City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Ward Two
City Council races are nonpartisan. The city is divided into three City Council wards with three councilors apiece. A ward boundary map can be found at: https://www.cityoflaramie.org/DocumentCenter/View/22481/EO1805LaramieDistricting2021?bidId=
A City Council term lasts for four years. Terms are staggered to facilitate continuity. In 2026, four of the nine council seats are up for election: one each in Wards 1 and 2, and two in Ward 3.
Because the number of candidates filed in Ward Two equal twice the number of seats up for election, no candidates will be eliminated in the primary election on August 18; both will move forward to the general election on November 3.
Candidates are listed by ward, then alphabetically by last name.
Karryn McDonald
No response.
Brandon Newman
1. For starters, a big picture question: What do you see as the major issues affecting the city’s water supply, now and in the future, and how would you address them?
Laramie is fortunate to have access to high-quality groundwater from the Casper Aquifer, but we cannot take that resource for granted. The biggest issues facing our water supply are long-term drought conditions, continued population growth, aging infrastructure, and protecting recharge areas from contamination.
As our community grows, we must balance responsible development with protecting the resources that make growth possible. That means maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, supporting water conservation efforts, and ensuring that development decisions consider long-term impacts on our water supply.
I believe the City should continue investing in water system improvements, encourage conservation where practical, and work collaboratively with Albany County, the University of Wyoming, and local water districts to protect the aquifer. Protecting our drinking water is not a partisan issue. It is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and long-term thinking.
2. Specifically, climate change models and near-term weather forecasts suggest continuing drought conditions.
In the event of continuing drought, what suggestions do you have for reducing demands for water from the municipal system?
Conservation efforts work best when they are practical, educational, and focused on the areas where the greatest savings can be achieved. I support public education efforts that help residents understand water use and conservation options, including efficient irrigation practices, landscaping choices, and leak detection.
The City should also continue evaluating its own water use and infrastructure to reduce losses from aging systems. Incentives for water-efficient fixtures and irrigation systems may also be worth exploring.
At the same time, we should recognize that many residents already use water responsibly. Any restrictions should be based on sound data, clearly communicated, and implemented fairly. During periods of drought, the community benefits most when everyone shares responsibility for conservation efforts.
3. Most of the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone (APOZ) lies outside the Laramie city limits in the county, and includes private domestic wells east of town, but most of the water drinkers live within the city limits.
Describe some specific ways that you, as a Laramie City Council member, could work with the County Commission on aquifer protection issues.
The Casper Aquifer does not recognize city or county boundaries, which means protecting it requires cooperation between multiple jurisdictions. As a City Council member, I would support regular communication between the City Council and County Commission regarding aquifer protection issues.
Joint work sessions, information sharing, coordinated planning efforts, and collaboration on development standards within the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone can help ensure that decisions are made with a shared understanding of the potential impacts.
I also believe it is important to involve technical experts, water providers, property owners, and the public in these discussions. Effective aquifer protection requires balancing environmental concerns, private property rights, and the long-term needs of our community. Working together is the best way to achieve that balance.
4. The Laramie City Council relies on appointed boards to help make decisions that can affect water quality.
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?
All four qualities have value, but the most important characteristic for me is temperament. Board members must be willing to listen, ask questions, consider evidence, and work respectfully with people who may hold different opinions.
Technical expertise and practical experience are both valuable depending on the board. For boards that deal with water quality, planning, or environmental issues, having members with relevant knowledge and experience can greatly improve decision making.
Political philosophy is less important to me than a person’s willingness to engage thoughtfully and respectfully. I believe the best boards include a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Good decisions are often made when people with different viewpoints work together toward a common goal.
5. Recently the City of Laramie and the University of Wyoming have had substantial disagreements over stormwater management and UW’s decision to drill its own well in the Casper Aquifer to water the golf course.
As a city councilor, how would you suggest the City and UW begin to resolve their differences?
The City of Laramie and the University of Wyoming are two of the most important institutions in our community, and both have a shared interest in protecting our water resources and supporting the long-term success of Laramie. While disagreements will occur, maintaining open communication and a spirit of collaboration is essential.
With both a new city manager and a new university president, there is an opportunity to reset relationships and establish regular communication between City leadership and the University. I believe both organizations benefit from discussing concerns early, sharing information openly, and working together to identify solutions before disagreements become larger conflicts.
Water resources and stormwater management affect the entire community. Decisions involving the Casper Aquifer should be based on sound science, transparent processes, and consideration of long-term impacts. The City and UW both bring valuable expertise and perspectives to these discussions.
As a council member, I would support and have supported continued dialogue, joint planning efforts when appropriate, and a commitment to finding practical solutions that protect our water resources while recognizing the important roles both the City and the University play in our community.