WORLAND CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES

Ward 1 Candidates

Adam Martinez Ward 1 2-year seat

How long have you lived in Worland?

The youngest of eight, I was born and raised in Worland. I have never moved away except to attend college. Worland has always been home and has been a good decision to raise my own family here.

What type of work do you do?

I have been employed at RT Communications for nineteen years as a network technician. What is your educational background?

I graduated Worland High School – class of 1989. After high school I attended Sheridan College where I obtained a degree in welding.

Why are you running for Worland City Council?

I come from a family who has been highly involved in our community for decades. I believe it is important to maintain active participation in the public life of a community.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council?

In order to be committed to the duties of a council member in a constructive manner, I know it will take time and focus. Currently, I do not have any foreseeable obstacles which would prohibit me from serving.

What do you feel are three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help address them?

The condition of city streets. Economic growth Stricter ordinance regarding neighborhood and business alleys. If given the opportunity to serve as a council member, I would like to help address these issues as well as others. Working together with others who have a unified vision for Worland, would be a fulfilling opportunity. Worland has a solid framework and I would like to be a part of making it even better.

Kenneth Shearer Ward 1 2-year seat

How long have you lived in Worland?

I grew up in Worland graduated from Worland High School in 1987. Moved back to Worland with my family in 2006.

What type of work do you do, and where do you work?

I am the Social Service Director at Worland Healthcare and Rehab.

What is your educational background?

I have a B.S in physical education and a master’s in social work Why are you running for Worland City Council?

This is my hometown, I moved my family back here to have a better life than living in Billings, Montana. I am running to help Worland move into the future but also maintain the small-town values that we have grown to love about our town.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council?

Yes, I feel that it is very important to me to be available for anyone who lives in Worland and to hear their issues so I can bring them to the Council.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help to address them?

One issue for the City Worland is the lack of things for kids to do in Worland. Yea there are things to do in the daylight hours but as you get closer to night there isn’t much. Lights need to be placed at the skate park to give kids that option rather than running the streets. Second issue is places to shop this is food and clothing. This is a tough topic to address and hard for the city council to work on, but needs to be looked at.

Third issue is infrastructure. With the state looking to cut their budget and potentially cutting funding to city’s and other towns. Worland needs to set a priority list and look at everything going on and address these issue that need to be fixed.

Ward 2 Candidates

Kody Lynn DeMunbrun Ward 2 4-year term

How long have you lived in Worland?

I have lived in Worland for 14 years.

What type of work do you do, and where do you work?

I am a medical receptionist at Bighorn Medical Center. I graduated high school in Roundup, Montana, in 1991. I have also completed some online accounting courses from Northwest College.

Why are you running for Worland City Council?

I am currently on the Worland City Council and I represent Ward 2. I was appointed by the mayor and the council after the passing of Dennis Koch. I am running for the City Council in this election because I feel that I have just had an opportunity to touch the surface on what is required of a council person. I have enjoyed what I have learned and would like to serve a full term.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council?

I do feel that I have the time to attend the Worland City Council meetings as I have been attending since November of 2019. I feel that attendance is a duty and a must for a council person.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help to address them?

The important issues that are my opinion for the City of Worland are:

Continuation of street repairs by using the 1% Sales Tax. Our streets are one of the biggest complaints that I hear about by our visitors to Worland. I am excited to see the new repairs that are already in place and hope to continue to vote for the future reparations needed.

I also believe that we must get the budget of Worland under control to help keep taxes down for our citizens. The economic crisis in America has hit every city but I worry for our city. I think that we must pare down the budget where we can for unnecessary spending. I look forward to hopefully serving on the budget committee if I am elected to serve again as a council person.

I also would like to look to the future of Worland, especially as far as keeping current businesses open. I would also like to try to entice new businesses to open here in Worland, securing our future for years to come. I would like to brainstorm about things we as a city can offer to help businesses open here in Worland.

I would like to see the vast experience of our long time Worland City employees passed down to the younger generation of employees. We have some of the best employees in Wyoming and their knowledge is vital to the new and upcoming employees. This will hopefully keep Worland operating peacefully for years to come.

I would also like to ensure that we are making the necessary steps to be able to replace or update current systems in place for our water system and our sewer system. Updates are costly but necessary to the future of Worland.

Wendy Fredricks Ward 2 4-year term

How long have you lived in Worland?

I was born in Worland, and I have lived here my entire life. My family has been in business in Worland for over 60 years. This is my home and it will always be my home.

What type of work do you do, and where do you work?

I am the Executive Director for the Worland Senior Center, and I’m knowledgeable of the aging population in our community. I have worked at the senior center for 14 years. I am proficient with grants both state and federal, from writing to executing them. I care about people and their well-being. I have leadership skills, I’m ethical, and feel like I already serve my community. I ran In-Home services for eight years before I became the director. I know firsthand what the needs are for our aging population. I oversee a staff of over 20 people and five programs to include public transportation. I have experience with budgets. I am responsible for allocating funds appropriately. I have some experience with working with politicians and I try to be at the legislative session in Cheyenne every year (weather permitting). I have a strong work ethic, I’m self-motivated, and have good communication skills. I’m a member of The American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks, D.O.E.S., and Eagles Auxiliary.

