SWEETWATER COUNTY – Getting the game moving quicker is one reason Green River City Councilman Ted Barney has decided to enter his name in the running for the two open positions on the Board of the Sweetwater County Commissioners.
A Green River-raised son, Barney graduated from Green River High School and moved along to college life. Barney worked to put himself through college, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in 1985. He joined the Army in 1987 and worked as a Human Intelligence Collector for almost nine years. He was stationed in Germany and Japan.
His background is not only something Barney is proud of it also has taught him important skills he can transfer in the political arena.
Growing up in Green River gives him a hometown perspective on the issues facing the community. Returning home to work every summer as he paid for his post-education also taught Barney the value of a hard-earned dollar. His time in the service gave Barney a good perspective of how government works while giving him valuable communication skills. Barney added it gave him a better understanding of how decisions at a global level can have a lasting impact on Wyoming and Sweetwater County.
Barney also had an interest in politics early on. He was student body president in both high school and college. He also was the leader of the local Democratic party, serving as Chairman for a time before resigning due to a family illness. A spot opened on the Green River City Council, and Barney was picked to fill the spot. He then won the community vote in the election two years ago.
His work on the council includes changes to the loitering ordinance which saved residents hassle but also saved the city from possible future lawsuits. While proud of individual efforts, Barney said the work they have done as a team and bringing a new attitude to the city as a group are some of his proudest accomplishments.
“You can do more when you are working together than you can do as an individual,” Barney said, which is another attribute he will bring to the commission if elected.
Although mid-way through his term, Barney has decided to enter the race for the Sweetwater County Commission. His main reasons are based on the recent economic change and loss of jobs in the area.
Barney said he has watched as many of his friends and associates are having to make the tough decision to leave the area because of the downturn in the economy. He said Sweetwater County has to diversify its economy, and it cannot wait.
“It has to start now,” Barney explained as one of the main reasons he is entering the race midway through his term on the Green River Council. “We can’t wait two more years.”
Barney said Sweetwater County needs to attract companies to the area by utilizing the resources we have here. One example he gave would be a glass manufacturing company. Another example Barney pointed to is the large industrial complex Wyoming Governor Matt Mead has been exploring. He explained when he questions other officials now about the complex he is told it is on hold because of the economy. Barney said right now is when Wyoming should be focusing on bringing projects like this to the state.
Barney added the perfect fit for a complex like that was Sweetwater County. Not only because of the existing energy and resource developments but there are also resources such as water that a complex like that would need to operate.
While he knows bringing the economy back is a long-term process, he feels the work needs to start on these issues now.
Tough budgets are another reason why Barney is looking to move to the commission. He said Green River has done a good job getting departments to buy into the budgeting process and not “dictating” they had to cut a certain amount.
Again, this is another example of a working together mentality he will bring to the county.
In closing, Barney is again asking the public for their support in the upcoming elections.
“I’m not running against anyone, I am running for one of the two open spots,” he said. “I enjoy representing people, and I want to represent you.”
