Encampment Forum

The Encampment Opera House hosted a forum for the four candidates of the Encampment mayoral race on Sunday evening. Jeb Steward was the mediator.

The forum was attended by approximately thirty residents of Encampment.

The four candidates are Greg Salisbury, incumbent; Matt Wagy, Shannon Fagan Craig and Brad Hebig.

The candidates were at odds about a few items, but there seemed to be some common ground on others.

Finishing the sewer and water projects are definitely a priority in all of their minds, as well as preserving the infrastructure and history of Encampment. It was obvious that all the candidates are fond of this little town and want to see growth within reason and within boundaries.

Growth of Encampment is inevitable, however it was clear that none of the candidates want huge changes or exponential growth.

The town does have a planning committee and applications for building and property improvements must be submitted in a timely manner. Wagy suggested hiring a building and code inspector, but the other candidates felt that at this time, our own planning committee can handle any issues.

When the candidates were asked what attribute of Encampment would they like to emphasize, Mayor Salisbury was the first to comment. Salisbury said that Encampment is a beautiful place to live. Tranquil and friendly and rich in history.

Wagy agreed that we should try to keep the small town feel, but also mentioned upgrading the streets in town with gravel since most are dirt.

Fagan Craig reiterated historic preservation as being vital, but also commented on maintaining the high test scores in the Encampment school and preserving the town as a whole.

Hebig stated that we need to try to keep things the way they are, don’t get any more civilized. Upgrades can be made a little at time, but slowly.

The six-penny tax funds were brought up through a question from the audience. The residents want to know what is being done with the park improvement projects that have been mentioned at town council in the past.

Salisbury said that he advocated using the money for infrastructure, sewer lagoons and water mains specifically. He also had proposed a fish pond with boat ramp, wading pools, wildlife habitat and had been in contact with Game and Fish about this proposal. Salisbury feels that the right location of the fish pond could help with mosquito abatement.

Hebig advised spending the money if it is there and keep it simple.

Fagan Craig is not in favor of the fish pond and suggested improving the reservoir that is already here.

Wagy supported the fish pond and also mentioned how nice the parks look, suggesting purchasing new lawn mowers.

The one issue they all agreed on was weeds/tall grass on private property. Since there are a lot of vacant lots in town it can be difficult to address this issue. No one likes it, some suggested knocking on the owner’s door and discussing it. There did not seem to be a black and white answer as to how to deal with it.

The dog at large issue appears to fall short of an answer as well. Although Encampment does not have a leash law they do have ordinances about dogs at large and being a nuisance or a threat. Hebig’s response was keep ticketing. As a rental property owner he’s had more than his share of issues with dogs. Salisbury said that the town had tried using paint ball guns to mark the dogs, hoping the owner would then contact the town hall about the big orange mark on their dog and then town hall could address the issue with them. This has not been very effective. Fagan Craig suggested increasing fines, making the public aware of the consequences and following through.

Wagy agreed it is a problem.

The industrial park appeared to be on everyone’s minds, mainly when will the proposed mill open. Salisbury reminded us that the mill had been vandalized a few years ago and approximately $400,000 in damage was done to the “big side”, which has made it unusable at this time. The smaller side also required repairs which cost the town $100,000. The small side is currently under contract. Salisbury stated that town hall has had multiple inquiries, but nothing ever seems to get going.

Wagy suggested the town should review the contracts, give them a year to get started and if that doesn’t happen then drop them.

Hebig cited the lack of housing as a reason that nothing gets going in the industrial park. He stated that if the housing issue could be resolved, the rest would follow suit.

Fagan Craig reminded us that the mill was in a shambles when the last tenant left. She had hopes that it would be open in the next 12 months.

Discussion of the mill naturally transitioned to the housing issue and how to develop affordable housing for new residents.

Wagy suggested utilizing the vacant lots that the town owns.

Fagan Craig wasn’t keen on Wagy’s suggestion of using town lots.

Hebig suggested encouraging developers to come to Encampment. There are many empty lots just sitting around.

Salisbury agreed with Craig that the town should not be involved. The private land should and has been opened up for developers.

The final question given to the candidates was asking what experience they have to utilize in conflict resolution.

Salisbury said that you have to listen to both sides, and you aren’t going to make everyone happy.

Hebig said that everyone should have a say. If you have an issue you need to come to town council meetings and speak, because it ultimately comes down to the four council members votes.

Fagan Craig said that the mayor needs to represent all demographics, be transparent and communicate effectively.

Wagy said you need to keep your feelings out of it and listen.

It was obvious that all four of these candidates love the town or Encampment and want the best of for it.