County Assessor 1: In what ways to you plan on running the department budget if elected? Troy Clements: I hold the budget to a strictly needs only basis. Among those items currently being funded would be employee’s salaries, fuel for review, vehicle maintenance repair, office supplies, meals and lodging for classes, office contracts and leases, phone usage, as well as postage for mailings. My budget has been unanimously approved every year by the current commission since I took over as Assessor in 2007. Brian Likewise: I intend to manage the department budget frugally! I will look for ways to save taxpayer money without compromising customer service.
2: What is your highest priority to accomplish while holding this elected office? Brian Likewise: My highest priority as Assessor will be to simplify and streamline the assessment process as much as humanly possible while remaining within statutory guidelines. By simplifying the process it will then be easier to provide the written explanations to taxpayers as required by state statutes. Troy Clements: My highest priority while holding office has been, and will continue to be keeping the most up to date accurate records to assure fairness and equity throughout the county. 3: Describe what your role is as County Assessor?
Troy Clements: The role of the county assessor is to list, value, and assess all property, both real and personal, in a fair and equitable manner. Also, distribute the tax burden fairly and equitably, and administer property tax policy as set forth in the constitution, statute, and rules. Brian Likewise: As an elected official, the role of County Assessor is to act as the taxpaying public’s representative in the office. The allegiance of the Assessor should be to the taxpayers as his ultimate employer, and the Assessor should be mindful of that accountability and work to keep the tax burden at a minimum (within the lower portion of statutory ranges).
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County Coroner 1: In what ways do you plan on running the department budget if elected? Elliot Basner: My plan for running the Coroner’s office budget, is to not go over my budget. In the 20 years that Mr. Eekhoff has run the Coroner’s office he has never gone over budget. I hope I’ll be able to say the same. I have gone over the budget with Mr. Eekhoff and I feel I have a good understanding of how it works. There of course will been some variables that I can be prepared for. An example would be the cost of an autopsy. When I looked at the expenses paid over the last three years, there has been an increase in cost in the autopsy. The increase has been minimal, but it is something that I will have to consider when working within my budget along with other increases in cost. At this point the office and morgue are in a great position for moving forward. Laura Sundstrom: As a former business owner, I understand the necessity of maintaining a strict budget. I know the coroner’s office is funded by your tax dollars and I will do everything I can to keep costs down without sacraficing the quality of service provided. I would also like to get grant money brought into Campbell County. Other coroner’s have been able to receive equipment and funds for training with grant money. Sterling Albers: I would like to run the budget as conservable as possible. Education for the Deputy Coroners is very important. I feel that a well-educated staff is good for the department on many avenues. From understanding the death, investigating the death, to just being supportive for the family. You need to provide good customer service at all times. Having the equipment available for the staff to do the best job they can for the family and the disease is also important for a good department. 2: Describe how, if elected, your role in investigations into determining causes of death. Laura Sundstrom: Gathering Information from several sources including, but not limited to family, co-workers, neighbors, doctors, hospital records, police and other emergency service workers. Contact with family is vital as they often have important information that can aid the investigation. Sterling Albers: I plan of being very much involved in the investigation to the best of my ability.
Elliot Bassner: My role in investigating the cause of death. Finding the cause of death is finding the medical or physical reason for loss of life in conjunction with the circumstances that led up to or caused the loss of life. In the pursuit of finding the cause of death, every death scene is treated like a homicide. I then work backwards to find the root cause so I don’t miss any clues or evidence. It really comes down to I’m responsible for accurately determining the manner and cause of death, and providing a positive identification so there is an accurate death certificate without having to file amendments. It is also very important to me to protect and maintain the dignity of the people who have died while offering closure to their family. 3: The Coroner has to work closely with many different entities, including outside forensics, multiple police departments, the hospital, and more. Describe how you would establish a relationship with these entities. Sterling Albers: I plan on being very much involved in maintaining the closeness of the coroner’s office with all outside agenesis and hope to build an even closer relationship with all these agenesis. I even want to build new relationships with other agencies in the community as far as counseling, local churches and other family support organizations. Elliot Bassner: Building a relationship with the other entities that I would work with is more of a continuation for me. I feel I already have a great foundation to work from. I have been working in the Coroner’s office for over a year already. I haven’t worked with every person on an individual bases, because that would almost be impossible. However, I would like to say that every person I have worked with from law enforcement, fire and rescue, ambulance crews, hospital staff, mine rescue teams, funeral home staff, dispatchers, other deputy coroners and many more, every one has always been very professional and great to work with. There maybe times when a scene isn’t ready for me to do my part, but when I’m there if the other entities need my help with anything I want them to ask me. An example would be to help with the preservation of another life or even something like directing traffic. I feel it is important to remember that a lot of what I do will take a team effort and I (the Coroner) am a cog in that machine of getting the job done.
Laura Sundstrom: As a deputy coroner, I know firsthand how important proper investigation is to our local law enforcement community. I have an excellent working relationship with Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell County Attorney’s office and all other entities involved. I will continue to maintain these important relationships. 4: What qualifications, experience, and/or training do you have? Elliot Bassner: The qualifications, experience and training I have for the job of Coroner. The qualifications are, I have a solid education from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science, in Interpersonal and Public Communication. I have taken courses in the fields of communication, law enforcement, sociology, and biology. I have my Wyoming certificate as an EMT. I have graduated from Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy(WLEA) in the Coroner’s Basic course. Some of the courses at WLEA are: toxicology, time of death determination, identification of deceased, scene investigation, and child abuse to name a few. My experience and training is, I have been working in this Coroner’s Office here in Campbell County for over a year. While working in the office I have been a part of working on cases from the call to a death scene all the way to closing the file. I know and understand the computer systems and paperwork. I have experience with drawing fluids and all the other procedures done in the morgue. I have experience with making next of kin notification. The other candidates cannot say the same. Other experience I have is working in emergency situations.
