CASPER, Wyo. — Election season is underway, and Oil City News has sent a list of questions to all candidates who have filed to run for a seat on the Natrona County School District Board of Trustees.
These questions are designed to give our readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Below, get to know Arthur Youngberg, who is running for election to one of four seats available on the Natrona County School District Board of Trustees:
1. Who are you? (Name, where you’re from, employment, hobbies, etc.)
I am Arthur Youngberg. I have lived in Wyoming my entire life. I spent several years working at a coal mine by Gillette. I grew up in Saratoga, Wyoming, and enjoy hunting, fishing and camping.
2. Why have you decided to run for the NCSD Board of Trustees and what do you hope to accomplish should you be elected?
I decided to run for school board because I don’t think parents are being heard and I think that decisions that should have been made by the board take too long.
3. How do you plan on accomplishing your goals?
Parents vote in the board and put their trust into the candidates that they will do what they say they will do for the betterment of the children and the school. Parents and community members need to know when they speak to the board they will be heard.
4. What experience do you have that qualifies you to serve as a trustee?
I have run a few businesses and have been a boss that had to listen to several people at the same time. I think my life experiences being a graduate from a trade school could be a valuable asset as a sitting board member.
5. Do you feel you could be a good steward with taxpayer dollars? Why or why not?
I have run a few businesses and have been a boss that had to listen to several people at the same time. I think my life experiences being a graduate from a trade school could be a valuable asset as a sitting board member.
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?
Transparency should be a strong point for a school board member. I think elected officials should support the people who put them in that position and vote the way they said they would.
7. Are you familiar with the work of the school board in recent years? Are you pleased with what you have seen or are there problems you see that you think need to be addressed?
I have watched several school board meetings and have not been really impressed. All parents should be heard and they should get answers and not put off for months. We can do better about getting out decisions quicker and running the school as a business.
8. Should you be elected, or reelected do you plan on seeking any major policy changes? If yes, what would those changes be? If no, why not?
There are a lot of policies that need to be looked into to make sure the schools and the kids are getting the best value for taxpayer money.
9. Is there anything the above questions didn’t ask that you would like to comment on?
In closure I would like to say I am just an ordinary blue-collar worker who is concerned about the direction that the schools and the country are going in. We can do better making sure kids and faculty have the things they need to make the county a great place to send your kids to learn and get a good job after they graduate.
NOTE: All candidates who filed to run for a seat on the NCSD Board of Trustees were sent questionnaires at the same time and Oil City News will publish responses in the order they are received. Candidate responses are only edited for clarity and style.