What is your educational background?

I studied at Northwest Community College, and was a single mom while raising my daughter.

Why are you running for Worland City Council?

I would like to express my interest to serve the City of Worland, by filling a Ward 2 seat. I’m committed to Worland and its future.

I have never held a public office, but I would welcome the challenge.

I have a lot to learn about city government, but I am intrigued. I love this community, and I truly believe I can make a difference. I’m a self-motivated hard worker, and I don’t halfway do anything. When I take on a project, I’m committed, dependable, and present.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council? Now that my daughter is grown I have the time to invest in the Worland City Council and our community.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help to address them?

I have served on the sales tax committee three times. Through that experience, I have some knowledge of the infrastructure projects and the vision of the city. I would like the opportunity to be a part of seeing the projects come to fruition. I understand the importance of keeping our population in Worland from diminishing. Our community is amazing and we see that when tragedy strikes and we come together for each other. I also believe we need to work on positive thinking and understanding, especially though these challenging times. Worland isn’t a place for everyone, and it never will be, but it is an amazing place to raise a family or retire and age independently in your home. I think we build on what works here and be realistic of what wont.

Mandy Horath Ward 2 4-year term

How long have you lived in Worland? What type of work do you do, and where do you work? What is your educational background?

Having been born and raised in Worland, I take great pride in this community. I am a graduate of Worland High School and also attended Central Wyoming College in Riverton, Wyoming for criminal justice. My husband, Brad, and I have raised our family here and we can’t imagine doing that anywhere else. Currently, I am the office manager of the Worland Gottsche Clinic. My duties include all clerical work, along with being the in-house recruiter, being responsible for recruiting physical and occupation therapists for the Gottsche clinics throughout the Big Horn Basin area. It has been a pleasure to provide service to those who come to our clinic. Before the clinic, I assisted the County Attorney’s office as the Victim Advocate.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council?

I feel that I have ample time to commitment to the City Council as my two sons are adults and currently going to college.

Why are you running for Worland City Council?

Civil service is essential to our society to thrive and contributes to the success of our community. It has been a pleasure to serve this community on City Council for the last eight years. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing you may have made a measurable difference in your community advancement. I have always taken my position on the council seriously and have dedicated a considerable amount of time to ensure that my constituents are heard. Reaching out to each City department has always been a strength and getting answers to community members. My dedication is also reflected in my attendance to meetings. I have attended several WAM (Wyoming Association of Municipalities) conferences and also acted as President of the Council. Not only have I served on City Council, I have served four years on the Worland Aquatic Joint Powers Board and seven years on the Absaroka Head Start board.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help to address them?

There are several issues Worland is facing. With the downturn of the economy and the effects the pandemic has created, the City has had to be very cautious with the budget. Being on the budget committee this year, we had to take a hard look at each line item and had to take into consideration every expenditure. With an estimated 20% - 25% loss in revenue in the upcoming year, some hard decisions had to be made and necessary cuts. The City has been able to make those adjustments without having to eliminate any positions or layoff of any employees. The dedicated city workers and police officers are an essential part to this great community.

Another concern for Worland is its infrastructure. The City has made some remarkable strides on improvements to our streets, sewer and waterlines. When I was first elected on the City Council, we asked the residents of Washakie County to vote for the one cent sales tax, which the City of Worland asked that their portion be used for street repair or replacement. This has allowed the City to complete many significant infrastructure projects. Also with the assistance of the one cent sales tax, it has enabled the City to apply for State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) grants for two major projects.

The strength of this community lies within the people who make their lives here. It is important for Worland to continue to promote growth and develop an inviting business friendly environment. The City must commit to provide equal opportunity for all of our citizens to prosper and reach their potential. I believe I can continue to promote growth and progress for Worland.

Morgan Muller Ward 2 4-year term

How long have you lived in Worland?

I have lived in Worland since I was about 5 years old.

What type of work do you do, and where do you work?

I dispatch for the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office, and have previously been a legal administrative assistance for Edward Luhm’s Law Office.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from Worland High School in 2014 and then went on to study photographic communications at Northwest College.

Why are you running for Worland City Council?

I am running for city council because I am passionate about being more involved in my community. I also believe it would be beneficial for the city to have a representative that appeals to the younger generations.

Do you feel you have the time it takes to serve on the Worland City Council?

Absolutely, if I were appointed, I would dedicate my time and efforts to the best of my ability.

What do you feel are the three most important issues facing Worland, and how would you help to address them?

Something I feel strongly about is the low number of small local businesses, and the high amount of people struggling to find employment. Not only do small businesses help with economic growth, but they provide viable employment opportunities. Another issue that is closely related to small businesses in Worland, is the inability to afford rent or payments for a business while also paying for a home. A way to address this could be to re-evaluate the living quarters within the buildings downtown. If the coding or zoning for certain buildings were changed to allow residential living, this could allow for someone to live in the same building they are running their business out of, and give business owners more financial stability to continue operating the business.

Mayor Jim Gill is unopposed on the primary election ballot, as is Ward 3 candidate Mike Neufer for the 2-year seat and Scott Schaeffer for the Ward 4-year seat.