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It's Kaysen and Mockler

By Jodi Rogstad

jrogstad@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - The Capital City's next mayor will either be a former utility CEO or a soon-to-be-former state senator.

In Tuesday's primary election, Rick Kaysen and E. Jayne Mockler were the top vote-getters and advanced to the general election.

Of the 11,729 ballots cast for Cheyenne mayor, Kaysen, 61, got 4,374 votes, or 37.3 percent.

Mockler, 50, got 2,980 votes, or 25.4 percent of the ballots.

In all, 16,985 ballots were cast throughout Laramie County out its 36,338 registered voters, for about 47 percent voter turnout.

"I am very pleased - overwhelmed - I am very grateful for the confidence in what is my first effort for running for public office," said Kaysen, who retired last year as CEO of Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power. "I'm recommitted to running extremely hard for our city."

"I still need to listen; I still need to learn as I move forward to the general election."

He added that he would like to thank all of the mayoral candidates.

"They are a talented group of people, and I'm grateful to them for stepping forward."

Mockler, who is finishing her term as a Democratic senator after 16 years in the Wyoming Legislature, said she is looking forward to going door-to-door and listening to people's concerns more in depth.

Making the runoff shows her that what she is hearing from the people is translating back to the voice of the people.

Over the next two months, she hopes to make many public appearances in forums and such with Kaysen.

"They'll be able to really flesh out the details, put an issue before us and decide," she said.

Joseph Dougherty, 56, director of the city's bus system, came in third with nearly 19 percent of the votes.

"I mean, I knew all along there was a possibility that it would work in my favor," Dougherty said. "Turns out it didn't. I enjoyed the experience of putting together the strategy and putting together the message.

"I always wanted to run for mayor. Now I can say I have."

Dougherty is director of the city's public transit system. He also has served as the executive assistant to former Mayor Leo Pando.

C.J. Brown, 60, came in fourth with 9.1 percent of the ballots cast for him.

"I appreciate the kindness of each of the candidates," he said. "(Running for mayor) was a good experience."

When asked, he didn't think he would run for mayor again.

"I think that was my last hurrah," Brown said.

Tuesday night, Brown said he was going to pick up his campaign signs and in the coming days "allow people to comfort me."

Dru Rohla, 53, came in fifth, with just over 6 percent of the ballots cast in his favor. Rohla, who is director of the Cheyenne Civic Center, did not return two phone calls to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

James Ditsch, 50, garnered nearly 3 percent of the votes. He said he was disappointed about coming in last place.

"Just because I don't make it in doesn't mean I am giving up on Cheyenne. There's a lot of be done. I plan to be active with the community. I will do what I think is right. This isn't a losing battle. It's one step, and we go on from there."

This is the first time in recent memory an incumbent has not run for this office.

Earlier this spring, Mayor Jack Spiker announced he would run for a third term. Then he changed his mind, saying he wanted to slow down and spend more time with his grandchildren. Tuesday, Spiker made the runoff for the Ward 2 City Council election.

Reader Comments

I like Jayne wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:13 AM:

" Jayne will be a great mayor for Cheyenne. She has vision and wants to work for citizens of Cheyenne. Take a broom with you to work, Jayne. "

Vote for Jayne... wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:27 AM:

" she needs a job and mayor pays more than commissioner....She tried to escape Cheyenne by persuing a political science degree when she wanted to escape politics!!! What part of this picture doesn't make sense to you??? I'm guessing that Nancy is running out of money and tired of supporting her....People who have come up the hard way of being successful on their own right often have the experience, vision, and work ethics to succeed...those that are supported by family and government often fail in the final challenge...it is your call...vote!! "

Politics wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:03 AM:

" One Fool Out Another Fool In Typical Politics The Only Way To Change This is to Take Up Arms Aginst The FOOLS it Worked Once it Will Work agian and soon I hope "

Cheesiest wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:44 PM:

" I agree . . . Vote for Pedro! All your wildest dreams will come true!!! Plus his brothers offer you their protection, which appears to be more affective than that of the CPD. :-) "

To JW wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:32 PM:

" You just have to use the good ole boys for your gains they ar'nt that hard to outsmart they have been kicked by to many horses use it to your advantage don't let them kick you. "

Kaysen Mocking Mockler wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Was that Kaysen on the radio the other day Mocking Mockler what Class he has of course Mocking Mockler was funny "

cheynative wrote on Aug 25, 2008 12:07 PM:

