Albany County Commission Responses

General Election Candidates

Brian Harrington, Democrat

1. Most of the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone (APOZ) lies outside the Laramie city limits in the county and includes private domestic wells, but most of the water drinkers live within the city limits (Laramie municipal system and South of Laramie Water & Sewer District).

What do you see as the ideal working relationship between the Albany County Commission and the Laramie City Council on aquifer protection issues, and what actions would you take to further such a relationship?

Harrington: The aquifer doesn’t respect political boundaries, and there isn’t anything more important to our community’s health and to business development than a clean water supply. As an elected official, I’ve found great value in the City and County working together. A cooperative relationship builds consensus and common solutions, and better yet, also saves the taxpayers money. I believe I am uniquely positioned to continue and build upon the success of the past county commission and council in unifying and updating the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan, and implementing its recommendations.

2. Through the use of their zoning authority, the Albany County Commissioners are the only entity with the power to prevent pollution of the Casper Aquifer. Environmental agencies at the state and federal level, such as the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality or the federal Environmental Protection Agency, can step in only after water has been polluted to the point where water quality standards are violated.

If elected, under what circumstances would you consider exceptions to current regulations protecting Casper Aquifer water quality – for example, to allow denser development or non-conforming uses? Would you consider changes that further strengthen protections?

Harrington: We’re fortunate to have a clean water source that does not require regulation by Wyo DEQ or the EPA. This means that our water is safe for consumption straight from the wells, but without careful county oversight, it will not stay that way. The ability to utilize our water without incredibly costly treatment is a substantial value to the residents of Albany County.

I would struggle to find a circumstance in which the value of a development outweighed the potential for extra costs or, worse, catastrophic outcomes to the entire county.

3. The Albany County Commission relies on appointed boards to help make decisions (for example, the Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Committee).

In evaluating applicants to serve on these boards, how would you balance technical expertise, practical experience, political philosophy, and temperament? Which of these is most important to you in deciding among applicants?

Harrington: As a local elected official, the board and commission appointment process is one that I’m very familiar with. I’ve been successful in finding qualified applicants by seeking expertise and experience, and an applicant’s ability to work well with others. The ability to work with others is particularly important; people can bring different experiences and philosophies to board service, but if they’re not willing to listen, it’s hard for a board to function effectively.

The Planning and Zoning Commission in particular is often faced with weighing competing interests within the framework of county and state laws. I believe if we appoint members who are willing to consider different points of view and to do their homework, we can continue to fill vacancies on this board with qualified and productive members.

4. Recent controversies before the Albany County Commission have involved discussions of “private property rights” – and these controversies have exposed different opinions on what is meant by that term.

Please describe what you think is meant by private property rights, and how you would deal with situations where: (1) private property rights are in conflict; and (2) where private property rights and the public interest might be in conflict (for example, the public’s interest in keeping its drinking water supply clean).

Harrington: In most cases where private property rights are in conflict, there’s not much of a role for government, unless community infrastructure (for example, streets) are somehow affected.

But there is not a single thing from economic development to access to quality education that isn’t underpinned by our reliance on clean water to drink. So while I can understand frustration surrounding land use changes, I can’t understand a willingness to jeopardize everything “downstream” for the financial benefit of a few.

We live in a community and with that comes personal responsibility. Personal responsibility means doing right by your community and not just yourself. In Wyoming we take care of our neighbors.

5. To reduce the density of septic systems within the APOZ, current county regulations stipulate a 35-acre minimum lot size (one dwelling allowed on existing smaller lots).

If elected, can you foresee any circumstances in which you would vote to reduce minimum lot sizes in the APOZ?

Harrington: I support the science that brought us to the 35-acre lot policy choice of the current county commission. The fact of the matter is that our source of clean water is at an inflection point. We either start taking seriously the need to reduce the density of development within the APOZ, or we get ready to invest tens of millions into water treatment. If larger lot sizes help ensure that your kids (and mine) will have the clean water they need, I’ll be extremely reluctant to make exceptions.

Thad Hoff, Republican

NO RESPONSE

Primary Election Candidates (not moving forward to General Election)

Chris Cleven, Republican

NO RESPONSE

Troy Heien, Republican

NO RESPONSE

Julie McCallister, Republican

McCallister: The ideal relationship between the city and county for aquafer protection is one that will continue to adapt to the needs of the public, while prioritizing protection of the aquafer for future generations as a priority. It is essential that the county and city have solid clear communication on needs, and prioritization of property rights. I would further this relationship by keeping communication and collaboration between the city and county aa a priority.

McCallister: There is not a single answer to the best possible plan, as in order to prioritize needs and balance private property rights, the aquafer plan will need to be open to future needs, and future risks. While private property rights are of paramount importance, the public also has a right to clean drinking water. If the need for stronger protections arise I will certainly be open to them.

3. The Albany County Commission relies on appointed boards to help make decisions (for example, the Albany County Planning and Zoning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Committee).

McCallister: All three of these traits and skills needs to be evaluated on any board. As in balancing this set of skills and traits the board will produce the best results possible. I would prioritize Expertise and practical experience the highest, while recognizing the need for all skills and traits.

McCallister: Private property right conflicts must be, and by myself always will be treated on a case by case basis. There is no other way to ensure fairness in decision making. In order to answer this question, specifics of a case are needed, To go further on the specific questions of drinking water and private property rights, I will use the EXTREME FANTASY of such a case: if a landowner was dumping large amounts of toxic chemicals on their land above the aquifer the rights of those drinking the water (many more people than the landowner) would be priority. I understand this is an incredible oversimplification and extreme example. But it is the only way I can fully answer the question with conviction.

5. To reduce the density of septic systems within the APOZ, current county regulations stipulate a 35-acre minimum lot size (one dwelling allowed on existing smaller lots).

If elected, can you foresee any circumstances in which you would vote to reduce minimum lot sizes in the APOZ?

McCallister: I am not completely opposed to the possibility of changing minimum lot sizes over the aquafer. As always balancing private property rights is a difficult and often circumstance changing task. I would be open to both arguments for and against this topic, but I am uncommitted to a change immediately.