Bill Wysong

Bill Wysong (Republican Party) is a member of the El Paso County Commission in Colorado, representing District 3. He assumed office on January 14, 2025. His current term ends on January 9, 2029.

Wysong (Republican Party) ran for election to the El Paso County Commission to represent District 3 in Colorado. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Wysong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2024

General election

General election for El Paso County Commission District 3

Bill Wysong defeated Naomi Lopez in the general election for El Paso County Commission District 3 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Bill Wysong (R)	54.3	46,263
	Naomi Lopez (D)	45.7	38,999

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 85,262
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 3

Naomi Lopez advanced from the Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 3 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Naomi Lopez	100.0	11,386

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 11,386
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 3

Bill Wysong defeated Don Wilson, Brandy Williams, and David Leinweber in the Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 3 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bill Wysong	33.0	6,879
		Don Wilson	30.1	6,291
	Submit photo	Brandy Williams	18.8	3,918
		David Leinweber	18.1	3,785

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,873
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wysong in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Bill Wysong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wysong's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, where my love for nature began. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout, I attended the International Boy Scout Jamboree in Japan where my love of Zen gardening started. My respect for those who protect our nation grew during my service in the US Navy, where I was honorably discharged. With a B.S. in Business from the University of Oregon and an M.B.A., I’ve spent 40 years in telecommunications and now own a small business.

Fatherhood has been my most rewarding experience. My wife, Dorian, and I enjoy watching our four children and five grandchildren thrive. We are active members of First Presbyterian Church, and I’m passionate about gardening, hiking, fishing, and skiing.

Community service is a cornerstone of my life. As President of the Mountain Shadows Community Association and co-founder of Westside Watch, I’ve advocated for our neighborhood and many other neighborhoods throughout El Paso County for wildfire public safety. I’ve testified before the State Wildfire Committee and worked on legislation for evacuation modeling, showcasing my commitment to community welfare.

Deeply troubled by the enormous influence of developers in buying our elected leadership, I will not take any donations from developers.

I am not a politician and, on principle, never will be. My allegiances will always be with the people and the neighborhoods of El Paso County which is why I am running - to represent the people and protect our neighborhoods.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

PLATINUM PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY: Best emergency response in the nation using all tools like evacuation modeling. Better pay and benefits for emergency personnel attracts and retains talent. We need to use the most advanced science to protect the health & public safety of El Paso County citizens.
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH: Data-driven growth that protects the property rights of the citizens and their goals for the future of their home. Protecting neighborhoods from dangerous density and overzealous zone changing that conflicts with existing neighborhoods. I will ensure that it's data and the citizens' goals not the developers who dictate our growth.
PROTECT & PRESERVE OUR PARKS: We need to stop the commercialization of our parks & address our parkland shortage. Our natural setting is what brings us all to the Pikes Peak region, and why high wage workforces choose areas to relocate or start businesses. Keep our lands healthy, green and natural. RESTORE INTEGRITY: We must fix the ethical and moral decay that permeates politics. Integrity is essential for trust in governance. Restoring integrity in leadership will be paramount to everything I do in serving the people of El Paso County.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting the public is the government's primary obligation to the people. In El Paso County, proactive measures such as wildfire evacuation modeling and timely reporting of evacuation times and maps to the public are crucial. Addressing potential chokepoints in advance prevents chaos during emergencies. Comprehensive police training and ensuring an adequate supply of officers are essential for maintaining law and order. Furthermore, implementing data-driven public health policies can effectively address health issues and improve overall community well-being. By focusing on these strategies, El Paso County can become the safest and healthiest county in America, prioritizing the protection and welfare of its residents.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Politically, it would have to be Ronald Regan. President Regan was a statesmen, a man of principle and knew how to get things accomplished in an adverse climate.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I recommend the book "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. "Leaders Eat Last" delves deeply into the importance of integrity in leadership. Sinek explores how true leaders build trust and foster environments where their teams feel safe and valued with an emphasis on ethical decision-making and transparency.

Sinek's book emphasizes the importance of serving others and putting the team's needs before one's own. This resonates with the Scout Oath and Law, as well as the Navy's principles of duty and service and provides insights into how leaders can create resilient organizations that can withstand challenge.

"Leaders Eat Last" advocates for a balanced and mindful approach to leadership. Sinek discusses the significance of creating a work environment that nurtures trust and cooperation, much like a Zen gardener patiently cultivates harmony in a garden

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics or principles for an elected official center around integrity. Integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built, and trust is essential for effective leadership. An official with integrity is honest, transparent, and accountable. They make decisions based on ethical considerations, not personal gain, ensuring their actions reflect the best interests of the public they serve.

A key aspect of integrity is consistency between words and actions. An elected official should demonstrate reliability, following through on promises and commitments. This consistency fosters trust and respect from constituents, who can depend on their leader to act with sincerity and dedication. Integrity also involves admitting mistakes and learning from them, showing humility and a commitment to personal growth and improvement.

Drawing from experiences in the Navy and as an Eagle Scout further enhances an official's capabilities. The Navy instills discipline, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of duty. It teaches how to perform under pressure, make critical decisions, and lead diverse teams effectively. These experiences translate into a robust ability to handle the complexities of public office, ensuring that decisions are made with precision and a deep understanding of responsibility.

