ROCK SPRINGS — Keaton West, 28, has announced his intent to run for Rock Springs City Council Ward IV. West will face incumbent candidate David Tate who filed for reelection last week.
Keaton is the Sales Manager for Vaughn’s Plumbing & Heating Co. in Rock Springs and credits them for offering their support and sponsorship as he takes his next step into the political arena.
West has served the last 3.5 years on the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce board of directors, serving as President during 2015. His term will end this December. He also currently serves as the Chairman for the Sweetwater County Parks & Recreation board that he has been on for almost 3 years. West states, “I believe my involvement with local government at an early age has allowed me to build key relationships with individuals throughout the community. Serving on the Chamber board permitted me to work with many city employees, councilors, and the mayor, and I feel with my term ending it would be a privilege to continue working with these individuals by being a part of the city council.”
West has also served on numerous committees between both boards which include budget and finance, policy and procedure, donations, legislative, and most recently was the construction liaison for the Rock Springs Chamber Visitor Complex renovation project that officially opened its doors this week. “I realize there is a lot to learn when it comes to the operation of this City, but that is true with any board or organization you join. I believe my background and dedication together offer a strong foundation for this opportunity, and I look forward to making a difference should the votes fall in my favor.”
“I was surprised to see David running again, mainly because he’s been serving Ward IV for a long time and I honestly thought he’d run for higher office. I don’t know David personally, but have worked with him briefly through my involvement with the Chamber. I think he’s done a great job for the City of Rock Springs, Ward IV, and this community, and I believe his lengthy history on city council is a direct representation of that. I’m not running with an axe to grind against Mr. Tate – he seems like a great guy. I simply feel the people of Ward IV should have a choice when it comes to this election. Many of the past elections have run unopposed and sometimes a fresh face can offer mutual reward. I’m young, ambitious, and have many ideas that I believe can continue to help shape this City into the great place that it is – the place we all call home. I look forward to the challenge, and I would humbly appreciate the votes from the people of Ward IV on August 16th and November 8th. “
West was born and raised in Rock Springs and has lived here his whole life. He is a graduate of Rock Springs High School; earned an Associates of Science degree from Western Wyoming Community College; and hopes to finish his baccalaureate degree in Organizational Leadership this fall from the University of Wyoming Outreach Credit Program.
