Politics in the Park: Natrona County commissioner candidates talk taxes, energy, responsibilities
CASPER, Wyo. — Nine Republican candidates for the Natrona County Board of County Commissioners outlined their visions Wednesday for property taxes, energy development, economic growth and more during the. . .
CASPER, Wyo. — Nine Republican candidates for the Natrona County Board of County Commissioners outlined their visions Wednesday for property taxes, energy development, economic growth and more during the fourth Politics in the Park forum. The event, hosted in Casper’s Washington Park by the Natrona County Republican Party and the Natrona County Republican Women, featured a crowded field competing for three open seats on the commission in the upcoming Aug. 18 primary election. Attending candidates for the GOP-only forum includedCathi Carr, Rozmaring Czaban, Greg Flesvig,Matt Keating,Dallas Laird,Chad McNutt,Charles Moore,Ray PachecoandCameron Savage. Janel Moorewas absent. DemocratsCandace MachadoandLisa Jamiesonalso are seeking election to the board. Core philosophies and municipal relationsThe forum’s first question addressed the primary struggles facing local residents. “I believe … that the biggest challenges we’re facing are a lack of accountability, a lack of fiscal responsibility, and a lack of transparency,” Czaban said. 2026 Politics in the Park coverageSeven GOP US House candidates talk federal spending, energy rules, inflation at Casper’s Politics in the ParkFour GOP US Senate candidates face off at Casper’s Politics in the ParkPolitics in the Park: GOP gubernatorial candidates share visions for Wyoming governorFlesvig said there’s need to be more communication and public involvement, while Keating spoke about the county’s aging infrastructure and challenge to expand the tax base. Laird, the sole incumbent seeking to retain his seat, focused on the financial burden of taxes for fixed-income retirees and oversight of the county hospital. McNutt, who serves on the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission, spoke to the dual challenges of managing growth and expanding healthcare options. Moore said public pushback often stems from a lack of internal and external communication and understanding. Pacheco pointed to high grocery prices, a lack of affordable housing and youth out-migration. Savage cited land stewardship amid the need for economic growth and healthcare outside of Casper city limits, while Carr identified infrastructure and employee retention as primary concerns. Candidates also answered how they would work alongside the county’s six municipalities, with Flesvig suggesting regular dialogue to handle shared challenges. “Keeping that line of communication open and seeing and addressing the kind of issues that the municipalities are experiencing,” the Evansville Town Council member said. Moore drew on his administrative background, having retired after 17 years as director of the Wyoming Gaming Commission. “It took a lot of communication working with people bringing people together and not always agreeing,” he said. From left, Casper Mayor Ray Pacheco, Charles Moore and Matt Keating, all Republican candidates seeking one of three Natrona County Board of Commissioners seats, introduces themselves at the Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Politics in the Park in Casper’s Washington Park. (Klark Byrd, Oil City News)Touching on his experience as a four-time and current Casper mayor, Pacheco echoed the sentiment about retaining and using communication opportunities like mayoral breakfast meetings. Similarly, Keating and Savage emphasized listening to town representatives and constituents, while Laird underscored financial prudence and upholding freedoms. McNutt and Carr spoke about the need for compromise and respecting municipal input, and Czaban said the county must lead by example. When asked about potential conflicts between personal values and constituent wishes, Laird leaned into a commissioner’s role in public representation. “If you cannot listen to the people, you should get up out of your chair and go home and not run for any offices,” he said. 2026 Election Tracker2026 Election Tracker: Who is running for office in Wyoming?Flesvig said he keeps a separation between personal ideology and public duty. Sharing the sentiment, Moore and Czaban focused on a commissioner’s duty to represent the will of the people. Keating said he prioritizes principle above politics. McNutt and Savage said they would follow facts, statutes and zoning laws even if they personally disagreed. Pacheco said leadership requires the courage to stand by convictions, even when making unpopular decisions. Carr advocated for community-wide compromise, recalling the compromises made during the nation’s founding. Property taxes, federal funds, energy resources and state landsBudget talks focused heavily on property taxes and the funding of county services. Laird, Moore and McNutt said deep tax cuts require department efficiency reviews, while Pacheco, Savage and Carr said eliminating property taxes would lead to a loss of community services and facilities. Czaban criticized recent county spending on the health department and local amenities. Flesvig suggested exploring an incremental sales tax to offset property tax relief for the elderly. Keating, a former county assessor and firefighter, argued that economic expansion is the best remedy. “If we have smart business growth, if we have innovation and growth that is good for in county for our short and long term, then we can raise the tax base and we can actually do both,” he said. Asked about federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, Pacheco, Moore, Savage