" I keep telling people if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got...change means just that 'CHANGE' "

CalKid wrote on Aug 25, 2008 1:49 AM:

" VOTE FOR PEDRO! "

Too funny wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:52 PM:

" To the people that didn't know where to vote. Are you too lazy to pick up the telephone? It's everyone's fault but your own because you chose not to get the information where its available. Probably a good thing you didn't vote. You don't sound smart enough to even know what you're doing at the ballot box. It's amazing how manhy stupid people are out wandering around. "

To Agreed wrote on Aug 24, 2008 7:33 PM:

" You give no reasoning as to why you are SO happy that Joe did not make it? Do you even have any rational reasons? Probably not. The JOE I know would have been the best mayor this city has had in years. It's too bad Cheyenne is full of idiots like you! "

This message..... wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:59 AM:

" is for those of you that know nothing about world economy of supply and demand and business. The world economy sets the price of utilities and the board of directors of Cheyenne public utilities make the decision on price increases.!!! Kaysen was only in the position of understanding these changes....he was not in the position of making the decisions!! You,re naivitee of thinking that Jayne Mockler who has never experienced this position and therefore, has no clue as to how to make a difficult decision of mayor appalls me... If I functioned on prescription drugs...I would be sweet also....I prefer to operate on what I know and have experienced versus the use of prescription drugs. I see little difference between mind altering substances whether prescribed or sold on the street as the result is the same.....it alters rational thinking!!!! "

How good is Valium wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:28 AM:

" Apparently, it wasn't strong enough in the early 90's for Jayne Mockler to continue to deal with the ardors of her office administration job and keep her from coming home to mom and dad after stating that was the last thing she wanted as well as politics after securing a political science degree....No question that Jayne needs a job but is she able to take on the mayor position????? It's your vote....use it wisely!!!! "

agreed wrote on Aug 24, 2008 7:16 AM:

" Thank God no Joe. And Mockler will win because of the Joe write- ins. "

J.W wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:28 PM:

" More reasons why this city continues to go to pot, can't keep it's young people here, and why it has a revolving door for citizens. Outsiders can immediately see the good-ole-boy networks, the cliques, and the poor infrastructure and leave almost as quickly as they come in (or, at least, as quickly as they can). This is why Cheyenne and the rest of Wyoming serves as a land-bridge to the rest of the country. Pathetic, as usual, and I can't think of a place more deserving. "

registered voter wrote on Aug 23, 2008 10:23 PM:

" I, too, didn't vote in the primary because I did not know where to vote. I am not new, but I don't get the paper and never received any information on where to vote in my area. I think that there should be info sent in the mail giving you information on where to vote and I guarantee that there would be a bigger voter turnout. "

Wil James wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:15 PM:

" Congratulations Cheyenne you still have a tri lateral commission City Govt. Spiker Pierson and if Kaysen elected they will maintain their click GRIP "

Justin wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:12 PM:

" They need to let people know by sending out a mailer or hanging doorflyers letting people know when the election is. My credit card statement reminds me of an important date every month, and I don't think any of my bills are as important as a mayoral election in a city with as many problems as Cheyenne. Since I don't watch Channel 5 or subscribe to the paper because they make a mockery of journalism, I had no idea when the election even was! "

billyg wrote on Aug 23, 2008 4:15 PM:

" Jayne needs a break from serving the public. She seems worn out to me anyway. Let's see that she get a much deserved rest this November. "

Bull..... wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:33 AM:

" Mockler states that one of her 3 goals in life was to avoid politics....she then seeks out a political science degree in college...if it doesn't make sense it probably isn't true and that includes her excuse for returning to Cheyenne....the family problems were those of her own inability to cope with her office administration job in Denver...pulease tell me how she thinks she could possibly cope with the heat of being a mayor??? Vote for Jayne for commissioner and Kaysen for mayor and do everyone a favor including the candidates themselves in addition to the citizens of Cheyenne. Vision, business development, and tenacity are not part of Jayne's skill set!!! "

Ted wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:06 AM:

" Kaysen ! A more hapless potential mayor I cannot imagine. If this does come to pass, expect a noticeable deterioration in the quality of life in Cheyenne with poorer roads, less cops, less motivated city employees, and a distinct lack of work towards economically diversifying the community and creating good paying white collar employment opportunities. The much needed beautification and improvement of city streets and medians will be forgotten. The city will definitely look more rundown with shabby appearing city parks under a Kaysen mayorship. "