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Missing a candidate? So are We! Candidates not answering Campbell County Observer Readers’ Questions have chosen not to participate in the 2014 Campbell County Election Guide
2014 Primary Candidates US SENATOR
Thomas Bleming Arthur Bruce Clifton Mike Enzi James ‘Coaltrain’ Gregory Bryan E. Miller Willliam Bryk Al Hamburg Charlie Hardy Rex Wilde
REP REP REP REP REP DEM DEM DEM DEM
US REPRESENTATIVE
Cynthia Lummis Jason Adam Senteney Richard Grayson
GOVERNOR
Taylor H. Haynes Cindy Hill Matt Mead Pete Gosar
REP REP DEM REP REP REP DEM
CITY MAYOR
Louise Carter-KingNon-Part Kevin J. McGrath Non-Part
CITY COUNCIL
WARD 1 Dan Barks Caleb Nygaard Tim Carsrud Mike Conway Robin Kuntz Julie Simon
Non-Part Non-Part
WARD 2
Non-Part Non-Part
WARD 3
Non-Part Non-Part Non-Part
TOWN OF WRIGHT MAYOR
Tim Albin Crystal O’Bryan
Non-Part Non-Part
COUNCILPERSON
Robert R. (Robby) Gallob Non-Part Glenn Holt Non-Part Angie Jensen Non-Part Kristina L. Pearce Non-Part Danny Preston Non-Part
SECRETARY OF STATE Ed Buchanan REP Pete Illoway REP Ed Murray REP Clark Stith REP STATE AUDITOR Cynthia I. Cloud REP STATE TREASURER Mark Gordon REP Ron Redo REP SUPT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION Jillian Balow REP Sheryl Lain REP Bill Winney REP Mike Ceballos DEM STATE SENATOR #1 Ogden Driskill REP Tony Johnson REP Judy McCullough REP STATE SENATOR #23 Jeff Raney REP Jeff Wasserburger REP STATE REPRESENTATIVE #3 Eric Barlow REP Doug Gerard REP
STATE REPRESENTATIVE #52 Troy Mader REP William (Bill) PownallREP STATE REPRESENTATIVE #53 Roy Edwards REP Christopher R. Knapp REP COUNTY COMMISSIONER Matt Avery REP Rusty Bell REP John D. Robertson REP Lyle Schmitt REP Micky Shober REP Mary E. Silvernell REP COUNTY CORONER Sterling Albers REP Elliot Basner REP Laura Sundstrom REP Steve Urman REP COUNTY ATTORNEY Carmen L. PattersonREP Ron Wirthwein REP Lisa Finkey DEM COUNTY SHERIFF Scott Matheny REP
STATE REPRESENTATIVE #31 Scott Clem REP Brenda SchladweilerREP Billy Montgomery DEM
COUNTY CLERK Susan Saunders REP
STATE REPRESENTATIVE #32 Norine Kasperik REP
COUNTY ASSESSOR Troy D. Clements REP Brian Likewise REP
COUNTY TREASURER Becky Brazelton REP
CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT Cheryl Chitwood REP Rebecca Gilbertz REP
August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 2
County Assessor Continued from Page 1 4: What qualifications, experience, and/or training do you have? Brian Likewsie: I have a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Wyoming. I am a registered Professional Engineer (Civil) with the state of Wyoming, and I have 10+ years experience in the engineering field. I also have 10+ years in the construction field. Troy Clements: I am currently in my 15 year in the Assessor’s Office. I am a permanently certified appraiser, and have over 440 hours of continuing education towards assessing property. I have served on several different committees over the past 7 years on both the state and local levels. I have also served as the 1st & 2nd Vice President of the Wyoming County Assessor’s Association over the past 4 years, and I’m currently serving
as the President for the next two years. 5: What makes you the most qualified for this position? Troy Clements: My years of experience in the office along with being the County Assessor for the past 7 ½ years. Brian Likewise: Property taxes are determined in large part by the quality of the construction when a property is built. Because knowledge of construction practice and materials are integral to the assessment process in the judgment calls of quality of new construction, I am uniquely qualified for the position of County Assessor because of my Architectural Engineering degree and construction experience. I possess the first-hand knowledge and skills to train the Assessor’s staff to better prepare them to make the necessary judgment calls that are the basis for valuations.
Troy Clements for Campbell County Assessor Troy Clements is running for County Assessor, an office he has held for the past 7 1/2 years. Fifteen years ago he was offered a job in the Assessor’s office, assessing oil field equipment. Being out in the field eight hours a day, five days a week was something he really enjoyed. And that piqued his interest. So he started taking classes in 2000, and by 2003 he was permanently certified. He feels like he has learned a lot in the past 7 1/2 years, that’s for sure. He grew up in Campbell County and graduated from Campbell County High School. The Clements family has resided here since the 1960’s. Both sides of his family are ranchers. He enjoys team roping in his spare time. Hunting is the one thing he looks forward to sharing with his sons each year. Camping and fishing also top his list of enjoyable activities. When asked: “Why did he choose to run again?” He replied, “I enjoy what I do. I have a good staff who I have a great report with.
It’s been an interesting job for me from the get-go. I will continue my education, as with this job you need a lot of knowledge. I see myself in this office for many years to come.”
Brian Likewise for Campbell County Assessor Brian Likewise, a Registered Professional Engineer (Civil) in Wyoming, traces his Wyoming roots back to the days when it was still the ‘wild’ west. His paternal greatgrandparents, Christian and Flora Olsen, emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s and homesteaded south of Rozet. Richard and Mavis Bell, his maternal grandparents, moved to the Gillette area in the 1950s during one of the oil booms. Likewise, born and raised in Gillette, graduated from Campbell County High School and attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering. After college, he lived in Phoenix, Arizona, for several years before returning to Gillette. During the course of his career he worked for eight years in construction, both in Arizona and Wyoming, before going to work for PCA Engineering here in Gillette. For the last few years, Likewise has returned to the construction field once again while maintaining his P.E. for consultation purposes. Likewise threw his name into the ring for Campbell County Assessor as a result of the things he has discovered while protesting his property taxes for the past three years. “It shouldn’t be this difficult to get a coherent, meaningful explanation of how our taxes are figured. This is the third year my wife and I have protested our taxes, and the third different explanation we have received as to how they are figured.” Likewise wants to see more transparency in the Assessor’s Office. “Taxpayers
have a right to a written explanation of the methodology of their property taxes,” he continued, “and the Assessor’s Office has a statutory responsibility to provide that explanation.” Likewise indicated he wants to revamp the Assessor’s website to make it more informative and useable for the taxpaying public. Likewise also believes that politics shouldn’t be a career. “I think it’s good to have fresh blood in our elected positions. That’s why I’m running. I didn’t want the incumbent to go unchallenged again. But I don’t want to be there forever; if I’m elected, I certainly won’t run for a second term.” Likewise, with his experience in the construction and engineering fields, brings qualifications to the position that his challenger lacks. “I have a degree in architectural engineering, and I have practical experience in actually building things. When it comes to making a judgment call about the quality of construction practices or materials - one of the primary considerations when it comes to property assessment - I have the experience to actually know what materials and practices are good, better, and not-so-great. These are the assumptions around which our property taxes are based, and it can mean thousands of dollars of difference in the assessed value of a property, which translates to potentially higher property taxes. I can use my skills and knowledge base to train the staff in how to make these judgment calls more accurately.”
County Coroner Continued from Page 1 I am currently a member of the mine rescue team at Belle Ayr mine. Working with the mine rescue team has given me a lot of great experience. Laura Sundstrom: I am currently a deputy coroner and have more professional experience and certifications than any other candidate. Administrative Management of a Medicolegal Death Investigators Office. Medicolegal death investigation Crime scene investigation Detective training Homicide investigation Disaster and mass fatality training Suicide prevention Toxicology: Pills and Particles Trace evidence Fingerprint identification: Reliability and accuracy Latent fingerprints: Reducing erroneous exclusions Latent fingerprints: Developing methods and new technology Blood stain documentation and collection methods Cold Case Safety Net -Missing and unidentified persons Falling Into decay - Postmortem interval and molecular autopsy Missing and Unidentified Persons Collecting footwear and tire impressions in snow Crime scene imaging: A practitioner’s perspective Death Investigation in the elderly Answering the NAS: The ethics of leadership and the leadership of ethics How to be a good expert witness Expert testimony training for the prosecutor or scientist Fluorescense of blood impressions with acid yellow An introduction into the world of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology Investigating sexual violence: Emerging solutions and best practices Investigative Strategies: Missing and unidentified persons cases Tarnished gold standard: Limited quality and degraded DNA- Part 1 Offender profiling: Psychology contributions to behavioral crime scene analysis Opioids and pain management Pills and particles Falling into Decay: Postmortem interval and molecular autopsy I Falling into Decay: Postmortem interval and molecular autopsy II Recreation Asphyxia: Chemical Recreation Asphyxia: Mechanical Investigating Sudden Death: Cause of death scenarios that mimic one another Sudden, Unexplained Infant Death Investigations: Death Scene Re-creation Using Generic Results to Identify Human Remain Sterling Albers: I have had training as a Paramedic in saving lives. My Paramedic education was over nine months in the
classroom, which included Anatomy and Physiology, Cardiac, respiratory, stroke, diabetic, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, pediatric care, and trauma care just to name a few. After the classroom time, I did over 800 hours of internship in the hospital and ambulance. I have continued my education in refresher classes and other continuing education classes that are required by the National Registry and the state of Wyoming EMS. I have also started taking prerequisite classes at the Gillette College to one day go into the nursing program here. I have also taken customer service classes, and documentation classes throughout my EMS career. 5: What makes you the most qualified for this position? Laura Sundstrom: I have been a certified deputy coroner for 2 years. During this time I have taken numerous classes and have numerous certifications in determining cause and manner of death, crime scene investigation, evidence collection. I have learned a variety of investigative techniques regarding blood spatter, firearm trajectory, results of blunt force trauma and much more. Because of my past experience as a deputy coroner in Campbell County, I definitely have the most experience and feel I am the most prepared and qualified candidate to take on the duties of Campbell County Coroner. If elected, I will be an active working coroner in addition to administrative duties. With my experience, I will be able to hit the ground running, fulfilling the duties of the coroner, instead of having to learn what to do and how to do it. Sterling Albers: I feel that I have the most medical education than the others. I have been worked public service for over 28 years, from being a Campbell County Volunteer Firefighter, Paramedic to a CPR, first-aid instructor/ trainer. Also, I have work beside the Gillette Police department, Sheriff office, and Fire department. Elliot Bassner: I feel I’m the most qualified for this position because I currently work in the Campbell County Coroner’s Office, along with my previously mentioned education and my dedication to the job. When I answered the ad in the newspaper over a year ago to be Deputy Coroner, none of the other candidates did. One of the other candidates talks about working in this office at one time, but no longer does. The job of Coroner is an everyday of the year job. There is a lot of paperwork that seems to never end, and the Coroner is always on call to provide timely response times. I will continue to always be available to the people of Campbell County and to the families of the deceased. While working this job as a Deputy Coroner, I have learned from first hand experience and I understand what it is and how it works. I have the endorsement of Mr. Eekhoff our retiring Coroner, which will make for a seamless transition.
