REID WEST
Sweetwater County Commissioner
Party: Democrat
Listen to our candidate interview below:
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Our family settled in Sweetwater County 89 years ago. I was born and raised in Rock Springs, a graduate of RSHS and WWCC.
I am 61 years old, and for the past 31 years I have been in the pump business, primarily dealing with industry. My wife Jeanne and I have been married for almost 35 years, and we have three children, Cass (wife Katie), Keaton (wife Dana), and Kelsey (significant other Kenderick), and two grandchildren, Jaxon and Sloane (by Cass & Katie).
I have been a commissioner for almost 8 years, and would like to continue serving. It has been a fascinating job as we deal with many issues of significance. I like to be active within my community and be a part of the decisions that improve our lives.
What makes you the best choice for County Commissioner?
Experience. Including my time on the commission, I have served a total of 28 years on appointed or elected boards; RS City Council, Airport Board, School Board, Hospital Board, and County Commission.
I am not a fence rider. Once I have educated myself on the issue at hand I will make my decision and stand by it. We must be decisive but fair, and I do not shy away from the difficult issues that must be dealt with.
I believe in a business-like approach to government. I devote my time and energy to making Sweetwater County a better place live and work. We are the guardians of the County Treasury, and it is our responsibility to ensure we are fiscally conservative so that we are always able to provide essential services the public expects and pays for.
We are better positioned for growth when we are financially sound.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year if re-elected?
If re-elected, in my ninth year I want to see how we can partner more with the cities to offer improvements to our quality of life.
I believe we have all worked hard to improve infrastructure, much of which has been generously supported by voters through the Specific Purpose Tax.
But there are other cultural things we can do as well to enrich our lives, like concert halls, wedding chapels, restored buildings for large gatherings, etc. Individually it may be difficult for an entity to alone fund these, but collectively perhaps we can.
The county needs are never ending, because even existing facilities need upgrades at times. It is important we remember what is most vital for support of existing circumstances, and ability to grow.
Air service and broadband are two of those, and I believe we need to do more to expand those services as well.
How can voters get in touch with you?
Email: reidowest@gmail.com
Home Phone: 307-382-9059
Mobile Phone: 307-389-1442Â