Sheridan County commissioners on June 13 interviewed several candidates for open seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission, covering applicants’ backgrounds, familiarity with the county comprehensive plan and procedural questions about who may petition for zoning changes. No appointments were made; the commission said it will vote at its regular meeting next Tuesday.

Candidates emphasized preservation of community character, responsible growth and procedural clarity as key priorities. Commissioner Nick Siddle, meeting chair, told applicants the commission would make its appointments at the next regular meeting: “We will be making our appointments next Tuesday at our regular board meeting.”

Jessica Western, who lives in Beckton and previously served on a planning and zoning board in Lake County, Colorado, said she would like to “see [Sheridan] thrive economically while holding on to that thing that makes Sheridan so special.” She told commissioners she had facilitated the ACME special district meetings and had taken a course through the University of Wyoming.

Jeff Wallach, the current Planning and Zoning chairman and an applicant for reappointment, said he has chaired the commission for four years and urged continuity because the commission faces “6 major matters” on an upcoming July agenda. “I have done that and, it's been quite an experience learning all about the Sheridan County planning zoning rules, regulations,” Wallach said, adding that he recommends applicants study the master plan closely before hearings.

Several applicants raised technical or procedural improvements. Todd Gregg, a local developer, suggested integrating the comprehensive plan maps into the county GIS so maps and zoning overlays are easier to access. Joe Crump, a survey team lead and current member of the City of Sheridan Board of Adjustments, emphasized revitalization projects and said rezoning to improve older neighborhoods can spur broader neighborhood upgrades.

On a recurring procedural question — whether a special interest group, club or political subdivision may petition for a zoning change on private property it does not own — applicants generally said no. When asked, Lisa Carroll, a local real estate agent, answered simply, “No.” Joe Crump said, “Without having ownership, you do not have a right to change the land.” Jessica Western and Todd Gregg gave similar answers explaining zoning petitions are typically filed by owners or their representatives.

Several applicants acknowledged potential conflicts of interest from being active developers or real-estate professionals and said they would recuse themselves when appropriate. No formal votes were taken; commissioners reiterated appointments will be decided at the next regular meeting, where public comment will also be accepted.