Laura Sundstrom for Campbell County Coroner Laura Sundstrom is a mother of two, and a nine-year resident of Campbell County. She is a former small business owner who is active in her community through several civic groups, like The Lions Club and AFSP-Wyoming (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) where she is currently a board member. Having personally had a negative experience with a coroner in another state, Laura chose to pursue her passion for forensics through the coroner’s office. She is currently a deputy coroner in Crook County and is a former deputy coroner for Campbell County.
Sterling Albers for Campbell County Coroner Born in Oakley, Kansas, Sterling Albers was raised locally. His parents, Gary and Kris Albers, live and work in Gillette as well. After dropping out of Laramie Tech, Sterling moved back to Gillette. Hard work is something he’s used to. “I’ve always had at least two jobs. When I was a DJ, I also worked as a manager at McDonalds. Now I’m a paramedic and I work at Rawhide mine.” He’s also going to college at Gillette Community College for his nursing degree. “Becoming a nurse is the ultimate goal.” As a kid, he vividly remembers going camping in the Big Horns with his family.
They considered a campground by Cook Creek their own personal spot. “We were weekend campers.” In 1996, Sterling began working for EMS as well as being a volunteer fire fighter. Two years later, he became a paramedic. He’s worked at the hospital for sixteen years. He quit working as a fire fighter because there wasn’t enough time. “I feel as though my eighteen years of experience at the hospital qualify me to work as the coroner,” he said when asked why he was running for coroner. “I looked into what the coroner does…the training is less than what paramedics have to go through.”
Elliot Basner for Campbell County Coroner Elliot Basner, currently an assistant coroner, has put in his bid to be elected to the position of Coroner after the retiring Tom Eekhof. Growing up in Bay City Michigan, Elliot did not want to be a fireman, police officer, or astraunat like many kids. He wanted to be a pharmaceuticals salesman. “I remember sitting in the Doctors office and here would come these guys with very nice cars and the works. After that, I wanted to be one of them. So he went to Central Michigan University gaining a degree in the field but changed paths right away working for a beer distributer after college. Later moving to Gillette, he now not only works for the County Coroners office, but he is a first responder at the mine as well. His free time is dedicated to the restoration and riding of motorcycles.
2014 Election Guide • Page 3
August 8 - 15, 2014
Clerk of District Court Cheryl Chitwood for Campbell County Clerk of the District Court Cheryl Chitwood was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Barbara and Richard Chitwood. In her family, she has five sisters. In the time that she isn’t working, Cheryl enjoys sewing
and reading, as well as riding motorcycles. Her favorite past vacation was when she went to Disney World with her children. “The best part was the 3D theater.”
Cheryl is running for clerk of district court: “I take pride in my job of 23 years. I have wonderful work relationships with the other employees.
1. What is the role of the Clerk of District Court? Cheryl Chitwood: The Clerk of District Court is the Department Head. We are the keeper of the records, ranging from criminal, civil, juvenile, probate and adoptions. We also provide a variety of services, such as passport acceptance agents, taking in and receipting monetary obligations. We coordinate with the District Judges Office the naturalization ceremonies. Our office handles the jury summons for civil and criminal felony jury trials.
sent? Cheryl Chitwood: Confidentiality is governed by the statutes and Wyoming Supreme Court rules. The statutes and rules instruct the staff on how to handle personal confidential information. The rules also instruct the attorneys when to redact certain information. Respect and privacy is always top priority.
We went live on this system in August 2013. In June of 2014 we started scanning all legal documents that are being filed. Eventually we will have all legal filing emailed to us and we will attach each filing in the correct court file on the computer. This will then lead to the public being able to see everything online except for the confidential filings. Yes in the future it will be totally paperless. Please visit the county’s website at ccgov.net and click on the Clerk of District Court department. This will give you a narrative of what the office does and also will give links to the forms that are available.
2. How does the court maintain the integrity of the records and the individuals they repre-
3. Can you explain more about e-filing? Cheryl Chitwood: The legislature has set aside money for the Supreme Court to have the District Court Offices of all 23 counties to go online with a uniform court computer system.