BOBBY J wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:23 PM:

" WHEWWWW! WHAT IS THAT SMELL COMING FROM CHEYENNE!!!? BAD POLITICS I SPOSE. OR RICK? WELL, ONE IN THE SAME. NOW I GET IT. I REMEMBER THAT SMELL NOW! ITS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOOD OLD BOYZ... WRITE THE CORRECT GUY IN CHEYENNE :) "

Money VERSES Goverment wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:44 PM:

" Kaysen has big money on his side Mockler has only Goverment assistance on her side so Who's gonna win? "

w.b. wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:17 PM:

" To the person who wrote about me pouting because Joe Dougherty didn't win, I was merely saying that I am not going to vote for Kaysen or Mockler, because I do not feel either one would make a good mayor. I guess you read into what I said a little too deep, and because I encouraged people to write Joe's name in you blew a gasket. If anything it sounds like you are pouting because Spiker didn't run for another term. And for your information I was not one of those kids who took my ball and went home because it didn't go my way. I learned a long, long time ago that life isn't fair. "

Rev. Mathewsin wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:53 AM:

" Mockler doesn't know what job she wants, Commissioner or Mayor, she just needs a job. "

to all Joe Doughtery fans wrote on Aug 22, 2008 4:46 AM:

" Please, please, PLEASE write-in Joe's name on the general election ballot because that gives Jayne Mockler the best chance of winning. Watching Mockler and Laybourn do battle during city council meetings will be the best entertainment available. It's the only silver lining in the black cloud created by a mere 47% voter turnout. Just like a business' management gets the type of union they deserve, a city of apathetic voters gets the type of leadership they deserve! When problems arise under the new mayor, ALL the non-voters need to realize THEY were the cause! "

polkafan wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:24 PM:

" you people are nuts. only 47% voted. out of them, I would say that 10% really knew who they were voting for. you can see across the board that incumbents scored highly, but you have complained about daily. something is wrong with the system.

you all need to quit your complaining and vote for whomever is going to do a better job.

I like what Mr. Graham saidwhen he lost, 'more people vote for American Idol than in a primary.' That guy could have competed in this election, but now there are incumbents versus people that don't stand a chance.

I like the Kaysen/Mockler race... let's see what happens... btw, write ins won't have a chance and would be a wasted vote. "

No Hate wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:46 PM:

" Does anybody know Rick Kaysen or is it alright to hate someone you have never met? Does that lead to inner peace and happiness? "

Bummer wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:21 AM:

" I, too, will be writing in Joe for Mayor in November. I cannot, with a good conscience, vote for the 2 candidates that are left. What a sad thing for our wonderful city. "

Fancyj wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:46 AM:

" VOTE VOTE VOTE
is the answer. If everybody who doesn't Like the two picks for Mayor Like me Write in Joe Dougherty's Name ASP. on the Abssent T's or at the Voting posts That's what I going to do. If all of The People do it.That want Joe for our Mayor. they have to except the votes I would think. Right? "

Mike wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:35 AM:

" You folks who voted for these two idiots along with voting for Gay Woodhouse for the Commission seat have now doomed our City and County to be a cesspool ran by Back-Room Bureaucrats with their lies and represenation of those that are also liars , manipulators and wannabe Tyrants and Dictators. "

Hp Bud wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:01 AM:

" I don't really care who of the two becomes mayor. I am just happy Spiker is gone. He was in it only for the glory. "

Jason wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:05 AM:

" Well, Mongo..perhaps you should get off your tail and get an education and stop living off the fat of public assistance! "

Jason wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:01 AM:

" to art...yes I did vote...not that it made a difference. Stupidity in number is a very powerful thing! "

to w.b. wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:10 AM:

" Your candidate, Joe Dougherty, doesn't make the cut so now you pout. I bet you were the kid who picked up his ball and went home when the game didn't go your way. If more lazy, apathetic registered Cheyenne voters had put out the tiny effort it takes to vote, maybe your man would have finished higher, but he didn't so please quit crying. And please DO convince all Doughtery voters to write-in his name for the general election. That way maybe Mockler will win and Cheyenne can find out the hard way just how good a mayor Jack Spiker was. "

No Joe wrote on Aug 21, 2008 5:43 AM:

" Thank God! "

secerets out wrote on Aug 21, 2008 4:34 AM:

