Elena Pavel, Candidate for City Council
https://elenampavel.wixsite.com/elena4council
In 2021, WCIA found that fewer than 35% of minorities felt their perspectives were valued in Wyoming. If you were elected to City Council, what would you do to ensure all residents feel their perspectives are valued?
I believe all ideas and perspectives from the community should be given equal consideration. The City needs to communicate with its residents to understand why less than 35% of minorities feel their perspectives were valued. If elected, I will support the City’s efforts to outreach to the community. I will listen to everyone and I will try to find a solution with the residents and the City. It is important to build trust to ensure open communication and proactive solution seeking.
Only one third of survey respondents of all backgrounds feel that all residents are treated equally in Wyoming. If elected to City Council what would you do to ensure Wyoming is a community where all residents are respected and treated equally?
It is important to understand the reasons of the perceived inequality of treatment. In that
regard, communication and transparency are key and my focus would be to make sure the City implements and maintains a public consultation system that enables capturing and considering all perspectives. I would be the City Council member that is unbiased by political affiliation, treats people equally, and does not discriminate, while always seeking solutions to benefit everyone.
What will be your top focus on City Council and how have your background, experience and
skills prepared you to create change in your focus area?
My top focus will be modernization – to keep up with the latest technology and strategy trends (e.g. digitalization; cybersecurity; smart city). Keeping up with the newest trends will ensure Wyoming’s position as a safe community to live in and educate our children. I’ve been fortunate to have lived and worked in many cities and cultures around the world. I have also worked with many organizations that had a strong involvement in the community, such as universities, museums, county parks, and local government. My background in economics (Ph.D. in economics), management, and marketing has equipped me with the ability to analyze policies, manage budgets, promote opportunities and ideas, and
engage with community members. My experience and background give me a unique
perspective, and I would like to apply that to better our city and grow Wyoming together.
One factor that leads to segregation in housing and schooling (racial and/or economic) is zoning decisions, for example, restrictions on multi-family zoning. What are your thoughts about our current zoning map (which limits rental properties, commercial spaces and mixed-use configurations), and the feasibility of welcoming a more economically diverse population to our city?
Wyoming is home to a number of multi-family residences, and it’s essential that property
owners uphold the standards that reflect the quality and character of our city. Responsible
maintenance not only preserves neighborhood appeal – it ensures safe, welcoming housing for all residents.
Do you think that Wyoming has made strides toward making our community a more welcoming place for diverse people? What concerns are most pressing?
Wyoming is a welcoming community where shared values create a sense of belonging for all. Transparency in hiring, promotion, and contracting practices remains essential.
Are you open to building relationships with our surrounding communities? If so, how would you go about doing this? What experience do you have doing this?
Yes. Having lived in and engaged with diverse cities and cultures around the world, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with people from a wide range of backgrounds. I will use this global perspective and background to support Wyoming’s efforts to build relationships with
neighboring communities. One example is the Zone 15 project – an initiative that uses art as a bridge between communities.
Do you think the City Strategic Plan is on track? What would you do to help advance
it? Is there anything you would modify?
Prior to developing the current Strategic Plan, the City of Wyoming actively gathered community input through surveys to ensure resident voices were heard. The city remains committed to staying aligned with the Plan’s goals and aims to address any gaps or emerging priorities as it
prepares the next iteration, due in 2028. If elected to City Council, I will draw on my professional experience and deep involvement with local organizations to contribute meaningfully to shaping a forward-looking new Plan.
What do you think is missing from the current City Council composition to meet the
needs of the community?
An independent voice, committed to serving without political bias or party affiliation.