County Attorney 1: In what ways do you plan on running the department budget if elected? Carmen Patterson: My plan is to not strain the budget beyond what is reasonable to get the job done. The County Attorney’s Office has a budget of approximately 3.4 million dollars. Most of this budget is to pay the salaries of the prosecutors and support staff. I believe the budget should be run efficiently and competently. Lisa Finkey: Conservatively. If I am elected, my goal for the budget is to keep it from increasing any more than it already has. Over the last 12 years, the budget has gone from $1.7 million to over $3.4 million dollars. While much of that increase was due to the addition of staff, which was needed, the rapid increase of the department budget has to stop. The County has been very generous to the County Attorney’s Office when it comes to the budget. Now it is time for the County Attorney’s Office to be generous to the taxpayers and manage the budget wisely to save the taxpayers money. The new technology requirements that are being put in place by the Supreme Court will require time and money on behalf of the County Attorney’s Office. In order to stop the budget from increasing, I plan to take a serious look at the budget and determine where cuts can be made. I believe there are ways to manage the budget more efficiently. For example, instead of sending one employee to a national training, which cost the County thousands of dollars in conference fees, mileage, hotel costs, and per diem, I believe an effective training program could be implemented that involves bringing retired judges from around the state into the office to train multiple employees at the same time in relevant, Wyoming law and procedure. 2: What is your highest priority to accomplish while holding this elected office? Lisa Finkey: My number one priority if I’m elected would be to improve the efficiency of the office and earn the respect of the legal community. I believe that with a few minor adjustments, cases can be charged out quicker and more effectively. Justice is not served when it takes months or even years to bring cases to court. I am a highly organized person, and I would want to run the office in a highly organized manner. I believe that our County Attorney’s Office can be one of the best County Attorney’s Offices in the state and a model of efficiency and effective justice. I also believe that improving the channels of communication between the County Attorney’s Office and the legal community will lead to a more effective system of justice. Carmen Patterson: To provide justice to the community for crimes committed in Campbell County. To provide this justice with integrity and compassion without straining the County’s budget beyond what is reasonable. To protect and serve the citizens of Campbell County. 3: The County Attorney may see some holes, laws, or more in our system that may result in the harm of citizens. How would you propose and/or push for changes necessary to fix these problems? Carmen Patterson: As County Attorney you have a duty to know the laws of our State. If you find one that is at odds with the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of the State of Wyoming the only way to change the law is first by making the citizens of the County aware
of the issue with the law then talking to our legislature about ways the law needs to be changed to better our citizens. Lisa Finkey: I think advocacy and education are two very important parts of the County Attorney position. I think that as County Attorney, you are obligated to participate in discussions with other criminal justice agencies and attorneys throughout the state to develop new and innovative ideas as well as proposed legislative changes to improve the criminal justice system. I also think that a County Attorney can directly bring change to the local system through persuasive arguments in court on legal issues and by appealing matters of law that need clarification or further review by a higher court. If I am elected County Attorney, I would make advocacy a key part of my role and would want to actively participate on committees that seek to address needed changes in the law. I also think it is important to develop an open line of communication with local legislative leaders to exchange information on how and why the law needs to improve. I would also want to take a more active role in appealing decisions that warrant review by a higher court. 4: What qualifications, experience, and/or training do you have? Lisa Finkey: I graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2008, after which I took a position as a law clerk with the District Court in Gillette. I clerked for three years, after which I went to the Campbell County Attorney’s office and prosecuted for a little less than two years. After that I went into private practice, and I currently serve part time as a Guardian ad Litem representing children in abuse and neglect cases. I spend the remainder of my time running a general legal practice, which includes criminal and juvenile defense, probate, and a limited amount of family law cases. I also serve as a Circuit Court Magistrate and fill in for the Judges when they are unavailable, including being the Substitute Judge for the Juvenile and Family Drug Court. Since graduating from law school, I have actively participated in continuing legal education. I have had the opportunity to present at several statewide conferences, and I have provided local trainings to the Department of Family Services and the Court Appointed Special Advocates. The paramount educational experience I have had since graduating from law school was to spend a week at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, to spend a week with Judges from around the country learning about the Drug Court process. I have appeared at every level of the Wyoming court system, from Municipal Court all the way up to the Wyoming Supreme Court. I have handled juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases, including jury trials in all three areas. I am also involved with several community organizations. I am a member of the Campbell County Prevention Council, President of the Board of Directors for Energy Capital Habitat for Humanity, and I serve as a board member on the Juvenile and Family Drug Court board. I also am a member of the GAL Program Advisory Committee, the statewide oversight committee for the GAL program. In the past I have worked with the Gillette Animal Shelter, CASA, and I have served as a volunteer EMT and fire fighter. Carmen Patterson: I participated in an internship with Probation and Parole the summer of 1989 in Evanston, Wyoming for college credit. After I earned the credit, I continued to help the Probation and Parole agent in Lincoln County.
Prior to my graduation from Law School, I was a Deputy County Attorney in Evanston, Wyoming for a summer unpaid internship. I was able to practice in front of Judge Thomas F. Mealy (Retired) and co-chaired a felony jury trial with James C. Anderson whom is now at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In July of 1995, I was employed as a Deputy County Attorney by County Attorney Michael Maycock. I was employed by the County Attorney from July of 1995 until September of 1998. I was assigned to prosecute misdemeanor cases in Judge William S. Edward’s (Retired) courtroom. During my time at the County Attorney’s Office I was successful in prosecuting a family violence battery without a victim whom had left the state to keep from having to testify. In October of 1998 I started working at Carter Law Office. I helped Nick Carter with many cases and had a civil caseload of my own. I also had a part time contract with the Public Defender’s Office. In July of 1999 I started a full time position with the Public Defender’s Office and remained there until January of 2007. During my time at the Public Defender’s Office, I was assigned felony, misdemeanor, juvenile, and Title 25 cases in Crook, Weston and Campbell County. I represented several defendants in Weston Counties charged with sexual assaults and represented a firefighter accused of murder for killing a high school cadet in a rollover accident when he was intoxicated. I also represented a man charged with first degree murder for running over his girlfriend with a car when he was intoxicated. In Crook County, I represented a woman whom was charged with aggravated assault for not telling her sexual partners she was HIV positive, several sexual assaults and drug cases. As part of my duties at the Public Defender’s Office, I was assigned supervisory duties over other attorneys and office staff when Denise Urbin was not in the office. I was active in the Juvenile and Family Drug Court in Gillette and would fill in for my supervisor in Adult Drug Court. I attended several seminars regarding the Drug Courts over the years I was at the Public Defender’s Office. I left the Public Defender’s Office in January of 2007. In March of 2007 Denise Urbin and I opened a private practice called Urbin & Patterson, LLP. During this partnership, I had a general practice which included wills and trusts, family law and other civil law. I attended guardian ad litem seminars and
was appointed as a guardian ad litem by the Courts and private attorneys. Ms. Urbin had a practice involving criminal law and court appointments for juvenile and neglect cases. On December 1, 2012, I went into a solo practice with a general focus in family law. My solo practice includes divorce, child custody and visitation cases, guardianship and adoption cases. Over the past twenty years, I have continued to take Legal Education Courses. The Wyoming State Bar shows the following Trainings I have received credits for CLE and Ethics since 2002: 09/26/2013 Childrens Justice Fall Regional Training Tour WGALP 5.00 0.00 09/10/2013 2013 Wyoming State Bar Annual Meeting & Judicial Council WSB 16.50 1.50 06/07/2012 2012 Children’s Justice Conference WGALP 8.50 0.00 09/14/2011 2011 Wyoming State Bar Annual Meeting & Judicial Council WSB 13.50 6.00 01/13/2011 Pathways to Professional Practice 2011 - Lander WSB 4.00 4.00 06/23/2009 2009 Children’s Justice Conference - An Insider’s View of Juvenile Court WGALP 16.25 0.00 06/16/2008 2008 Children’s Justice Project & Guardian ad Litem Annual Conference WCIP 17.00 0.50 11/09/2007 ASFA 2007 - Laramie WCIP 2.00 0.00 06/04/2007 2007 GAL Conference WCIP 15.50 1.75 09/26/2006 2006 Wyoming Public Defender Seminar WPD 15.75 1.00 06/21/2006 Successful Partnering for Recovery NADCP 8.25 0.00 05/10/2006 Incentives & Sanctions Workshop WDCP 1 0 . 7 5 0.00 09/28/2005 2005 Public Defender Seminar WPDO 16.00 1.00 06/09/2005 NADCP 11th Annual Drug Court Training NADCP 16.25 0.00 05/11/2005 Wyoming Drug Courts Association Statewide Training 2005 UWCI 9.50 0.00 01/05/2005 2nd Annual Methamphetamine Conference CPD 20.50 0.00
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Lisa Finkey for County Attorney Grew up in Idaho small town of 500 people, Georgetown Went to same elementary school that mom and grandma went too One year in Junior College in Southern Utah 3 out of 4 undergraduates in Wisconson Moved to wyoming took a job with the forrest service Then moved north of Rock Springs and worked oil field for awhile Went to Laramie too law school after Took the bar right after grad in and was licensed in October 2008 Bar has 50% fail rate, passed first time around. After lawschool moved to Gillette working for Judge Price clerking for the District Court Also working with Judge Perry and Judge Degan “I think all attorneys should be required to clerk for a judge, what an extrordanary learning experiance”
“Could not have asked for a better teacher than Judge Price” clerked for 3 years, then was at county attorney’s office just under 2 years, and now is a circut court majistrate
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County Attorney 10/26/2004 In the Interest of Protecting Children Exposed CPDFC 4.00 0.00 10/06/2004 2004 Public Defender Seminar WPD 15.00 1.00 08/17/2004 Comprehensive Drug Court Defense Counsel Training NDCI 22.00 2.00 06/17/2004 Wyoming Juvenile Justice Conference DFS 14.00 0.00 01/22/2004 Wyoming Statewide Methamphetamine Awareness CPD 10.50 0.00 10/01/2003 2003 Wyoming Public Defender Seminar WPD 17.00 2.00
08/07/2003 Training on the Indian Child Welfare Act WCIP 1.75 0.00 05/21/2003 Addicted Offender Accountability Act WDH 3.75 0.00 10/21/2002 2nd Annual Drug Court Conference WDH 17.00 4.50 10/21/2002 2nd Annual Drug Court Conference WDH 6.00 0.00 09/25/2002 Public Defenders - True Patriots WPD 15.00 2.00 06/12/2002 National Association Drug Court Professionals NADC 19.00 1.25
5: What makes you the most qualified for this position? Carmen Patterson: All three candidates are “qualified” as we are all licensed to practice law in the State of Wyoming. Ron Worthwein has been licensed to practice since 2007. Lisa Finkey since 2008. I have been licensed to practice law since 1994. I have been practicing law for twenty years. This fact alone makes me a more qualified candidate than Ron or Lisa. I have always wanted to return to the County Attorney’s Office and now it’s my
time to do so. I can bring compassion, experience and leadership to the office. Lisa Finkey: I’m a wellrounded individual with natural leadership abilities who is dedicated to doing any job before me well. I have a good work ethic, great people skills, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the community. I approach everything I do with a large dose of forethought and common sense. I value the input of others and desire to earn the respect of the community and those I serve.