and Carr strongly supported continuing the payments. Keating said the county budget shortfall makes the funds essential. Czaban favored community census grants for water, Flesvig and Laird deferred to the voters and more public input. “Maybe there’s some creative ways we can invest that money or put it into a reserve fund, but we don’t rely on it,” McNutt said. Wyoming’s relationship with uranium enrichment and nuclear power brought strong consensus. From left, Natrona County Board of Commissioners Republican candidates Rozmaring Czaban, Chad McNutt, Cathi Carr and Cameron Savage, introduce themselves at the Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Politics in the Park in Casper’s Washington Park. (Klark Byrd, Oil City News)Carr, Flesvig, Keating and Moore said they support safe uranium extraction and enrichment, with Keating hoping for Wyoming nuclear power expansion. Laird said he supports natural resource development provided it remains free from outside corporate control, Czaban opposed out-of-state nuclear waste storage, and Pacheco supported exploring nuclear energy. McNutt noted that natural resource industries form the backbone of the local economy. “I think we’d be fools not to utilize the resources that are at our disposal in this county and in this state,” Savage said. The panel discussed developing state lands for school funding and the impact of the State Loan and Investment Board on local projects, including the proposed Casper Mountain gravel pit. Moore, Flesvig and McNutt emphasized the need to build bridges with state officials to communicate community concerns. “The state legislature should give as much autonomy to each of the local municipalities or the counties [as it wants from the federal government],” Pacheco said, adding “the decisions should be made by those closest to” the community and impacts. Savage said he wants to see more county control over water regulations. Czaban prioritized the public’s health and safety in leasing decisions. Keating said state legislators are highly accessible to local residents. Laird criticized the state board for issuing leases without local knowledge, citing the gravel pit issue at the base of Casper Mountain that’s now before the Wyoming Supreme Court, and called for voters to elect more women to government positions. Carr, who has 30 years of oil and gas accounting experience, urged transparent communication with state boards to prevent projects from hiding details from the public. Commissioner purpose, youth and culture, and county prideWhen asked to define the core purpose of the Board of Commissioners, the candidates agreed on the financial management aspect of the role. “The commission has their purpose to control the funds that come into the community. The county commissioners take care of everybody. They are the highest level of government in each county,” Carr said. Laird said the commissioners serve as caretakers for the county’s roughly $60 million budget, with Czaban adding they distribute revenue to special districts. Flesvig and Moore pointed to managing infrastructure, elections and healthcare across a large geographic area. Savage spoke about the responsibility to spend appropriately and not for pet projects. Keating touched on the duty to manage county departments, McNutt said the board sets the overall vision for the county, while Pacheco leaned into the public representation aspect especially as it relates to struggles like mental health. From left, Natrona County Board of Commissioners Republican candidates Greg Flesvig and incumbent Dallas Laird introduce themselves at the Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Politics in the Park in Casper’s Washington Park. (Klark Byrd, Oil City News)To work effectively with the existing board, Czaban, Flesvig and Carr focused on finding common ground. Keating said a commission is only as good as the people elected to it, and Laird reflected on overcoming past arguments by following the law. McNutt noted that personal issues should be set aside for effective communication. Moore and Pacheco also spoke about respectful discussion, while Savage said a willingness to compromise is essential. Addressing youth education and support of youth amenities and culture, McNutt said he’d look to youth-led movements for feedback. Carr and Czaban focused on adults leading by example and adapting to new ways of engagement. Flesvig said viable jobs will ultimately keep youth invested in the community and state. Moore and Savage advocated for fostering an understanding of the Board of Commissioners duties, with Savage adding that parents should teach civics at home if schools are failing to do so. Keating urged parents to be involved in their children’s lives, a sentiment echoed by Laird, who offered an emotional confession that he wished he had listened better to his own children. The forum wrapped up with candidates sharing their favorite aspects of Natrona County. Flesvig, Keating, and Pacheco praised the outdoor recreation opportunities and tight-knit communities. McNutt spoke about the area’s entrepreneurial spirit, while Savage expressed deep love for his home county. Carr and Czaban reflected on the resilience, independence and deep history of the region. Moore pointed to his wife, grandchildren and the welcoming environment, while Laird captured a common theme among the panel, praising the state’s rugged independence, freedoms and the character of its people. The next Politics in the Park will take place at 5:30 p. m. Wednesday, July 8 at Washington Park, 951 S. Jefferson St. It will feature the GOP candidates for Natrona County elected offices and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.