CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Miguel Reyes shares with Cap City News how he envisions governing Cheyenne if elected as a city councilmember. Reyes is one of four people who will be on the November ballot for Ward I. Two seats are open for the ward.
The following are responses that Reyes shared with Cap City News. To view Q&As of other candidates in the general election, 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?
We need to lighten the load for families, it’s too much for most right now. Its saddening and maddening at the same time. Lowering the cost of living in any way possible would be helpful. Allowing companies to bid for things like power and utilities should help! Businesses operating in the downtown area need help. It’s dying off and the city council needs to work to formulate a plan to keep businesses in the downtown area prospering. Lastly we need to focus on running the city like a business. Things like BEAST foundation and Ice and Event Center should not be in the hole each month.
How do you propose to manage the city’s budget effectively while ensuring essential services are maintained and improved?
I think for too long the people’s voices have not been heard and as expected that brings tension. Fiscal responsibility is key for everyone during these tough economic times. We can no longer make decisions like an unsupervised toddler. They have to be methodical and make decisions leading us in the right direction. We need the voters to be heard and felt valued. The city’s budget needs to be reigned in and we need to look at duplication of efforts in city government.
What are your plans for promoting affordable housing and addressing homelessness in Cheyenne?
Affordable housing is a great concern in Cheyenne right now. People are barely surviving as it is. We need to focus on building housing that is realistic for people to afford. I also feel very strongly about tax breaks for people buying local! As for the homeless we need to work to get to the root of the problem. I would partner with the Comea shelter and invite conversations that involve solutions and not more problems. I want to collaborate with the organizations that are doing the current work to create a sustainable plan.
How will you ensure that the voices of all community members, including underrepresented groups, are heard and considered in City Council decisions?
I will always be the guy cheering for the underdog. For too long now the citizens on the southside have not been provided equitable access to things they need. I will personally make sure ALL voices are heard and not just in one ear and out the other, heard and acknowledged.
What initiatives would you support to enhance environmental sustainability and green spaces within the city?
We have a beautiful city so I would encourage businesses to plant trees. That’s the key! Rooftop gardens are also growing in popularity. There is no reason the downtown area could not participate as well. Lastly, public education of green spaces. Making sure the citizens know the value of growing your own food and potentially even sharing with the community!
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
I’m not a polished politician. I am a doer, I’m not a sayer. I am a small business owner, I run a nonprofit, I’m a concerned citizen just like everyone else. I am cheering for the greater good of Cheyenne. The greater good will not be considered if we continue to go forward doing things like we are. I am a Cheyenne native that’s heart is breaking over some of the things happening in Cheyenne. Vote for me for real change! Nothing changes if nothing changes! I am eager to be the change Cheyenne needs and deserves.
