CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Ty Zwonitzer shares with Cap City News how he envisions governing Laramie County if elected as a county commissioner. Zwonitzer was one of seven Republicans running for commissioner. He received enough votes to move onto the general election. However, no Democrats ran for a seat on the board, and so Zwonitzer is set to be sworn in by the county in January.
The following are responses that Zwonitzer shared with Cap City News. To view Q&As of other candidates in the general election, click here.
What are your strategies for promoting economic development and job creation in Laramie County?
Laramie County has done a wonderful job with our economic development. We’ve seen a large boom in recent years, and I think it is vital to support the businesses we have now and ensure they are established. Otherwise, I support the efforts of Cheyenne LEADS and what they have done to attract businesses that align with Wyoming values and will continue to look at each new business opportunity case by case to ensure they are a good fit for our community.
How do you plan to improve and maintain essential county services and infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, and public safety?
Laramie county voters have continually shown their support for critical infrastructure, roads, and public safety by supporting 5th- and 6th-penny taxes. As a Commissioner I would ensure those funds are used to the best of their ability for all of the county’s communities and will be selective of future projects that support the needs of the community.
What is your approach to managing the county’s budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of the community?
Fiscal responsibility should be the main focus of a County Commissioner. I believe the best approach to maintaining the county’s budget is to put the needs of the departments before the wants and to keep critical infrastructure and public safety at the forefront of decision-making.
How will you address land use planning and environmental sustainability to balance growth with conservation in Laramie County?
I believe all voices should be at the table when discussing land use and sustainability. Commissioners should be listening to landowners, developers, and our Laramie County Conservation District as well as trusted staff members to fully understand the scope and ramifications of every project.
How do you intend to engage with the community and ensure transparency in the decision-making process of the County Commission?
Transparency is imperative. As a public servant I’m accountable to the needs of the community daily. Understanding the wide range of issues throughout Laramie County I will be informed, responsive, and communicative with our citizens ensuring full community and stakeholder input when making decisions. I also believe the Commission should develop an online platform where they are able to inform the public on the reasoning behind some of the decisions they make. Members of the community that want more in-depth information on these topics can use the platform to ask questions and interact with Commissioners without having to schedule appointments or attend meetings.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
As a fifth-generation Wyomingite born and raised in Laramie County, I’m fully invested in giving back to the people and ensuring future generations will experience the same quality of life that we currently have and enjoy in Laramie County. I take great pride in having the opportunity to help the residents of Cheyenne with the struggles they face everyday, and I’d love to be able to serve all of Laramie County’s residents in the same way.
