Everything I do, I do with love and care. And I will bring that to my city council seat. I am an active baker and small business owner in Cheyenne for the last 5 years. The proof is in the pudding.
Denel Pugh for Cheyenne City Council Ward 1
Issues - Where I Stand
Respect for Voters
City Council works for you—not the other way around. When residents show up to speak, they deserve to be heard, not dismissed. I will never tell a constituent that their concerns are "exaggerated" or that council "doesn't need to hear more discussion." Public comment exists for a reason.
Property Rights
Your home is your sanctuary. Wyoming's constitution requires warrants to issue only upon "probable cause, supported by affidavit"—stronger language than the federal Fourth Amendment. When government can enter your home simply because it wants to check on you, you don't really own that home. You're just borrowing it.
I oppose administrative warrant schemes that create lower standards for searches than Wyoming law requires. Verbal promises to limit these powers don't bind future councils or future code enforcement officers. Once a tool like this exists, it expands. If there's a genuine safety emergency, existing law already provides remedies.
Taxes and Fees
Major new fees and taxes should go to the voters. The stormwater fee was imposed without a public vote. Whether it survives legal challenges or legislative action, the principle matters: elected officials shouldn't bypass the people on significant financial decisions. I'll vote to let you decide.
A Bit More About Me
I'm Denel Pugh, and I'm running for Cheyenne City Council because Ward 1 deserves better representation.
I spent twenty-one years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. I was responsible for avionics maintenance on an entire fighter wing—work that demanded precision, accountability, and trust. When something went wrong, lives were on the line. You learn to listen to the people doing the job, because they know things you don't.
That's the attitude I'll bring to City Council. I know, because I was a council member in Amanda, OH in the ‘90s.
I live on the south side of Cheyenne. My neighbors are working families—mechanics, nurses, small business owners, retirees on fixed incomes. We pay our taxes. We follow the rules. We don't expect much from City Hall except basic services and a little respect.
Lately, we haven't been getting either.
On January 13th, I stood before the City Council during public comment on Chapter 1.28—the administrative inspection warrant ordinance. I reminded them of the oath I swore on my first day in uniform: to support and defend the Constitution. I explained why Wyoming's constitution requires more than rubber-stamp warrants. I asked them to protect the rights of the people they were elected to represent.
What I witnessed that night troubled me. Citizens were told their fears were "exaggerated and unwarranted." A veteran was asked to remove his hat—an American flag cap. An attorney was publicly challenged about unrelated litigation. One councilman said, "We don't need to hear more discussion."
That's not representation. That's contempt.
Ward 1 needs a councilman who will listen first and lecture never. I'm asking for your vote.
Endorsements
Endorsements coming soon. If you'd like to publicly support the campaign, please contact us.
Have a Concern? We want to hear from you!
Let's Work Together
Campaigns are won at the door, not on television. I need volunteers to help knock doors, make phone calls, host coffee conversations, and put up yard signs across Ward 1.
No experience necessary. If you can talk to your neighbors, you can help.