County Commissioner 1: Do you think Campbell County spends too much money, and how would you advocate change in that spending? Matt Avery: The County has the ability to charge the tax payers up to 12 mils but we as Commissioners have been able to keep it at 11.051 mils, thus saving the tax payers money. Plus, the county has been able over the years to put money away each year for a capital replacement account, long term maintenance account and fleet account. Later in years when buildings need to be repaired or replaced there will be money for that plus money for new equipment or vehicles as they are needed to be replaced which in turn will save the tax payers money in years to come. I feel the county works very hard at maintaining the budget and staying within its means to provide the citizens of Campbell County with excellent law enforcement, fire protection, roads, water, air service, etc., all of which are needed for the continuing success and growth of our county. Rusty Bell: I do not think that the county spends too much money. I believe the commissioners have done a good job spending money and have left this county with a money in place to continue future development and maintenance on existing county facilities. We continue to not spend more than we take in and have the lowest property taxes in the state. Lyle Schmitt: Yes I believe we spend too much. We need to prevent redo and expect quality work the first time. Also sometime the county’s WANT is more expensive than its NEED. We can save a lot there. Mary Silvernell: In some instances, I’m sure there is opportunity for savings or cutting expenses when dealing with a budget of this size. Without having gone through the process in detail, I am not 100% familiar with what money is being spent where. I am an advocate of zero-based budgeting, which would require each department head to build their budget by each account code, not by taking a previous year’s numbers and just adding inflation to get to the new number. Having worked with Cam-Plex’s budget as a Land Board member, the process is already very similar to zero-based budgeting. If elected, I would take the time to understand how each department handles their budgeting process each year, and would make recommendations from there. As an example, I recently had a conversation with a resident who thought that the County might benefit from, and save money by implementing a central purchasing agent system for office supplies. Mickey Shober: In regards to Campbell County spending I believe we spend wisely and set monies aside for future needs. 2: Does Campbell County need more economic diversity? If so, what can Campbell County do to create that diversity? Rusty Bell: Yes we need more economic diversity. A joint effort between county, city (Gillette and Wright), chamber of commerce and economic development to make this happen. I feel we need to actively target and recruit businesses from states that are unfriendly toward businesses through high taxes or burdensome regulation. When we identify these businesses we need to go meet with them and show them what Campbell County can offer them. Campbell County and Wyoming is a very tax friendly area that would welcome prospective businesses. We also need to address our very low unemployment rate in Campbell County. We will need to recruit people to fill these jobs or have prospective businesses relocate their employees to Campbell County. As County Commissioner I will stay involved with this process and encourage a joint effort to try and bring new business to Wyoming. Lyle Schmitt: Yes but the private sector will diversify where and when needed. When there is a profit to be made businesses will come. Pre-picking area of business is not the County’s job. We need to assure a healthy environment for growth. Mary Silvernell: Yes, I believe it’s up to the Commission and a strategic plan to ensure we grow responsibly. Whether an oil boom or a downturn in coal production, we must work with each of the Economic Development agencies in the County, and with the Chamber of Commerce and local business leaders, to determine complimentary industries and to introduce new ones, such as manufacturing or call centers, to
enhance our industry portfolio. By having more diversity economically, we will lessen the boom and bust cycles of the energy sector, which has been made even more volatile thanks to our federal government and agencies. Rather than reacting to issues, such as a lack of housing, which is becoming an issue now, as a Commissioner, I will partner with and work hard with the Town of Wright and City of Gillette to anticipate needs and to promote Campbell County as a place to do business, as I do now. Mickey Shober: Yes Campbell County needs economic diversity. Campbell County funds economic development, currently conducting rail study for future rail load out, working on air service contract to maintain reliable service Matt Avery: My thoughts are that perhaps an industrial rail spur would bring in more economic development by allowing companies to ship in and out large quantities of raw materials plus allow local companies to ship in large amounts of goods to help enhance their businesses. Another area that will help economic diversity is reliable air service. If industry can have dependable air service they will bring their industry along with offices, which in turn save these industries money by being able to have their main headquarters closer to their businesses. 3: Does Campbell County need more amenities? If so, what amenities and why? Lyle Schmitt: I think were good, but I’m open to ideas. Mary Silvernell: “Amenities” are defined as: “things that make you comfortable and at ease; all the comforts of home”; comforts, conveniences, creature comforts.” My answer is yes, of course, we need amenities, however, in my opinion, amenities as defined would fall in the “want” category of the “wants vs. needs” budgeted spending priorities. Amenities play a vital role to a community that is growing and that works as hard as the citizens of Campbell County do. We need places to gather for fellowship, for recreation, for camaraderie, dining and shopping options, and facilities for competition. Amenities mostly come from the private sector and some from government entities. As far as the government sector, amenities should be decided on by a majority of public opinion, input and vote. The 1% tax, aka penny power, would be an example of a funding source for amenities. Since the 1% tax is also decided by a majority vote by our citizens, and allows anyone spending money in in Campbell County, including visitors and temporary workers who do not own property, to contribute through a consumption tax, instead of raising property taxes to pay for amenities. Any amenity that would bring an increased quality of life, comfort and ease for the citizens of Campbell County would be welcomed and should be encouraged within the boundaries of law and ethics. Mickey Shober: Sometime in the future we need to relocate Road and Bridge, expand Library if county continues to grow, most of all reorganize landfill and recycle program Matt Avery: Campbell County is blessed with a wide variety of amenities which includes baseball fields, soccer fields, a brand new skate park and numerous parks throughout the city. The county also has built rec-centers in Wright and in Gillette. The county has also provided land for the stock car track, motocross track, the remote controlled air field, BMX track and the equestrian park. I don’t believe all amenities in a community need to be funded by the county or city. Rusty Bell: I think Campbell County has many amenities that many other cities and counties do not. I do not have an idea for any new county amenities. I do however believe that some of our amenities have a great deal to do with economic development and employee recruitment. Facilities like the Rec-center, Cam-plex, Senior Center and Gillette College are amenities that increase the quality of life for many people. I feel that Gillette College is a great tool to continue to build our community through education, and it adds to the work force needed in Campbell County during and after a student’s education in our community. I support Gillette College and look forward to seeing a cost/ benefit to Campbell County through our continued support for it. 4: The National Forest Service is currently trying to create protect land in
the S.E. part of Campbell County to preserve the Black Footed Prairie Dog. Do you support this act, and if not how do you plan on keeping the Forest Service from following through. Mary Silvernell: According to the United States Humane Society there are 5 species of Prairie Dogs: 1) Black Tailed Prairie Dog, 2) Gunnisons Prairie Dog, 3) Mexican Prairie Dog, 4) Utah Prairie Dog, and 5) White Tailed Prairie Dog, but no Black Footed Prairie Dog. There is, however, a Black Footed Ferret that is on the endangered species list. According to the Associated Press’s article dated April 23rd, 2012, U.S. Forest Service officials propose to move prairie dogs from Weston and Converse counties near the Campbell County border, saying that the animals carry plague. They said they wanted to move the rodents to reduce the possibility of transmitting the disease, which does not make any sense to me. With approval from the Wyoming Fish & Game Department, the plan eventually could enable the reintroduction of endangered Black Footed Ferrets. Ferrets do eat prairie dogs, however, as far as I have been able to determine, there are no current plans to establish Black Footed Ferrets
in the area. I would not support importing of more prairie dogs into Campbell County. I would seek assistance through the State Legislature, and would rally the citizens of Campbell County to get involved and make this a community effort to stop this action. Mickey Shober: Forest Service Prairie Dog relocation is confined to Converse and Weston County. I don’t support this act Campbell County commissioners are cooperating agency meaning we part of plan, we set at the table with the Forest Service Matt Avery: No I do not support this act! I know the Thunder Basin Grass Land is public land and I don’t have a problem with that. What I have a problem with is that the Forest Service is currently saying they will need 33,000 acres of prairie dogs to sustain 100 ferrets to get the ferrets delisted. There are ranchers that have been paying their leases and grazing on that land for years. This kind of action will put those ranchers out of business if this all passes. Through the help of the Continued on Page 5