The principles of Zen gardening can serve as a metaphor for effective leadership. Just as a Zen garden requires meticulous care, attention, and balance, so too does governance. A Zen gardener must have a clear vision of the desired outcome, patiently shaping and nurturing each element to create harmony. This process mirrors the work of an elected official, who must thoughtfully consider each decision, balancing various interests and priorities to cultivate a thriving community.

Overall, integrity is the most critical character trait in leadership. The people are best served by leaders who do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Life experiences would be my first quality. As a shy kid in school, I strived to do better. Being a Boy Scout allowed me to develop leadership skills from the age of 12 up to age 17. A key experience was leading a group of 45 Boy Scouts on a canoe trip with no adults on the river at the age of 16. Today that experience would never be allowed, however I fully understood the enormity of the responsibility. My time in the Navy presented many opportunities from being granted leadership positions, beginning as a raw recruit in Boot Camp as the Recruit Chief Petty Officer of our company to graduating as the Honor Man for our whole Battalion of over 700 men. Many other opportunities presented themselves while in uniform. These types of leadership positions presented themselves throughout my Telecommunications Career of over 25 years. Another 7 years in the Water purification field, and then starting my own business. For the last 8 years I have been a home inspector building the business from a name on my business license to a very successful enterprise. As a small business owner, I am responsible for all aspects of the business from marketing to financial which has provided a well rounded education.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a County Commissioner in El Paso County, Colorado, are multifaceted and critical for ensuring the effective governance and well-being of the community. These responsibilities include:

Policy Making and Legislation: responsible for developing and implementing policies and ordinances that address the needs of the community by proposing new laws and amending existing regulations.

Budget and Financial Oversight: allocate resources wisely, prioritize spending, and maintain financial stability, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and transparently.

Public Services and Infrastructure: Commissioners oversee the provision of essential public services, including road maintenance, public safety, health services, and environmental protection.

Community Planning and Development: guide the growth and development of the county. Commissioners work on land use planning, zoning, and development approvals, balancing growth with the preservation of natural resources and community character.

Public Safety: collaborate with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and public health departments to develop and implement strategies that protect the community which includes disaster preparedness, response planning, and addressing issues such as crime and homelessness.

Constituent Services: serve as a direct link between the government and the community. They are responsible for listening to constituents' concerns, addressing their needs, and advocating on their behalf.

Intergovernmental Relations: work with other government entities, including municipalities, neighboring counties, and state and federal agencies.

Economic Development: promote economic growth and stability within the county is another critical responsibility.

In summary, the role of a County Commissioner in El Paso County is comprehensive, requiring a balance of strategic planning, financial oversight, community engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I don't care about leaving a legacy. My family knows what I love and cherish. That is enough for me. If anyone is concerned about their legacy they are focused on themselves, not the task and responsibility of working for the people of El Paso County.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Watching the NASA develop from Mercury, Gemini and the Apollo to the Moon Landing. I was 13 years old when the United States landed on the Moon.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I started a paper route when I was 11 years old, added a second route when the family moved which I held for about two years, and gave up the first route once the second route was large enough and stopped at age 17. During this run, I was Junior Dealer of the Month many times and Junior Dealer of the Year once. As part of the award, I was honored to meet the Oregon Governor as part of the celebration for a number of newspapers in the state.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hunt For Red October, by Tom Clancy. The book resinated with me, like no other. The plot, the characters and the way the author was able to tell a very technical story without causing the story to drag. You became part of the story, as a side character, never to be named, but saw it all. Every few years I will reread the book, and remember back to the first time that I read it.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

John Clark. Tom Clancy's character in many of his novels. A man of principle, character, braveness and knew the difference between right and wrong.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The theme song from Rocky. I consider myself the underdog in this campaign and I equate this run as a fight to the finish for the people in El Paso County, District 3.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Dealing with people that feel that they are superior to everyone else.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Republican Strategy Forum endorsed me based on the above characteristics I promote in my campaign.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency is vital for ensuring that taxpayers can see how their money is being spent and for preventing misuse of funds. It includes:

Open Budgeting: Providing clear, detailed, and accessible information about the county's budget, including revenues and expenditures. This allows citizens to understand how resources are allocated and used.

Government accountability means holding public officials and institutions responsible for their actions and decisions. This involves:

Ethical Standards: Upholding high ethical standards for all county officials, including clear policies on conflicts of interest, transparency in decision-making, and adherence to the rule of law.

Public Oversight: Engaging the community through public hearings, town hall meetings, and advisory committees. This ensures that citizens have a voice in government decisions and can hold officials accountable.

Performance Metrics: Implementing and reporting on performance metrics for county programs and services to ensure they meet their goals and provide value to the community.

Responsive Governance: Ensuring that government is responsive to public inquiries, complaints, and feedback. This includes promptly addressing issues and making necessary adjustments to policies and practices.

Regular Audits: Conducting regular, independent audits of county finances to identify any irregularities, prevent fraud, and ensure that funds are used effectively and efficiently.

Accessible Information: Making financial data readily available to the public through online platforms and public reports. This includes providing easy-to-understand summaries and detailed breakdowns of spending.

In summary, my views on financial transparency and government accountability emphasize the importance of openness, honesty, and responsiveness in governance. As County Commissioner, I promote these values and ensure that our government remains accountable and transparent to all its citizens.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Bill Wysong

Contents

Elections

2024

General election

General election for El Paso County Commission District 3

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 3

Republican primary election

Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 3

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2026 Elections

2025 Elections

Election analysis

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