CASPER, Wyo. — Election season is underway and Oil City News has sent a list of questions to each candidate for the Casper City Council who has filed to run in the primary election in August.
These questions are designed to give our readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Below, get to know Brandy Haskins, who is running for a Ward III seat on the Casper City Council:
1. Who are you? (Name, where you’re from, employment, hobbies, etc.)
My name is Brandy Haskins. I was born in Worland, and I lived in multiple small towns in Wyoming before I moved to Casper after graduating from Cody HS in 1999. I work as the Financial Manager for Rocky Mountain Infectious Diseases. I enjoy spending time traveling with my family, and we love listening to live music.
2. Why have you decided to run for office and what do you hope to accomplish should you be elected?
Casper is my HOME! I want to ensure our community continues to thrive, and that we all have a healthy, safe environment where we want to work, live, and play.
3. How do you plan on accomplishing your goals?
I have a voice and I’m not afraid to use it. I plan to listen to my constituents and then I will bring your issues to the table. I will be conservative with our hard-earned money; however, I do realize that we have many expenses that cannot be ignored to keep things running and to invest in our future.
4. What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?
Professionally, I work with money. I help patients maneuver complex healthcare financial systems. Personally, I have served on several boards. I served as the Treasurer for Casper Youth Baseball for several years and helped them rebuild after they found themselves in financial trouble. I’ve helped a handful of businesses do the same.
5. Do you feel you could be a good steward with taxpayer dollars? Why or why not?
I most definitely will! It’s what I do for a living! I work hard for my money, and I am very skilled at budgeting and prioritizing finances. I meticulously manage my own money, and I will do the same with our city’s funds.
6. On the issue of transparency, where do you stand on ensuring all public business is conducted openly and in a manner that encourages public attendance?
The council meetings are all live streamed, and available to watch on YouTube. This needs to continue. We all need to work to keep our local government honest and accountable. I encourage everyone to match the meetings and work sessions and get informed and involved!
7. Do you believe the office or board position you seek has been open and honest with the public? If yes, how can the entity remain open and transparent when conducting public business moving forward. If no, what changes would you implement to ensure that all future dealings are open and transparent?
I am an open book. Transparency is not going to ever be an issue with me. I love to talk, I love to hear differing opinions, and I know that we all have the same end goal. Make Casper as good as it can be!
8. If you are presiding over a meeting and a topic was being discussed that you didn’t fully understand, would you ask for a more detailed explanation during the meeting or would you seek the information after the meeting?
I believe it is the job of a Council member to come to a meeting informed of the topics of discussion. That said — if I did my homework, and I still have questions, you can guarantee that I am going to ask! I will do my best not to take time off pressing matters, but I promise that I (and you) will understand the subject.
9. Should you be elected, or re-elected, do you plan on seeking any major policy changes in your chosen office? If yes, what would those changes be? If no, why not?
My main strength is that I will be able to prioritize the needs of our town by allocating our money wisely. Over the past 20 years, the trail system has flourished; the downtown is now welcoming; and the businesses I love have grown to make this small town feel like a Big City! Mayor Pacheco, Vice Mayor Freel, and Councilman Cathey have served our ward well over the years. I want to lend my skills, my passion, and my drive to make sure that the priorities of our community continue to be heard- and acted on.
10. Is there anything the above questions didn’t ask that you would like to comment on?
I am a wife, a mother, a foster parent, and a professional working woman. I am extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to be exposed to many different aspects of our community. Whether it is a struggling family, or one who can help support the community, I know someone. These relationships will help me to make sure that when we, as a Council, make the tough decisions, we will do it not just for some, but all of Casper as best as we can.
