Meet the eight Worland City Council candidates

While there are seven positions open for City of Worland Council, there is only one contested race, in Ward 3. Councilwoman Loresa Brinkerhoff is being challenged by Cain Torrez.

With Ward 1 Councilman Jim Gill in the mayoral race, one person has filed in Ward 1, Jacquelyn Ernest. The other candidates are all current council members.

The Northern Wyoming Daily News asked the eight candidates why they are seeking office.

Ward 1 – Jacquelyn Ernest, Lisa Fernandez and Keith Gentzler

There are three seats open in Ward 1. Jacquelyn Ernest is seeking her first four-year term. Lisa Fernandez is seeking her first two-year term after being appointed to fill out the rest of Councilman Glen Robertson term in 2015. Keith Gentzler is seeking his second four-year term.

Jacquelyn Ernest

I am currently the clerk/treasurer for the Town of Manderson and am running for city council for the City of Worland because I am well educated on what a city council stands for and does. I know what small towns and cities are concerned with and how to go about addressing these issues. I am concerned that the public be informed, involved and better educated with the issues our own community is experiencing. I also have experience with state agencies that are involved with budgeting and have worked extensively with the council of the Town of Manderson to create a yearly budget that is approved by the county and state. I was also a former WAMCAT (Wyoming Association Municipalities/Clerks and Treasurers) state board member. For these reason I feel I would be an asset as a council member to the City of Worland.

Lisa Fernandez

I have been on the council for six years (initially elected to a four-year term before taking time off). I feel we have accomplished a great deal of positive things for the community during that time. I realize that more businesses need to come into our community, but we can only do that as a community. I have enjoyed my time on the council and enjoy giving back to the community. This is a great community to raise children and have a family. I would like to get Worland back to the business mecca it once was, but that is going to take time and patience.

Keith Gentzler

I am running for councilman for Ward 1. I have lived in Worland and Washakie County for over 47 years. I have served on the city council for the past three and a half years and there are quite a few items pending that I would like to see completed. I have served on the budget committee for the City of Worland for the last two years and because of a downturn in the economy, the city is facing decreases in the budget. I am extremely hopeful that the Main Street Program will help bring businesses to the downtown area. If residents have an issue, I try to address it as soon as possible and get it resolved. Since becoming a councilman, I have found how fortunate the City of Worland is to have competent employees in every department, and they do an excellent job for the city.

Ward 2 –Mandy Horath and Dennis Koch

Mandy Horath and Dennis Koch are both seeking their second four-year term.

Mandy Horath

I am running for re-election to continue giving back to my hometown which has given me so many opportunities during my life. I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Worland and wish to continue doing so for another four years.

Of the issues the council endures, the fiscal responsibility that we owe our constituents is the most important. During the last four years the council and I have had to make tough decisions, but with the help of our dedicated city employees, we have continued to provide essential services to our citizens while keeping the City of Worland out of debt and I want to continue in that process.

We also have projects which started during my first term and I want to see them through to the finish line. I have been privileged to serve Worland for the past four years and hope to continue doing so.

Dennis Koch

I have greatly appreciated the opportunity of serving the constituents in Ward 2 for the past three and a half years. During that time, we, as a council, have worked well as a unit. Although we have not always agreed with one another, we have always returned to the council chambers with mutual respect for each other.

We have accomplished much in cleaning up several outdated and/or irrelevant ordinances, primarily due to the diligence of Mayor Duffy. We have seen the beginnings of several (much needed) projects most notably involving city streets and the city shop. The plans for improving drainage through much neglected curb, gutter and street repair seem to be taking shape. And, plans for a new or refurbished city shop are also progressing well. I would truly like to see these projects through to completion.

Ward 3 – Loresa Brinkerhoff, Marcus Sanchez and Cain Torrez

The only contested race for city council is for a two-year council position in Ward 3. Loresa Brinkerhoff is being challenged by Cain Torrez. Brinkerhoff is seeking her first elected term after being appointed to serve when a Councilman Jerry Alexander resigned. Marcus Sanchez is seeking his second four-year term. Cain Torrez is seeking his first two-year term.

Loresa Brinkerhoff

Currently, I am the youngest person serving on the city council. If re-elected, I want to be the loudest voice and brightest ideas of the city’s younger generation. I was born and raised in Worland’s oilfield and I know how far hard work and determination gets you. I also understand the detriment that comes along with a busted and broken economy. Currently, Wyoming is facing hard times and soon to get tougher with proposed budget cuts and expected shortfalls. We need to find ways to become budget-savvy and tighten our belts without cutting current programs. Next, I want to find innovative and creative ways to attract businesses back to our downtown as well as grow our shrinking population and economy. Finally, I want to find ways to retain our younger generation and attract new families. Our children are the future of Worland. Let’s give them a reason to stay.

Marcus Sanchez

Being on city council for the past 3.5 years, I have become acclimated to the responsibilities and dedication it takes to be an effective and active representative. There is much more work that needs to be done. With you continues support, we can be directly involved in shaping Worland’s viable economics and infrastructure future. I look forward to new challenges and decisions we will make together. Together, we will make our voice heard. We will ensure that Ward 3 along with the city, will always have a place at the table. Thank you for your past support. Our precious Worland has qualities unique in itself, that will attract a brighter future. And besides, I am waiting for my turn to appear in the paper with the Girl Scouts.

Cain Torrez

When I look at the town; I look at it like a giant house, like my giant house and I want to take care of it. I want to help take care of my house that’s helped take care of me for so many years.

I don’t see anybody my age running for any kind of office. I’m 33 … and I have a beautiful wife and five beautiful kids and we’re going to be here for a long time. I took over the Barber Shop last year, and the community has really supported me.

This community has helped and been there for me and family since I was born and I want to pay it back.