Mickey Shober for Campbell County Commissioner “The Shobers have been in Wyoming since 5 years before Wyoming became a State, and we haven’t really left home since,” said Mickey Shober, who is running for his second consecutive term as Campbell County Commissioner. “ I have been self-employed my whole adult life, and now I have tht time to give back to my community. There is one other thing splitting his time, and that is his grandkids, which both he and his high school sweat-heart (whom he is currently married too) make sure to attend as many sports or activity events as possible. Mickey is running again because he wants to continue the work that he has done from his first term. He is working on the re-organization of the landfill, creating a possibility of saving 30mil in tax dollars and extending the usage from 20 to 40 years. Another major project is the RMP, which
defines how the Buffalo BLM office acts. “This is basically the Buffalo Office of the BLM’s rules they have to follow over the next 20 years, and I feel I need to finish my involvement for the rights of grazing, recreation, leases, drilling, and mining,” said Shober.
Rusty Bell Running for Campbell County Commissioner As a child, Rusty was around hunting. “My very first hunting license was an antelope license…we were out and the antelope started running so my uncles yelled at me to get into the truck. Well, I jumped in and had my barrel pointed at the roof of the cab…I shot through the roof.” Despite his rocky start to hunting, fishing was always a thrill as well. “I caught a 41 inch pike…it swam through the net, so now I had my line running through a broken net…it seemed like it was as big as I was.” Rusty went to Jamestown College, now known as the University of Jamestown, and received his biology degree. He began practicing taxidermy as a hobby, but in 2002 when his wife told him to make it a job or do less of it, he chose to make a business out of it. Currently, Rusty does around 400 animals a year for hunters all over the state and surrounding area. Bell is seeking to be elected as County
Commissioner. “I’m proud of Campbell County for leading the state in almost every way there is to lead,” Bell said when asked why he was running for commissioner. “I love Gillette and want to get more involved in the county’s decisions.”
Mary Silvernell for Campbell County Commissioner Born outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mary Silvernell lived and graduated from high school in Avalon, Pennsylvania. For many years, she had dreamed of living in the West and building a log cabin. Fourteen years ago, Mary took a vacation and found a small slice of land by Recluse. She immediately fell in love, so much so she became lost after buying the property. “Everyone’s just so much nicer here…and I finally got to build my log cabin.” But before she moved out to Campbell County, Silvernell attended Valencia Community College for two years, and then finished her bachelors in Oral Communication at Rawlins College. During her time at Rawlins, she worked for Disney. She began as a lifeguard and later moved into hotel management. Despite graduating,
she continued to work for Disney, going through many different jobs the company offers. Silvernell currently enjoys getting knocked off her horse, Duce. “He was kind of antsy, but he was a good boy. And then the next weekend, he took me into a tree...a branch broke and fell and then I fell on the branch.” She also gardens and cans everything imaginable. “I’m running for office because I have been dedicated to Campbell County since the first time I set foot here.” She’s also seen the county grow and wants to continue to make good decisions with tax money. She has experience with budgeting in her current job: running the Campbell County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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County Commissioner Continued from Page 4 WCCA (Wyoming County Commissioners Association) Weston, Converse and Campbell Counties have a seat at the table as Cooperating Agencies. We may not be able to stop this unrealistic idea but we may be able to get the acres reduced. I have been working on this for over 3 years. Two years ago I went back to Washington DC to work on these issues. The Department of Ag and Department of Interior had never heard from us personally until then. All they had heard from is from the Environmentalists. I went back there again this year for more meetings and I feel that they are starting to understand where we are coming from. If we don’t keep having a seat at the table we will be on the menu. I also sit on the Ag and Rural Affairs Steering Committee at the National Association of Counties (NACo). This past spring I was appointed to serve on the Endangered Species Act Committee which is trying to reduce some of the restrictions that the ESA is trying to push through. Rusty Bell: I do not support a decision to protect the black tailed prairie dog. I do not support protecting land that black tailed prairie dogs inhabit. Federal agencies have already put in place regulation that forbids the shooting of prairie dogs in many areas of the Thunder Basin National Grassland this, in my opinion, is good enough protection. As a commissioner I will work with land owners, state and federal representatives to fight any protection for the black tailed prairie dog. I have been in these areas for years and years and they are not in need of any protection. Lyle Schmitt: I’m not an animal conservationist and would like to keep any agency for the land occupying and confiscating business. I would support legal remedies if any. I would also support the land owner. 5: As the City of Gillette grows, many County residents believe that the majority of Campbell County’s influence over policy is shrinking. Do you think that the County Commissioners need to take a more active role for County citizens? Mickey Shober: I am not aware of Campbell County shrinking influence over policy. Commissioners are involved with BLM, Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife , state of Wyoming and many more. Matt Avery: I believe the County Commissioners already take a very active role for the County citizens. We are talking to people almost on a daily basis, either in person, by phone or by emails. I take the citizen’s concerns very serious and I believe in listening and researching where they are coming from. This is my job and I don’t take it lightly. Rusty Bell: I believe that as a County Commissioner, all of the county citizens, are my constituents, and they should be able to contact or voice their opinion. I also feel that the City of Gillette and the County Commissioners should have an open dialogue about issues that affect the citizens in the city. I would be very open to having more city/county discus-
sions about issues that present themselves and act on them on an individual basis. Lyle Schmitt: I believe the ratio of power between the City and County is about right as long as the County spends it’s resources wisely, I think it will stay that way. Also the tax payers of Gillette have two choices, they can contact the City or County with concerns and for results. Mary Silvernell: History shows that the County Commission has seen a fair share of commissioners coming from rural areas and ranches. I live in a very remote part of northern Campbell County near the Montana border, and I work in town every day. It is my opinion that we should hold our elected officials responsible and accountable to issues that affect citizens in ALL parts of the County. We as voters need to get and stay involved with our County government, and if elected, I will work hard to represent all citizens in Campbell County. To be successful in this role requires team work and dedication, working in partnership with the City and Towns located within Campbell County. 6: There has been talk of possibly districting the County Commissioners. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? Matt Avery: Although this may sound good, I believe the commissioners elected need to be a representative for the entire county. Rusty Bell: I would have no issue with this if this is what the citizens of Campbell County determine they want. I would assume this stems from the possibility of Gillette having more representation than that of rural Campbell County or Wright. As long as the county were divided to give all citizens the opportunity to be equally represented during the districting process. Lyle Schmitt: I believe areas like Wright are not well represented, so I would like to see 3 commissioners by district and 2 at large (whole county) commissioners. Mary Silvernell: I believe that we should maintain an “at large” vote for County Commissioners. Districting by population numbers would split the County into similar districts as the State Representatives and Senators, I would guess. These divisions would seem to limit the numbers of individuals seeking office, rather than to increase the number of candidates, and would therefore limit representation of the people, rather than enhance it. I believe that by keeping the Commission at large, anyone who lives in any part of the County can seek election. I know that in past years there have been 10 and 12 people running for County Commissioner, from anywhere in the County, versus 3 or 4 out of the 5 seats coming from the City, which would actually give less of a say to the County residents during the election process. Mickey Shober: No commissioner represent all voters not certain areas or districts. Districting would require equal populations to work and would need to be redone after each census.
