Dear editor:

The upcoming primary election may be the most important local election I have seen in the 40 years I have been voting. The choices we make now will determine whether Park County continues down a path of greater regulation, higher spending, and less accountability — or returns to a government that listens to its citizens.

That direction begins with the county commission.

One of the current commission’s most controversial decisions was spending approximately $750,000 of taxpayer money to hire an out-of-state consulting firm from Colorado to rewrite portions of Park County’s land use regulations. Rather than simply updating existing rules, the consultants proposed extensive changes and additional regulations.

The public response to those proposed changes was overwhelming. More than 150 citizens attended a meeting in the Grizzly Room at the Park County Library during the middle of a workday — so many that a deputy sheriff was stationed outside because the room exceeded capacity. Citizens waited their turn, each limited to three minutes, to express concerns. After public comment, one commissioner reportedly said, “These regulations will pass; it’s only a matter of time.”

That statement left many with the impression that public input carried little weight.

Concerns extend beyond land use. One commissioner candidate has publicly stated that he intends to complete implementation of the regulations and has drawn criticism from constituents for comments they viewed as dismissive. Questions have also been raised about whether his relationship to the county sheriff complies with Wyoming’s nepotism law. Those concerns deserve careful consideration by voters.

Another commissioner seeking reelection has emphasized the importance of communication while acknowledging he can be difficult to reach. Accessibility and responsiveness are qualities citizens should expect from elected officials.

Fiscal responsibility also deserves scrutiny. In addition to the consultant contract, the commission approved approximately $750,000 for road construction associated with the state shooting range, a project many residents opposed. Commissioners also traveled to Cheyenne to oppose property tax reductions, arguing county services could suffer. Meanwhile, county spending has reportedly increased by 75% over the past five years, outpacing inflation by 50%.

Taxpayers have every right to ask whether county spending reflects responsible stewardship of public funds.

The commission has also been involved in ongoing property tax disputes, including hiring outside legal counsel to challenge the Legislature’s property tax cap.

Whether one supports or opposes those actions, voters should consider whether the commission’s priorities align with those of Park County residents.

Another point of debate has been the commission’s defense of taxpayer-funded membership in the Wyoming County Commissioners Association, an organization that engages in lobbying activities. Regardless of where one stands, it is reasonable to ask whether local tax dollars should support organizations that lobby elected officials.

Fortunately, voters have alternatives. Candidates Karin Richard, Dan Laursen and Tim Lasseter have pledged to review the Land Use Plan and Development Standards and Regulations rather than simply accept them as final. As Karin Richard has said, these documents are not “chiseled in stone like the Ten Commandments.” They were paid for by Park County taxpayers and should reflect the will of the people.

Voters should also carefully examine every candidate’s priorities. Statements supporting additional regulation to preserve the community, promises to retain every county employee regardless of circumstances, and potential conflicts involving candidates whose private businesses could be affected by county decisions all deserve thoughtful consideration.

This election is ultimately about trust. Do we want a county government that is transparent, fiscally responsible, accessible and willing to listen when citizens speak? Or do we continue with the same establishment and hope for different results?

That decision belongs to the voters of Park County.

Rita Filler

Cody