My name is Eric Backman and I am running for the office of mayor of Diamondville. In 1979 I moved to Kemmerer to take a job at the Naughton power plant where I am still employed after thirty-one years as an operator and member of IBEW Local 57. In 1982 I moved to Diamondville, built a house and started a family with Julie Burnett. We raised seven children, nine dogs, four cats, various fish, amphibians, rodents, and some infamous chickens.

Currently I’m serving on the town council after being appointment to fill an abandoned seat last summer. From my experience I can say that Diamondville has a great group of employees as well as an effective council, and I wouldn’t mind working with any of them in the future. In any event, if elected I would look forward to working with whoever is placed on the council this fall, respectfully valuing all differences as we govern in the best interests of the entire town.

As mayor I would bring no hidden agendas, no animosities, and no drama to the office. Personal vendettas should be left at home. I am not a one issue candidate. I am not running to save anyone’s job. I believe that the past is past and no good can come from dwelling on it. Lessons were learned, so let’s keep moving forward in a positive manner.

As mayor I would be fiscally conservative. I take seriously the responsibility to manage the taxpayers’ money carefully. In these tougher economic times we must be prudent with all of Diamondville’s resources. Working through the Wyoming Association of Municipalities and our state representatives, we will work harder to make our funding needs and concerns felt by the state government.

If elected, customer service will be stressed, which means making sure your town council and employees are responsibly and effectively delivering the goods to the residents. Keeping the information flowing both ways is vital. Why not use a local newspaper to publish the minutes of our council meetings, so the citizens can more easily and reliably be informed of what is going on?

Quality of life improvements to keep Diamondville an enjoyable place to live are also important. With the town’s input, I would seek to fund and construct projects and needed maintenance that will keep Diamondville an appealing community, not only for people but for necessary and much needed businesses. And, yes, part of this effort would go toward helping preserve the town’s history and heritage.

I’d like to see the council go through all town ordinances, policies, and procedures to make sure they are up to date and reflect the current needs and desires of the people. We need to gather more opinions and consensus from the residents to ensure that the government reflects their wishes and not those of a mere handful of people.

And, lastly, it is important that Diamondville continue to work within the greater community if we are to meet future challenges and thrive.

Thanks in advance for your support. See you at the primary election on August 17.

For the complete article see the 07-22-2010 issue.

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