Managing Casper's current boom period weighs heavily on the minds of two political newcomers running to represent Ward I on the Casper City Council.

Entrepreneur Josh Kronberg and retired dentist Roger Kline both expressed concern over how to manage Casper's growth before an inevitable slowdown.

Council incumbent Kate Sarosy said focusing on growth in the Old Yellowstone District, alcohol abuse and the national economy's effect on the city are Casper's biggest issues.

Stay-at-home mom Kimberly Holloway is concerned about slowing down and controlling traffic in Casper.

The four candidates are running for two four-year terms vacated by Sarosy and former city council member Page Fagan.

When elected, the two new members will join Keith Goodenough to represent Casper's central region and six other council members from the east and west sides of town.

The council not only manages the city's public services but also the main recreation areas including Hogadon, the Casper Recreation Center, the municipal golf course, Fort Caspar Museum and the Casper Events Center.

Over the next four years, the council will tackle redevelopment in the Old Yellowstone District, an area near downtown recently slated for renewal. The council will also face a newly-developed agreement with the Citizens for a Civic Auditorium to build a performing arts center in the District.

Below are some of the candidates' ideas for the future of Casper:

Good for the community

Casper needs a civic auditorium, said Kimberly Holloway, who's running for her first term on the council.

Amenities such as performing arts center are good for cities and communities, she said, and the city should be involved in the process.

The agreement was well thought-out and a "fair assessment of the situation."

One of Holloway's passions is city pools.

As a mother of four, Mike Sedar pool is near to her house and critical to her family in the summer time.

She thinks the fees to use the pools may be too high and out of the city's multi-million dollar budget, and the pools use a relatively small amount.

"It's a nice amenity to have," she said.

Strong finances

Roger Kline worries about the city's finances, and he doesn't want the city to overextend itself.

"I think the economy here is more stable than it has been in the past, but it's always possible we could have a bust," he said.

Even though he supports the idea of a civic auditorium, he doesn't think the city should be involved in the process.

He would verbally confirm the project, he said, but the city shouldn't help finance the project.

Similarly, the city government shouldn't be involved in growth. Development comes from the private sector, he said, not the public.

If more affordable housing is needed, someone will build it.

Balanced growth

Casper needs to grow centrally, in addition to the east and west sides, said incumbent Kate Sarosy.

The council should make it easier for developers to build in areas such as the Old Yellowstone District. Council members should also facilitate "smart growth" principles such as greater density, pedestrian-friendly developments and narrower streets.

The city also needs to focus on its aging population. Some changes include those she advocates for in smart growth, including more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

The civic auditorium could be a positive addition to Casper, she said. The council's support of the project allows the Citizens for a Civic Auditorium to apply for funding sources they otherwise would not be able to access.

But, she said, there are a number of requirements for the Citizens before the city becomes financially involved.

Incentives and amenities

A civic auditorium would be good for Casper for many reasons, according to Kronberg.

First, said the student and entrepreneur, amenities such as a performing arts center are key to Casper's expansion.

Secondly, as the Casper population ages, people need more places to go for entertainment.

"It's important to remain active," he said, and the council should do what it can to promote activities for seniors.

Additionally, Casper would benefit from curb-side recycling.

It could be expensive, Kronberg said, but Wyoming is a beautiful state and should be cared for.

The city should begin with yard waste curb-side pickup and eventually move to other items. Ultimately, the cost for the program would be "funnelled down to citizens."

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

Kimberly Holloway

Age: 38

Home: Casper

Occupation: Stay at home mother

Education: 2 years of college

Family: Married; 4 children

Political experience: Treasurer of the Natrona County Democrats

Kate Sarosy

Age: 60

Home: Casper

Occupation: Community volunteer

Education: Bachelors and masters degrees

Family: Husband; three step-children

Political experience: Four years on the Casper City Council

Roger Kline

Age: 73

Home: Casper

Occupation: Retired dentist

Education: Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery

Family: Wife; four children

Political experience: None

Josh Kronberg

Age: 30

Home: Casper

Occupation: Student and entrepreneur

Education: Currently at Casper College, some prior college and studied culinary arts

Family: Married

Political experience: Member of a State Department of Education Council

Age: 38

Home: Casper

Occupation: Stay at home mother

Education: 2 years of college

Family: Married; 4 children

Political experience: Treasurer of the Natrona County Democrats

Kate Sarosy

Age: 60

Home: Casper

Occupation: Community volunteer

Education: Bachelors and masters degrees

Family: Husband; three step-children

Political experience: Four years on the Casper City Council

Roger Kline

Age: 73

Home: Casper

Occupation: Retired dentist

Education: Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery

Family: Wife; four children

Political experience: None

Josh Kronberg

Age: 30

Home: Casper

Occupation: Student and entrepreneur

Education: Currently at Casper College, some prior college and studied culinary arts

Family: Married

Political experience: Member of a State Department of Education Council]]->