About Us
Time for a Change
We’re a non-partisan group of Laramie and Albany County residents that are concerned and yet optimistic about our community’s future. We hope to encourage positive forward thinking people into becoming leaders that will encourage reasonable growth and make our area “business friendly” while protecting our natural resources.
Time for a Change Laramie is an official Wyoming Political Action Committee funded through local donations only. No out of state money supports our effort. If you would like to make a donation contact us at info@timeforachangelaramie.org
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Encourage sensible housing and affordable housing by working with architects, Developers and builders
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make laramie more acesessible for seniors and those with disabilities by paving streets and maintaining sidewalks
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encourage a business friendly environment.
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Elect leadership that is willing to respect and listen to residents.
Let’s work together to bring about change. It’s Time for a Change Laramie…
Petition to Change Laramie’s Form of Government
by Jason Satkunam
As a resident of Laramie, Wyoming for over 20 years I am greatly concerned about the state of our city. Unlike most cities in Wyoming, and America, Laramie operates as a city-manager form of government, with the city council appointing a city manager and then electing a mayor from within their ranks. The mayor is purely a ceremonial position, the true power of city government relies in the appointed city manager.
The lack of a true elected mayor impacts Laramie by robbing us of a strong, stand alone voice in city government. Our city council is made up nine individuals who largely rely on the city manager in terms of running city government and provide no real insight or guidance on how to improve the functionality of how things are run.
What is at stake
By not having an elected mayor we are robbing ourselves of having a true voice in city government. A mayor can run on a campaign of ways to improve the city and work to accomplish those goals. A mayor can be held responsible for their performance and voted out if they fail to live up to expectations. A city manager can only be removed by a vote of the city council, which requires at least five councilors to vote in agreement.
A mayor can run on a platform of change. A mayor can work to lower a water rates or negotiate with utility companies for better rates. A mayor can run to make sure roads are fixed properly rather than patched again and again and again. A mayor can establish a good working relationship with the University of Wyoming rather than antagonize them and fight them as they improve campus. A mayor can campaign on bringing in new businesses or lowering taxes.
Why is now the time to act
The Wyoming Association of Municipalities describes the steps needed to be taken to change the form of government. A petition for a special election to change the form of government must be submitted to the city or town clerk. The petition must be signed by 15% of those electors who voted at the last preceding municipal election, and must be submitted no later than 120 days before the next regular municipal primary election.
If the petition is determined by the city (town) clerk to be legal, the mayor shall proclaim a special election on the question. The special election must be held no less than thirty days nor more than sixty days after the petition is filed, and shall be conducted as prescribed by W.S. § 22-23-801 through 22-23-809. If the majority of votes cast are in favor of the proposed new form of government, the municipality shall, at the next municipal primary and general elections, nominate and elect officers under the new form of government. Once these officers are elected and qualified, the municipality shall be governed by the new form of government.
With the 2024 primary election being held on August 20th and the General Election being held on November 5th we can present this petition in time for a change of government for 2025. It’s time Laramie citizens had a voice in city management. Please sign this petition to give Laramie a choice in city government.
