Mangold, Sapp value downtown businessOn Election Day, local voters will decide which mayoral candidate, incumbent Scott Mangold or City Councilman Tim Sapp, will lead Powell in the next four years. In the primary election, Mangold led with nearly 65 percent of votes, and Sapp received 34 percent. In this interview, candidates submitted written responses to the following questions.Scott MangoldMangold is running for his second term as mayor. Mangold, 51, has lived in Powell for 28 years. He graduated from Great Falls High School and attended Eastern Montana College and Ron Baille Broadcasting School. He began working for KPOW radio in 1980 and has been the voice of the Panthers for 27 years. He's now co-owner of MGR Media.Tim SappSapp is finishing his second term as Ward 3 councilman. Sapp, 55, was born and raised in Powell. His family has had the same home property for six generations. He graduated from Powell HIgh School and Northwest College. Sapp has worked for Superior Machine for 36 years. His community involvement includes volunteering in Boy Scouts of America, hunter safety and the Heart Mountain Rod and Gun Club, and he's active in church projects.

If elected, what specific things do you hope to accomplish in the next four years?

Mangold: “With the new telecom system and aquatic center, the next four years are going to be a learning curve for the city of Powell. I hope to get a jump on the housing issues that will be coming up along with the landfill problems the entire county is trying to figure out. The next four years will also see a renewed audit of all of our city departments to make sure they are running efficiently.”

Sapp: “I would like to see an economic developer/planner on staff. The city should also be well under way on the sanitation issue. I would like to see new businesses and jobs come into the area.”

With construction for the new aquatic facility underway, what does the city need to concentrate on to make sure this is a successful community pool?

Mangold: “Programs and more programs. We have a very solid base of swimmers in the area with the U.S. program and the Panthers. But we need to reach out to those that have never been to the current pool and are missing out on fun and exercise. By creating a fun aquatic center, moms and dads will enjoy introducing their kids to aquatics and, hopefully, grab a swimsuit for themselves.”

Sapp: “We need to concentrate on the operation and maintenance cost and meet that need. The need is going to be much greater than the public realizes.”

Would you support another capital facilities tax for Park County?

Mangold: “Yes. We are in an area and a state that seem perfect for a capital facilities tax. With the state exempting food and farm machinery, plus helping out the cities and counties, the capital facilities tax is a great tool to have when needed. The capital facilities tax, with help from the tourism industry, has contributed to some outstanding projects in the area with our law enforcement center, county library and aquatic center.”

Sapp: “I would support a capital facilities tax only if the project was a need and not a want.”

A lot has occurred within the last year. Can the city continue at this pace?

Mangold: “Yes, we have a lot of irons in the fire. I think it is a result of the dynamics of Powell mixing with the dynamics of city hall. The staff we have at the city of Powell is an active staff, and combining that with a population of forward thinkers results in projects and city improvements. Plus, some projects inspire others.”

Sapp: “The city can continue at this pace, but it needs to be in the direction of economic development and jobs. We now have in place the infrastructure to build on for new businesses to come to.”

With the Powell landfill facing closure, what do you think is the best solution to Powell's sanitation issues?

Mangold: “The Powell landfill may still have a heartbeat, but a faint one. Some point to just dry refuse for Powell and leach-aid material shipped to Cody. With Park County paying for a liner at the Cody landfill, we may be able to pass DEQ inspection, but at a price. I believe the best solution is to have a transfer station in Powell. We may need the help from the state on this issue, as will other communities across Wyoming.”

Sapp: “I believe that we need city-wide recycling. We need to work with the county and state offices toward site development, and we need extreme cooperation from all individuals.”

Most residents agree that developing downtown business is important. How will you encourage Bent Street business?

Mangold: “The downtown IS important to the city of Powell and is one of the attractions to visitors. A clean and welcome atmosphere for shoppers needs to be maintained, plus activities need to be encouraged. The improvements to Plaza Diane along with chamber activities can introduce and re-introduce shoppers to the downtown area. We also must encourage retail businesses to set up downtown and not impede them with regulations.”

Sapp: “I would like to go back and re-visit Main Street USA and work with their offices and planning to see if we could get grants for business enhancements.”

Are there any other issues you would like to comment on?

Mangold: “The mayor's job has become more than just ribbon cutting. Being able to network with the county and other communities in Wyoming is very important. Talking with legislators in our area and around the state, along with offices in Cheyenne that dictate policy, is important to the citizens of Powell.”

Sapp: No response.