ABOUT SAM BUCKWALTER
" However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. "
George Washington, Farewell Address 1796
SAM'S BACKGROUND
Sam was born and raised in Schaefferstown Pennsylvania, and always loved the Army and the woods. He was also convicted to better his community from a young age. Sam's first dip into politics started in 8th grade, by presenting a petition to his school board to change an unreasonable high school policy. His conviction led to hundreds of students across the district signing the petition. In a few years' time, the school board revoked the policy.
Sam earned his Eagle Scout rank after improving his community by building a performing stage at the Alexander Schaeffer Farm, a local fair ground in his hometown.
After graduating High School Sam wanted something different than the typical East Coast colleges. He also wanted to fulfill his childhood dream of serving his country. Fortunately, Sam knew of UW from hunting in Wyoming so, he joined the Wyoming Army National Guard (WYARNG) and UW ROTC. Sam did not continue the path to become an Army Officer but instead pursued the enlisted route. After 6 years in the WYARNG, Sam earned the rank of Staff Sargeant, won Wyoming's Best Warrior Competition, competed at the Winston P. Wilson National Match and deployed to the Middle East in 2024-25. After returning from deployment, Sam and his wife finally bought a house. Simultaneously, the Water Drainage Tax was enacted, prompting Sam to take action to serve Laramie citizens.
My Strongest Conviction
God blessed me in late high school with some of the most encouraging friends. I never knew much about Christ before meeting them, but they introduced me to church which, led to my own faith maturing and my submission to Jesus Christ in April of 2019. Since then, God has grown me in numerous ways and continues to sanctify me, helping me to become a more mature man today. During deployment, God showed me how important it is to have unity in the church, and I believe that unity is just as important for our community. Laramie citizens should be seeking unity regardless of political party. If we lack unity we make George Washington's warnings reality.
MISSION STATEMENT
Empowering Individuals for a Stronger Community
I envision a city where individual freedoms are cherished, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. My mission is to create policies that reflect the values of our residents, prioritize personal rights, and foster a sense of community. Together, we can build a brighter future through collaboration and engagement.
Learn About My Stances
Housing
Housing Should Create Independence, Not Dependence
Laramie’s housing policy should help families climb the economic ladder, not permanently keep them on a subsidized rung. When a family escapes the rental trap and buys a home, they should be able to build equity, benefit from appreciation, and use that wealth to improve their future. Deed restrictions that limit appreciation may preserve affordability for the next buyer, but they can also prevent today’s homeowners from building the wealth needed to move forward. Our housing policies should help Laramie families become independent, not create a permanent dependence on subsidized housing.
Budget Cuts
I do not wish to add any more tax burden to the population and defeat the point of the property tax cut for citizens, and with that government programs will have to get cut. I am also a large proponent of personal responsibility, I believe citizens should be able to support themselves in all areas of their lives. However, this is not possible for all people. My priority will be to keep alive the programs that protect and help get the most vulnerable demographics back on their feet. Laramie's Maternal and Child Services, specifically non-profits like the Laramie Breastfeeding Coalition will be the last to feel the tax cut. However, we are fortunate enough to have a very efficient government that is already lowering spending. As for what I would cut, it would have to be programs or staff of the city government itself. The government should exist to serve the people, not get served by its constituents' tax dollars. So, when something needs to get cut, the city government should suffer first, not the townspeople. I would even cut my own pay to demonstrate.
Codes
Please refer to the dedicated page
Big Businesses
Many constituents are worried of large data centers moving into or near Laramie and taking much of the area's beauty and resources. Not on my watch. Any business is welcome in Laramie, and all businesses are necessary for Laramie's economy. However, no business is worth hosting if Laramie becomes an undesirable place to live.
Bikes
I want to start off by saying any policy or development made in favor of bike transportation, should not retract from the use of cars. I personally ride my bike to work every day currently; I've only had it since May. Before that I rode a 4-wheeler as my daily driver for the past 6 years, rain or shine, winter or summer. The reason I use the bike now, is fuel efficiency. It is currently difficult to use bikes as a primary form of efficient transportation in Laramie, you either have to keep up with cars or ride as slow as pedestrians walk. Very few express lanes exist in Laramie, and those that do are none too efficient. I desire to implement more consideration for bikes in new neighborhoods. Retrofitting bike lanes to existing ones still should happen, but it must happen in a way that does not burden automobiles.
Airport
Laramie is surrounded by a beautiful, but unforgiving wasteland that keeps our home wild. When the ground blizzards close every route out of town, who then stays open? The airport. Our airport is full of opportunity, not just in alternative transportation, but in budget savings. My main focus with the airport is to enable them to be financially independent from the city and the county, doing so would save millions of dollars in a few years for our city and county. With the current administration of the airport, there may never be an easier time to work with them.
Privacy
Data collection centers, companies and organizations, like Flock a being used all across the county to create profiles of millions of people, without consent or knowledge of. I think this the start to a dystopia. As of writing this, only government agencies, no private entities can obtain flock cameras. With me in office, Laramie will never build such a surveillance state, especially with these cameras.