" Do you really think kaysen's gonna be any better than spiker. Apparently not because Spiker is going to be a councilman. He has already made is FAMILY (heartland homes & Snake river pub investors) rich on the backs of the citizens. Yet we still vote him in. What makes you think Kaysen (former Ceo of CLFP)is going to any different. He just there to make him and his freinds rich of our backs as well. I'm sure he's in the Spiker, Collins, Segrave, Good ol' Boys Club. They owe it to Kaysen. "

James wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:38 PM:

" once again a local election proves how out of touch I am with the public at large. "

To O No wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:24 PM:

" Bye! "

jeez wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:57 PM:

" I hope more people show up to vote in the general. I didnt know that McCain or the Mesiah was on the ballot, cubin wasn't either, the ex ceo of clf&p was. Funny how he took the flack of profits made by a corporation, that was his job. Meanwhile in 1999 the state of wyoming was in a deficit, when clf&p started making money, the state of wyo went to a billion dollar surplus, I suppose when the money grubbing state does it, it is ok "

Harold wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:47 PM:

" Mockler may run for county commissioner, she was calling friends Monday and Tuesday to write her name in, apparently job hunting. "

Art wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:42 PM:

" Jason, with such a bold staement about Cheyenne's under educated community. I ask you . Did you vote? "

Pam Taylor wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:55 PM:

" Spiker has Spiked this election Pat should put him on a bike with Flat tires to Colorado "

Chris wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:42 PM:

" The biggest problem in this primary was that the County Clerk's office did a TERRIBLE job of explaining where you were to vote on the actual day of the Primary. My husband and I, both new to the community and do NOT receive the paper, went to the County Clerk's office yesterday for the primary. No voting going on. No information on where to go to vote. Nothing. And trust me, we weren't the only ones wandering around lost.

It's scary and sad that poor organization and communication on the part of the County Clerks could have determined this primary.

Get it together Cheyenne! "

Mark wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:23 PM:

" Agreed a 47% turnout is pathetic. However, if you have a problem with those tagged in the primary, then why not run for office yourself instead of complaining? "

The Gambler wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:07 PM:

" What a Pair To Draw from may as well go to Vegas the ODDS are better than with these TWO DUCES DUCES LOOSES "

Mike wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Ignorance and bliss are alive and well in Cheyenne. "

Dont Vote Then Dont Gripe wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:10 PM:

" IF you do not vote then do not gripe about the politics. The right to vote was not something just "given to us" it was hard earned; it cost the mothers, fathers and children of this land dearly for us to have the right to vote. Even if you do not like the candidates, issues, or politics get out there and vote each and every time. If nothing else do it for those who have served, sacrificed and died to preserve this right we hold so dear. The vote is your voice, don't be silent. My fellow American's VOTE!!! "

Jimmy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Why does the WTE continue to hide the fact that Kaysen is a shareholder in Cheyenne Newspapers Inc.? "

SS Lives wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:05 PM:

" Seems that people put too much stock in mayor's power around here. Most of the job is public relations. At the end of the day, the mayor is just one vote on the city council like everyone else. "

BOBBY J wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:53 AM:

" O Congrats Cheyenne voters on another self inflicted wound! Slime prevails. You should all be so proud of yourselves. Next time instead of stopping in? I will fly on over...Airport is probably too slippery as well... "

Would you like some wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:52 AM:

" cheese with that whine. Wow Cheyenne! I guess we can tell how your candidate(s) did - poorly. Get a grip and move forward. I will say this, I'm very grateful I don't live in Ward I. Yikes! "

Rich wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:47 AM:

" Me think's we are hearing negative comments from former disgruntled employeees of CL & P! "

Oh well wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:45 AM:

" This just confrims that this city is lacking in being informed. What a shame, these two choices. I moved back to Cheyenne to be near my Dad and after he leaves this planet, I am seriously going to give consideration to moving AWAY from my hometown. You folks can have your stained glass skylights or you can have a loser who will pad his wallet with increased utility rates. Either way, this city loses... all the way around. Good luck Cheyenne, you will need it. "

w.b. wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Don't blame me I voted for joe!! I absoultely will not vote for either Kaysen or mockler. I say all of us that voted for joe write his name in on the ballot in the general election. I know I will! "

Seriously wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:32 AM:

" Kaysen and Mockler??? I am so disppointed with the Cheyenne voters, but at the same time SO glad that I live in the county. "

hmmm wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Joe was the best choice....I am beginning to wonder as well about the intelligence of our town. Good old boys club is right "

Z wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:08 AM:

" Ya missed the opportunity for relief Cheytown, this time anyway -

Evidenced by Mr. Kaysens probable misquote above....

