CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Chris Camargo shares with Cap City News how he envisions governing Cheyenne if elected as a city councilmember. Camargo is one of seven people running for Ward II.
The following are responses that Camargo shared with Cap City News. To view the Q&As of other candidates who have also submitted answers to us, click here.
What are the top three issues you believe the City Council needs to address immediately, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Safety: One of the bigger issues that I feel has been affecting our Cheyenne community that is not getting enough light is the ongoing drug abuse and overdoses. There needs to be more emphasis on spreading knowledge and prevention especially the increase of fentanyl in particular.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: There is not enough support revolving around these issues. I want to bring more awareness and provide the outlets needed through programs, organizations and education.
Utilities: I think more can be done to better support our Cheyenne residents in the economic increase in our utilities. There needs to be more community opinions on the rising costs of water and electricity in which there was not much transparency in raising the water costs.
How do you propose to manage the city’s budget effectively while ensuring essential services are maintained and improved?
I would like to manage the city’s budget by providing a more transparent month-by-month spreadsheet showing where all funds are being allocated. There needs to be more emphasis on sending funds to the upkeep and remodeling of the amenities that the city has already acquired to better attract the youth and communities around us. Using more of our sixth =0penny dollars and budget for better usage and education of new road preservation sciences that are out there.
What are your plans for promoting affordable housing and addressing homelessness in Cheyenne?
I think the city has been going in a positive direction led by a lot of the council to help support the ongoing homelessness in our community but there is still much to improve. There can be better programs to help individuals that don’t have the skillset that others may have find employment. There needs to be especially more for our veterans which I feel can be improved upon.
How will you ensure that the voices of all community members, including underrepresented groups, are heard and considered in City Council decisions?
There needs to be a voice out there for the voiceless, the two groups that resonate with me when it comes to this are our seniors and veterans. Light needs to be shed on the treatment of seniors in our community and better support for our veterans. Pulling together more focus groups at each of the council meetings supporting different groups in our community would benefit us.
What initiatives would you support to enhance environmental sustainability and green spaces within the city?
I have always been a huge supporter of the growing greenway project and expansions. There needs to be more funds allocated to our existing ponds and parks.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
Although I may not be as experienced with civil service I am experienced in managing and community relations which I feel could bring a lot to the council. There needs to be a new vision for the ongoing change to better adapt the City of Cheyenne for our community.
Thank You and I hope you would consider me as your next City Councilman.
