Meet the Keystone candidates

By: 
Leslie Silverman
By Leslie Silverman
 
There are two open trustee positions in Keystone’s election this year. 
Casey McNulty is an incumbent seeking a second term.
McNulty grew up in Keystone and says he has “always been very active in the community of Keystone.” He is a “firm believer in fixing things rather than just complaining about them.” McNulty says that by “serving on the council I get to be involved and have the opportunity to work with community members and solve issues as they arise.”
McNulty is self-employed and wears many hats. He operates a construction company and is involved in property management for several hotels in the area in addition to his own vacation rentals. 
“I am truly blessed to be mainly self-employed in a family business, getting to work with my parents every day,” he said.
The biggest issues McNulty sees in Keystone is the “the continued lack of transparency and accountability with local boards and committees funded though the Town of Keystone.” He also sees a  huge need for “long term housing for year-round residents.”  
McNulty wants to see community participation and collaboration between citizens and business owners. 
“Keystone lacks the involvement of the community members,” he said. “The best way to solve the issues that will have a long term impact on the community is to have the community be involved and give input, helping to lead to an outcome that will be effective and have the support of the people within the town.”
He adds, “with housing it’s important we work with local developers and show interest in projects in our community.”
McNulty also said, “I strongly believe that with community support, and the correct leadership Keystone can very easily rise to the top and be the leader in the southern Black Hills area.”
Lynette Gohsman Tyon is manager at the Holy Smoke Resort and grew up in the area.
She would like the opportunity to represent both the residents and business owners of Keystone. 
“I do not own a business nor work for a business in the city limits,” said Gohsman, “therefore I feel I can be unbiased on many issues.” 
Gohsman sees water and residential housing as the most important issues facing Keystone. She has some ideas on how to fix the problems but thinks “it takes more than one person to brainstorm solving issues.”
Gohsman adds, “I have been a trustee before and I enjoyed representing the community. I’m open minded and listen to all of the facts before making a decision.”
Will Parks is a property director, security manager and financial analyst. He has lived in Keystone for four years.
Parks had many years of experience as an executive in the corporate world before he  transitioned to owning his own general contracting business. He believes his “background and heart for people would make a positive impact on the Town of Keystone.”
Parks sees three main issues Keystone faces. He describes them as “long- term access to essential services including water, electricity, police, fire and ambulance; prevention and timely response to forest fires; and the health, well being, and happiness of its residents.”
Parks says, “there are many options and projects that the town of Keystone could pursue to address the items noted above, projects that preserve the beauty of Keystone while enhancing and fortifying its infrastructure and ensuring the contentment of its residents for many years to come.”
Parks has enjoyed relationship-building during his tenure in town. 
“In the four years I have lived in Keystone I have enjoyed meeting and developing friendships with the wonderful people who live here and if given the opportunity of a trustee position I look forward to serving the community in a greater capacity.”
Community members can learn more about the candidates by coming to the candidate forum  March 29 at 6 p.m. at Keystone Town Hall.
The election takes place April 11.

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