:. i i lt I.' have 22 years in education with etc., that would invite businesses, a, r#4-, ........
" 17 of them being an a/tmi§trator. My r61 ..... ! :: det/[ihi' fowth2 ........ ' " '* ' ' :iHOW'AN YOU:MAKE A DIFFERENCE
as a principal has given me many oppor- SANDERS: I would like to see the town (coun- ON THE TOWN COUNCIL?
tunities for learning, dealing with public,
making decisions and understanding poli-
cy.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO
SEE HAPPEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY
AND/OR ON THE COUNCIL IF YOU ARE
ELECTED? ARE THERE ISSUES THAT
NEED TO BE ADDRESSED?
GEORGE: Byron has faced some really tough
challenges in the last several years through
the loss of our schools. I feel that one of the
important issues we face right now is the
need for a feeling of unity within our com-
munity. I hope to assist in having an atmo-
sphere where the town government and its
constituents have a mutual feeling of trust,
respect and understanding. I like some of
the things our previous administrations
have done in this effort such as regular
newsletters and the mayor's lunch. As a
mayor I would like town members to feel
I am approachable, even when we may dis-
agree. I also want them to know that I will
listen to them and consider what they have
to say. A big issue facing the town that I'm
interested in is the future of the high school.
This has the potential to provide great op-
portunities for the town. I have been ac-
tively involved in this process so far, and
as a mayor I would continue to make that
a priority as we look to the future. Howev-
er, I feel strongly that this building should
not impose a financial burden on the town.
In taking into consideration other demands
on the town's budget I think it's important
that we look to alternative ways of pay-
ing for things. This includes seeking out
grants, volunteer effort, and private do-
nations. We will all have to work together
to find innovative ways to meet the wants
and needs of our town.
BAIR: There are a number of things I would
cil and mayor) work to help people. Many
problems can be resolved if you listen and
try to find ways to help. People move to a
small community because they desire that
kind of lifestyle. I would like to see that
small town life style maintained and at the
same time help the people in the commu-
nity receive the services that they need. I
think that Title 11 Continues to be a con-
cern and how it is enforced and what it
means to people as they move to Byron and
as residents desire to make improvements
on their property.
WITH TIGHT BUDGETS FACING OUR
COMMUNITIES, WHAT ARE YOUR
PRIORITIES FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
IN REGARD TO EXPENSES?
GEORGE: I believe that budget cuts are per-
haps the biggest issue facing the town right
now. I would like to see a priority placed
on considering the future of Byron's infra-
structure. We would all like to see growth
in the town, and to do that we need to have
a plan for utility expansion, zoning consid-
erations and basic maintenance of roads,
parks and utilities. In carrying out these
plans I feel that we need to see our town
employees as a vital part of the process. As
a council we have to provide the necessary
supports for them to be able to do their job.
I also feel it is important as we consider fu-
ture growth to keep the small-town feeling
of Byron. I think people who live in a small
town value the freedoms we have here that
aren't always available to people in larg-
er communities. I believe in a government
GEORGE: My hope would be to bring' to the
town government someone who can work
with all types of people. I believe strongly
that the processes of government should
be open and fair for everyone regardless
of who they're related to, how much money
they make or who they know. I am commit-
ted to the time and effort required of this
office, and as mayor I would do my best to
make a positive difference for Byron.
BAIR: A goal of the town council should be to
reach out with fellowship to every citizen
in town so that everyone feels included, ac-
cepted and valued. Perhaps a self-evalua-
tion and a public evaluation of the council
should be undertaken mid-term. How else
can the council remain on target and re-
sponsive to the needs of all citizens? I sub-
scribe to the great American symbol of in-
dependence and freedom expressed on the
Gadsden flag: "Don't Tread on Me." As a
council person it shall be my motto, "I'll not
tread upon another:
NEVILLE: By listening to community mem-
bers, working with mayor, council and
staff, and utilizing the skills I have gained
from work and board experience to promote
the unification of the town government and
to provide a safe, beautiful and business in-
viting community to reside in.
SANDERS: I bring my years of experience in
school administration. I hope that this ex-
perience will help me stay focused on the
issues, keep a level head, listen and then
make wise decisions.
SUPPORTING C INDY H ILL
Draw the Line
HaynesForGovernor.co00il
The U.S. Constitution IS my Platform ........
I Will Uphold First Amendment Rights and Voluntary Prayer in School ".0.:::
f" I Will Protect Citizens' Right to Own and Carry Firearms
" I Will Work to Promote & Protect Stronger Private Property Rights for Everyone
If" I Will Vigorously Exercise Ninth & Tenth Amendment Powers of Wyoming
m" I Will put Wyoming Lands and Resources back into Wyoming Hands
el" I Will Work with Legislators to Nullify Unconstitutional Federal Mandates
such as Obamacare, Financial Reform and the Endangered Species Act
m" I Will Control the State's Budget and Present a Business-Friendly Tax Climate
I am not an Attorney
I Will live up to my Sworn Oath of Office to the US Constitution & the People of Wyoming
IP I Will NOT Negotiate Wyoming Citizens' Liberty in any way or form
TAYLOR HAYNES FOR GOVERNOR - WRITE ME IN AS WYOMING'S NEXT GOVERNOR!
Fill in^,, ............................................................. ......................... i
v 00,TayI0r Ihy.es i
the o a,, b ........................................................................................ Write
L WrRa.ln Him In!
Sen. Gerald Geis
Agriculture Committee
Sen. Ray Peterson
Appropriations Committee
Rep.
Lorraine Quarberg
Majority Whip
We enthusiastically
support Cindy Hill
for State
Superintendent of
Public Instruction.
Her vision for
education in
Wyoming is solid.
PLEASE VOTE
ON Nov. 2