"I'm recommitted to running extremely hard for our city."-

"For" and "Over" sound similar... just swap em..

Which do you think he said? Or thinks? - Good Old Boy status quo rhetoric and intent really means "over" -There's no "for" about it....... self interests shall remain in force.

Till maybe next time..... "

Mongo wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:45 AM:

" As an uneducated resident, I suggest Jason move to the People's Republic of Boulder where he would be happier. "

CLFP takeover wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:42 AM:

" How can there be 103 negative comments to "your heat bill's going up..." and still have the head cheese of the worst company this side of Bresnan make it through the primary? I don't care if he isn't the man there anymore, it's not like CFLP wasn't sticking it to us when he was. Was he in charge while the provider was overcharging consumers? Was he in charge when said company was caught price gouging consumers? If he was there and not part of the conspiracy you still don't want a mayor who's so easily hoodwinked. Personally, I don't want to vote for someone who was affiliated with the company that has my bill jumping 79% from last year. What will we be paying for when he's running the city? "

Cajun wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 AM:

" So Rick or Jane , how will it feel to work for Collins and Segrave and the other wannabe dictators? To be at their beck and call and to jump when they say jump. To continue to milk our city with foolish projects and not finish ones that are already started. To kiss up to the top 8% of the community and make the other 92% suffer with your dictatorial bans. To constantly show bias to the privelged and special interest. And the same can be said for Laramie County with Gay Woodhouse at the helm of the Commissioners. Nothing but lies and deciet along with representing special interest and liars and those that are allowed to defraud the County. "

wanting info wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:25 AM:

" This newspaper was very dissapointing in assisting the voter online to stay informed of all the candidates. Where are all the election results??? "

Native Tongue wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:39 AM:

" Dru Rohla was too busy to return phone calls. This Dru in action. Now he can work on landing the Rolling Stones at the Civic Center to help Mick with his golf swing.
Kaysen would make a great mayor. Joe really loves Cheyenne and I feel for him "

absentee voter wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:38 AM:

" 47 percent voted in this primary, not a good showing. I know people think the primary is not important, but it is very important. Your candidate could not make it to the general
election without a primary. If people are busy and cant get to the poles, remember you can vote absentee. The county will even mail the ballot to you, and all you need is a stamp. The same applies to the general election in November. Vote absentee if necessary but vote. "

THIS SUCKS wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:02 AM:

" Well is anyone really surprised by the top vote getter? Money obviously does talk when it comes to Kaysen. I just can't believe that so many people in this town are so IDIOTIC!!!!!!!!! I am embarassed to call myself a resident of Cheyenne. And I may find myself NO LONGER a resident of Cheyenne as soon as that goon takes office. Not sure that Mockler will be any better either. I am so disappointed in the people of Cheyenne. Shame shame shame. "

O NO wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:36 AM:

" I am moving out of state..no way do I want to live in another down spiral of Cheyenne...This is bad news.
Joe is the one and only good candidate. "

Larry Craig wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:33 AM:

" How could 7354 people be so dumb? "

Z wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:23 AM:

" Disappointment.- Although somewhat refreshing to see a 47% turnout for the Local Primarys, where were the other 53%? Did they not vote out of complacency brought on by acceptance of the status quo? Or because of the power of the status quo? My hope is that the obvious new administration will actively listen and work for all, not just the self interest powers that be.

A new status quo will emerge hopefully at some point, with interest for all, and not a facade which benefits face and not substance.

There's plenty of space to expand the Country Good Old Boy Club....and that membership voted to protect that space..

Where were the people that aren't members and are tired of the status quo?

Change is good - don't expect any yet. "

LoLcatz wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:12 AM:

" What a great choice we have here. It's like picking between Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. I guess I have to organize with friends to do a write in. Andy Robbins for Mayor '08! "

A shame wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:12 AM:

" It is a shame that more people didn't turn up to vote. "

maybe next time wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:11 AM:

" It will be nice to see new faces in our city government, but for some reason (which I do not understand} people still voted for the same old regular council members. People WAKE UP. If we don't change the incumbants we will have the same problems we have always had with our city gov. "

Jason wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:00 AM:

" Just what I expected from this under educated community. It's the same town of idiots that'll vote for W 3.0 (McCain), Cubin 2.0(Lummis) and the ex-CEO of the money grabbing CLF&P!! More of the same. "

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