A theme of independence stood out among Republican county commissioner candidates at the Park County Republican Women 2022 forum on Wednesday in Powell.

Based on their participation, it’s apparent conservative candidates who run for countywide elected office are devoted — first and foremost — to Park County constituents, regardless of party affiliation. GOP loyalty questions played little role among commissioner candidates.

All six candidates for Park County Commission in attendance on Wednesday evening said they are not interested in signing loyalty oaths to vote in favor of Republican positions on at least 80% of the issues.

Even the most conservative Republicans among the commissioner candidates said they do not think Park County constituents elect them to vote along party lines.

Scott Steward, one of eight candidates running for three open seats on the Park County Commission, made clear that, if elected, he will represent the interests of all members of the community. Currently serving his final term as county sheriff, Steward’s conservative creds are difficult to question. However, Steward — who is retiring after four terms as sheriff — said commissioners are obligated to represent everyone in Park County, not just Republican voters.

Ditto: Angie Johnson, Dossie Overfield, Lloyd Thiel, Matthew Scott and Tyson Williams. All of the candidates said “No” when asked if they would sign a written agreement to vote along Republican Party lines.

“I’ve been a Republican for over 40 years,” Overfield prefaced, before stating she will not sign a loyalty oath as a county commissioner.

Thiel, who is running for a second term as an incumbent commissioner, described himself as an “independent contractor and rancher” when asked about his qualifications and background.

Both Thiel and Overfield — the other incumbent in the 2022 commissioners’ race — cited updating the county’s existing land-use plans as vital work they intend to complete if reelected.

In addition to making the land-use plan language more “clear and concise,” Overfield said roadway improvements — particularly for accommodating commercial vehicles that bring vital materials to Park County businesses — are important.

“I think one of our biggest issues is transportation, in and out” of the area, said Overfield, current commission chairman.

Williams noted he has no elected-office experience but is running as a concerned citizen.

“I’m not a politician,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve run for anything.

“We have to do something,” Williams continued. “We can’t sit idly by while our parents and grandparents get pushed out of their homes.”

One question posed to commission candidates relates to the recent “population explosion” in the county and throughout Wyoming, which has increased new construction and placed more demands on countywide services for residents.

Taking a constitutional approach, Scott said he is opposed to restricting growth.

“If a farmer wants to sell his land to developers, that’s his right,” Scott said.

Steward agreed, but tempered his response by pointing out water rights and zoning ordinances must be considered when approving land-use requests. Commissioners need to strike a balance between respecting the rights of landowners, their neighbors and the community at-large.

“People have rights to sell land,” Steward said. “But it’s also important to maintain smart development.”

Williams stood on the side of individual rights.

“We need to respect peoples’ rights to market their properties,” he said. “We can’t strip away peoples’ rights to sell their own property.”

Pointing out the importance of updating the county’s existing land-use plan, Thiel referred to it as a “stepping stone.”

“There’s no question that agriculture is very important,” he said. “But so is private property.”

Overfield took a cautionary approach to the question about population growth. She pointed out during her three years on the commission the rise in subdivision developments has increased significantly, placing a strain on water-use for the entire community. 

Johnson offered a simple solution: “I encourage everyone to participate in land-use planning,” said the current clerk/treasurer of Meeteetse.

The candidates were asked what types of businesses they are interested in attracting to Park County to diversify and offset the current downturn in oil and gas extraction from the area. All cited Information Technology (IT) and digital communications as important future enterprises.

Thiel said manufacturing — in addition to existing agriculture and oil and gas fields — is an attractive industry to support future economic growth. 

Scott qualified that “responsible manufacturing” is crucial to the area.

Williams, who suggested IT as an important future industry, said, “We’re sitting at a very important juncture in our country right now,” alluding to the movement away from extracting natural resources from the ground.

Johnson offered one of the most innovative approaches to diversifying the Park County economy.

“Think tanks with universities are an important resource,” she said, noting the advantage of relying on youth for input about future economic growth. “We need new ideas — and for us to get new ideas, it comes from the youth.”

The final question put to county commission candidates pertained to taxes. All six people who participated in the forum said they oppose raising sales tax to help pay for increased government services.

However, each offered their perspective on using the county’s mill levy to alleviate the expected rise in taxes resulting from higher property assessments. 

Overfield pointed out county commissioners control only 12 mills. She said the commission recently looked at lowering one of its allocated mills. Although doing so would cost the county more than $800,000 in budget shortfalls, it would do little to help offset anticipated property tax increases for homeowners.

Thiel concurred. He recommended turning to the Wyoming Legislature for statewide relief to homeowners facing higher taxes due to increased property assessments.

Scott also said the state Legislature needs to be involved, but said mill levies ought to be considered as an option to assist struggling homeowners.

Steward disagreed: “It’s something to look at, but I don’t think it’s the right road.”

Williams said a solution needs to emerge “right now,” rather than worrying about the issue at some point down the road.

Addressing the option of taking money from mills to give struggling homeowners property tax relief, Johnson took a cautious approach.

“I would say that some research needs to be done,” she said.