Rapid growth in recent years has left an imprint on the Bar Nunn Town Council race.

In 2000, according to the Census, the town had a population of 936. By 2007, that number had swelled to an estimated 1,700.

Wendell Tekell, who has served 12 years on the town council, sees the financing of street improvements as a major concern.

"A lot of them are getting in need of repair before they completely deteriorate," he said. "We're working on some of them right now."

The 74-year-old oil field consultant said the town also needs a new town hall and post office.

Council incumbent Paula Stewart said having the administrative structure in place to manage growth correctly is an important consideration.

In terms of infrastructure needs, she said the town already is on track to upgrade its water system, and new curbs and gutters are being installed.

"Most of the streets haven't had curbs and gutters, and this is really a good improvement to our town," she said.

She would like to see Bar Nunn initiate a recycling program and for the town to obtain a zip code that isn't confused with Casper, which sometimes results in delivery problems.

Josh Brown is an advocate of what he characterizes as "smart growth … making sure as we grow we don't lose our identity as a small town."

"Any growth that happens, we want to make sure it's going to benefit the town long-term, and not just growth for growth's sake," he added.

He favors commercial development that would contribute to the quality of life in Bar Nunn, such as a small grocery store so people don't have to come into Casper for all their purchases.

"It just makes it more convenient to have something there in the local community," he said.

Tekell, Stewart and Brown are vying for two spots with terms of four years.

In the race for a two-year unexpired term, law enforcement officer John Blase is facing business owner Jamie Purcell.

"One of the main issues we have on the table right now is low water pressure," Blase said, especially for people near the end of the line.

He pointed out there is only one major access point to Bar Nunn, which needs to changed as the community grows.

A small grocery store, a new restaurant and perhaps a small recreation center for kids also are seen as desirable. "I've had a lot of input from people," he said. "I've gone door-to-door to just about everybody in town."

Purcell said the council needs to lay the groundwork for prudent growth.

"We need to be smart about developing Bar Nunn," she said. "And smart by keeping in mind the families who live out here and the things that they need."

She said the town might want to consider a form of mass transit into Casper and possibly a sheriff's deputy devoted to Bar Nunn.

Purcell said more organized recreation also would be desirable to keep local teens engaged in positive activities. "If you're bored, you get into trouble," she said.

Bar Nunn Town Council

Two seats, four-year term

Paula Stewart

Age: 50

Home: Bar Nunn

Occupation: Tax preparer and accountant

Education: Some college

Family: Married

Prior political experience: Bar Nunn Town Council, Bar Nunn Planning and Zoning

Wendell Tekell

Age: 74

Occupation: Oil field consultant

Education: High school, degree in computer programming from home study course

Family: Married

Prior political experience: Bar Nunn Town Council

Josh Brown

Age: 32

Occupation: Probation and parole officer

Education: Bachelor's degree

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None

Bar Nunn Town Council

One seat, two-year unexpired term

Jamie Purcell

Age: 30

Occupation: Small business owner and mother

Education: Associate's of applied science

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None

John Blase

Age: 39

Occupation: Law enforcement officer

Education: Some college

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None

Two seats, four-year term

Paula Stewart

Age: 50

Home: Bar Nunn

Occupation: Tax preparer and accountant

Education: Some college

Family: Married

Prior political experience: Bar Nunn Town Council, Bar Nunn Planning and Zoning

Wendell Tekell

Age: 74

Occupation: Oil field consultant

Education: High school, degree in computer programming from home study course

Family: Married

Prior political experience: Bar Nunn Town Council

Josh Brown

Age: 32

Occupation: Probation and parole officer

Education: Bachelor's degree

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None]]->

One seat, two-year unexpired term

Jamie Purcell

Age: 30

Occupation: Small business owner and mother

Education: Associate's of applied science

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None

John Blase

Age: 39

Occupation: Law enforcement officer

Education: Some college

Family: Married

Prior political experience: None]]->