Incumbent  Laramie County Commissioner Troy Thompson says these are exciting but challenging  times for Laramie County because of a vibrant local economy.

He says enterprises such as the Microsoft Data Center, NCAR, Magpul Industries and other businesses which have moved or are moving to Laramie County provide a tremendous economic boost. But he says there will have to be annexation of some county areas into the city, and those steps need to be well thought out.

Another challenge is maintaining  county roads in light of oil drilling in the area, and Thompson says it will be important to find the money to adequately maintain rural roads. He says companies such as Anadarko Petroleum and EOG Resources have donated several hundred thousand dollars each to help with road maintenance.

Thompson says that while economic growth in general generates more revenues for local government, he thinks it's important the commission maintains a conservative approach to spending and invests intelligently to plan growth.

Thompson is a graduate of Seton Catholic High School in Cheyenne and Cornell University Veterinary School. He owns Tri-State Veterinary Clinic in Cheyenne. He is running for his second term on the commission as a Republican.

More From KGAB