Lyle Schmitt for Campbell County Commissioner He grew up in New England, North Dakota on a farm. After leaving the farm he enlisted in the Army in 1974. He attended basic training in California and took his A.I.T. with a construction Surveyor at Fort Bellmore, Virginia. After that he was deployed to Korea for the next 13 months. Upon returning he went to the National Guard for the remainder of his three years. He attended school for two years, graduating with a Associates degree in Engineering Technology. Using his schooling to apply for jobs brought him to Campbell County, where he went to work at Amax Coal Mine in March of 1979. He has been here since, currently working at Bel-Air Mine.
Lyle is married and the father of four girls. For fun he enjoys Bowling, Shooting Skeet, Darts, softball and playing horse shoes. He is a man of his word. When Lyle says he will do something it will get done. He is a giving man; always there to help whether it be a neighbor or a stranger. He knows the people of Campbell County are smart and well educated. He will be proud to serve them. When asked, “Why are you running?” His reply was, “Over the years I have wanted my county to become more efficient with its money. After a while I decided that instead of complaining about it why not run for an office where I can be of help.”
Matt Avery for Campbell County Commissioner Matt Avery is seeking reelection to Campbell County Commissioner. Why? “I have really enjoyed the last three and a half years, and I would like to continue the work I’ve done helping the coal, oil, and gas industries. Two years ago, Mr. Avery requested to go to Washington D.C> and sit on the National Association of Counties, which only 5 Commissioners from the State of Wyoming participated. He met with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the BLM. He also spend time with Senators Enzi and Barrasso, as well as Representative Lumis. “County Commissioners work at the closest levels with the citizens they represent and the federal government needs to hear from us.” Matt Avery for Campbell County Commissioner Matt is a true rancher. Even when he was in school, his dream was to work with his father managing a 40,000 acre ranch with 900 or so head of cattle. He worked there for 19 years, when he and his wife took advantage of an opportunity to own their own cattle business, which they currently along with their daughter and son-in-law. With the help from running the business from family, Matt has extra time
to play music and work with leather; making saddles, wallets, gun holsters, and more. He also has time to be a commissioner and to concentrate on the duty it holds to its citizens. By the way, don’t forget to ask him about his classic ride, a pre-1917 Buick (before it was buick) buggy that had the “smoothest
ride in the world” claim to fame. “I have the time to put in the right amount of work for the people of Campbell County,” said Avery. “Someone told me once that if you are not a guest at the table, you are on the menu. Campbell County should never be on the menu.”
City Council - Ward 1 1: Do you think the City of Gillette spends too much money, and how would you advocate change in that spending? Caleb Nygaard: To state it simply, Yes. In a narrow sense money going to the “Field of Dreams” is a huge waste of spending. The “Field of Dreams” is a grandiose dream of a selected few who refused to listen to the people. It should have been put up for a vote by the people, not the city council. Statues and flower beds, though I find them personally nice to look at, we don’t really need them, tax payers money should not be used for them. Things like the above mentioned should be moved to the private sector. We need to focus the budget on BILLS first, getting maintenance around town caught up and kept up. Getting our debt paid down, and making sure we put some into a safety fund net for the city. 2: In recent years there have been multiple utility rate hikes on City residents. Do you believe these rate increases justified? Why or why not? Caleb Nygaard: Being a new home owner I am really just now discovering the effect of these rate hikes. I am afraid to open my utility bills. It is my belief that if the budget is manage properly, that we could cut some of the unnecessary spending, we could keep our rates low. We do not need raise our rates just because another municipalities rates have gone up. Just the opposite, we need to see about keeping them the same or lowering them to convince people and business to move to move to this great city we have: Gillette! 3: The Madison Pipeline 1% tax will be sun-setting soon
when the pipeline is paid off. Will you be advocating to re-institute the tax through a County vote to provide the infrastructure that will be needed to handle the extra water capacity? If not, how do you propose to pay for the future necessary water and waste water infrastructure? Caleb Nygaard: First, I would like to say that this should have been thought of during the conception of the Madison Pipeline. That being said, Yes I would advocate a 1% tax VOTED ON BY THE PEOPLE, and if it passes I will make sure that it is spent only on what it was meant for. And end it as soon as possible. 4: The Field of Dreams is now being built in phases. Do you support following through with all phases? Why or why not? Caleb Nygaard: NO! Only what we have contracts for and NO MORE! Reason #1: NOBODY, “I” have spoken to wants it. Those that do want it, want it for themselves only. This was a project that MORALLY should have been put up before the voters and again, no just those sitting on the city council. Reason #2: It’s a money pit. Money being wasted on it could be money spent on infrastructure, improvement or expansion of current parks. Reason #3: We could use that money on keeping our rates low. The Maintenance on the “FIELD OF DREAMS” is going to come back and bite us financially! 5: Are there any current ordinances that you plan on presenting, changing, or getting rid of? Caleb Nygaard: Nuisance Ordinance 13-1c 7: unlicensed ve-
hicles. This portion should be removed from the ordinance. Then there is Nuisance Ordinance 13-1 8: this is in regard to how tall your grass is .I believe these over reaching, it interferes with personal and business rights. Knife reference Ordinance ref. 14-33a: This refers to concealing a knife with a blade over 8”. This is pointless since we can carry a concealed weapon in the state of Wyoming. Ordinance in reference to the Jake Brake 3061: That is removing the ability for the trucks to use a factory built braking device. 6: Define your opinion on the role of City Government and what constitutes a luxury or necessity when spending tax dollars. Caleb Nygaard: The role of the city government is to build the infrastructure needed to help the city grow. To maintain streets, water also so we have a safe community, a affective police force to enforce the laws and keep the peace. Fire and health to keep us safe and healthy. My opinion of a luxury would be things like the rec center, city pool, the field of dreams. Such luxuries should be put before the people for a vote. Basically if it is not a project that does not encourage growth, I believe that a lot of what the city does could be out sourced for less money and done much faster. For necessities we should be able to provide power, water (Good water) and disposal (landfill) for low rates. And with all the mineral taxes that we have there should be no problems obtaining these goals without putting more taxes on the citizens of Gillette.
