City Council Candidate Questionnaire: Ward Three

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 Three equal twice the number of seats up for election, no candidates will be eliminated in the primary election on August 18; all will move forward to the general election on November 3.

Candidates are listed by ward, then alphabetically by last name.

Samuel Buckwalter

No response.

Tammy Hooper

Thank you for your email. As a matter of course, I made a decision to not return/complete surveys. I am happy to meet with you and your group or with a group of other candidates (to maximize use of your valuable time) at your convenience to discuss issues and concerns as these may lead to more questions from you and/or myself. I have found over the years in my career (political consultant) this a more elucidative process than a questionnaire.

Erin O’Doherty

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?

My biggest concern is possible contamination of the Casper aquifer either from septic systems or a toxic spill on I-80 or the railroad. We must monitor carefully and also keep track of county regulations to make sure the threats are not increased. I worry about droughts, of course. I can’t imagine that we’ll have much surface water this year or perhaps for many years. That makes the Casper aquifer and conservation of water even more important.

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?

I think the low hanging fruit in water conservation is reducing leakage in the system, either at the city side of the meter, or the customer’s side. By focusing more money on water infrastructure maintenance, the city has reduced catastrophic leaks significantly and I strongly support continuing this effort. The city is adding smart meters to households that monitor flows in real time, so they could alert a homeowner that there may be an open valve somewhere. For those without smart meters, more regular analysis of monthly usage by individual customers could show where individual water meters have had sudden anomalous water use rates.

Beyond that I’d like to improve education about reducing landscape water usage.

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.

I was part of the county-city steering committee for the Casper Aquifer Protection plan study, so I think about this a lot. If the monitoring wells hint at a rising level of nitrate, the city could consider grants to improve existing septic systems in the county. That would be cheaper than having to build another water treatment plant.

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?

I prioritize technical expertise, but appointees should share the goals of the current city council. I consider the current board composition and try to balance with people bring different experience to the table. I also try to bring in young people who have genuine public interest to get them engaged.

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?

Both entities rely on each other, so we have no choice but to work together for the good of our constituents. I think we worked well with the current president, but not so well with the Trustees who seem to operate in their own world. I don’t have a solution, but I know that the city reached out with several proposals regarding the water in the past and seemed to be ignored. Perhaps our proposals need to be public notices that are also sent by certified mail to the president. Our new city manager has already reached out to try to improve our relationship, and we also have the Town and Gown group we can rely on.

Brett Ralston

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?

As always, protecting the aquifer and Laramie river water quality is vital; water is life. Protecting zoning regulations in Laramie that prevent specific high risk commercial or residential structures that may eutrophy or contaminate the aquifer is not just a matter of water supply, but public health. Furthermore, looking into innovative ground water recharge mechanisms may help combat water supply issues and ensuring up to date buffer zones for water protection decreases risk of large volumes of clean water supply loss.

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?

I think that education around the impacts of drought, and on ways people can reduce water usage on their own would be my first option of reducing demand. A personal interest of mine is also to see where the city of Laramie can replace “water hungry” grasses, with native Wyoming drought resistant flora. Other options include fixing leaky water lines, improving ground water retention, and advancing water holding mechanisms to mitigate loss. However, if these solutions are not enough, it may be necessary to seriously consider restrictions or changes in fee structures; sometimes issues demand more than the hope that the public will participate appropriately.

Describe some specific ways that you, as a Laramie City Council member, could work with the County Commission on aquifer protection issues.

I think continuing participation in joint-meetings, and seriously discussing the public safety concerns is essential. Property rights and their protection is pretty important to most Wyomingites, so whatever the solution is, it must come forward to the county constituents and their leaders. It is a part of the city’s job to make a clear and concise case to the county on why certain decisions should, or should not be made, surrounding issues that may be harmful to a majority of people.

4. The Laramie City Council relies on appointed boards to help make decisions that can affect water quality (for example, the Laramie Planning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Committee).

My top qualifiers for appointing boards include a balance of passion, knowledge, and willingness to work as a team. I would not want individuals who are closed minded or not open to discussion; likewise, I would not want someone who lacks the passion required to deeply investigate the issues placed in front of them. I think my ideal board would consist of individuals who have expertise and experience, desire for the expertise or experience, compassion and open-mindedness, and critical thinking skills more broadly.

As a city councilor, how would you suggest the City and UW begin to resolve their differences?

It is unfortunate that these disagreements can extend to such heights between the city and university. The reality is that they both heavily rely on each other. Because of this, revitalizing “Town and Gown”, increasing cooperation/communication, discussing real needs from each other, and discussing issues “in good faith” I think would be absolutely essential to resolving differences. The university provided me more than I could have ever asked for; the city has done the same. Wherever the hard feelings lie, let’s identify those, come to agreeable terms, reconcile, and move forward. If the resentment builds no one will benefit.