Caleb Nygaard for City Council Ward 01 Caleb Nygaard was born May 12, 1976 in Bismarck ND He moved with his mom, dad and little brother to Gillette in 1981 He started kindergarten here and graduated Gillette High School in 1995 Caleb has always has been community oriented belonging Boy Scout Troop 64 He has been married to his wonderful wife Candy for 14 years, they have 2 beautiful children, a son Nathaniel (almost 6) and a beautiful little girl, Penelope 2 1/2 Caleb works for Kissacks Water and Oil driving truck.. Caleb served in the national guard for 9 years and received
an honorable discharge Caleb owns only his home (and Lot) and does not have any businesses, nor does he own investment property therefore he Has no conflict of interest.
Missing a candidate? So are We! Candidates not answering Campbell County Observer Readers’ Questions have chosen not to participate in the 2014 Campbell County Election Guide
August 8 - 15, 2014
1: Do you think the City of Gillette spends too much money, and how would you advocate change in that spending? Mike Conway: I think the City does have a little bit of a problem with “Ooo, shiny” syndrome in what it chooses to do with its money, and I also think it could stand to reevaluate where its spending the money and perhaps adopt a “shop around and use coupons”style of approach, if it’s not doing that already. 2: In recent years there have been multiple utility rate hikes on City residents. Do you believe these rate increases justified? Why or why not? Mike Conway: Perhaps it’s just me, but it seems like many of these rate hikes occur during periods of increased use, such as when weather is about to turn really hot or really cold, which tells me that the rates are being hiked to take advantage of demand, rather than just enjoying the fact that more use equals more money. I have trouble believing that utilities are having this much trouble functioning without increasing rates, and increased rates put an undue pressure on lower-income families, often leading to hard choices, such as between heating the home and buying medicine, for
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City Council - Ward 2 Mike Conway for City Council Ward 02
instance. For these reasons, no, I do not believe they’re justified.
3: The Madison Pipeline 1% tax will be sun-setting soon when the pipeline is paid off. Will you be advocating to re-institute the tax through a County vote to provide the infrastructure that will be needed to handle the extra water capacity? If not, how do you propose to pay for the future necessary water and waste water infrastructure? Mike Conway: I’d be interested evaluating the costs first before reinstituting a tax. I’m not opposed much to the idea of the tax, but if it’s not necessary and the pipeline is self-sustaining, why have it? 4: The Field of Dreams is now being built in phases. Do you support following through with all phases? Why or why not? Mike Conway: I’m favor of continuing the Field of Dreams project to completion, but I really want to see where all of our money is going first and seeing if there’s some ways to cut costs and achieve the same end goals with less money. 5: Are there any current ordinances that you plan on presenting, changing, or getting rid of?
Mike Conway: I would like to introduce an ordinance for local business owners whereby if they don’t live in the city but do business here, they should be able to vote in local elections and have a say in how city issues are handled, the same as any citizen. I would also like to propose legislation that would make it easier for homeowners Campbell County to have front-yard gardens, personal in-city farms as well as being able to acquire raw milk for personal consumption.
6: Define your opinion on the role of City Government and what constitutes a luxury or necessity when spending tax dollars. Mike Conway: I consider infrastructure and utilities as necessities, whatever it takes to make the city go. Beyond that, there are some gray areas, such as city beautification, which is not a necessity, but it adds an attractiveness that has a benefit on citizen morale and on visitor perception. Such a thing then is not a luxury, but it’s still something that has benefit. Luxuries are the things that could be considered “flash in the pan” things that are fads and don’t really add any benefit. Those are the things to be aware of.
Born in Port Washington, Wisconsin, Mike Conway grew up in Wyoming. When he was still very young, his father, Joseph Conway, moved out to Wyoming and absolutely fell in love and moved his family to Lander. After a year there, they moved to Kansas for four years. His father was still in love so he got a job in Gillette and moved back. He has many fond memories of his childhood. “TCI went to Yellowstone to plant trees after the big Yellowstone fires… people from all over the state planted over 20,000 trees over a few years. Most of them died off, but it made a difference. For my mom, my dad, and me it was a big deal. Many of Mike’s childhood memories also come from his father taking him to historic sites. His favorites include Fort Laramie, Cody, and the Dubois History Museum of Prehistoric Animals. Mike has an 18 year old daugh-
ter that he met only eight years ago. “I spent years trying to actually find her, but Jude helped me find her.” She was adopted by her mother’s parents and had lived with them the majority of her life. “Her grandparents told me she had been asking about her father,” he mentioned. “I was approaching the trailer and saw her head pop up above the car and almost turned around, but I didn’t.” When asked why he was running for city council ward 2, he became very passionate. “Gillete’s been very good to me in the past four years, and I figure it’s time I start giving back…I’ve always watched politics, [but] when you watch politics you can only do so much. I’m also doing this to carry on my father’s legacy. It’s also to prove that someone with learning disabilities and Tourette’s can overcome that and work as a public official.”
City Council - Ward 3 1: Do you think the City of Gillette spends too much money, and how would you advocate change in that spending? Julie Simon: I believe what you are asking is if they are fiscally conservative and I believe that they listen to the constituents as well as make the best decisions possible, with the knowledge and information that they receive. I don’t believe you can answer this question well unless you are heavily involved in the process. I view the Council’s role as one that provides infrastructure and creates an atmosphere that allows for expansion and growth. Our population continues to grow and with that growth comes additional needs for the community. We have a young population with a tremendous child birth rate plus the addition of retirees that have decided to stay in Gillette, as well as new families moving in to fill our need for employment. All of these factors weigh in a decision to do projects, and they would weigh heavily in my decisions, should I be elected. With all of that said, I am fiscally conservative about the amount of money that is spent; however, I also believe in vision and preparing for the community and workplace of the future. That may vary in our community; however, all indicators point to the fact that our growth will remain stable. 2: In recent years there have been multiple utility rate hikes on City residents. Do you believe these rate increases justified? Why or why not? Julie Simon: The utility business currently ran by the City is considered a business, just like any other commercial business. Rates are determined by growth or the utility, growth of the usage, and the
demand. It is also governed by overhead, amount of employees that is takes to run the business, etc. We have had several rate hikes; however, there has also been a fair amount of maintenance and growth of the utility that has occurred. While we are paying more, we still pay less that a lot of other places and the City has purchased power in bulk to keep the costs down. Again, I don’t think that unless you are a part of that process and understand what it takes to run that business, that you can comment. In any business, you have to make a profit in order to continue to run the business. This could be a place where a public/private partnership could be formed and possibly look at controlling the cost in another way. 3: The Madison Pipeline 1% tax will be sun-setting soon when the pipeline is paid off. Will you be advocating to re-institute the tax through a County vote to provide the infrastructure that will be needed to handle the extra water capacity? If not, how do you propose to pay for the future necessary water and waste water infrastructure? Julie Simon: My understanding was that maintenance of the system was included in the plan for the pipeline. If additional money is necessary for maintenance, it would only make sense to make sure that we didn’t just build the pipeline to sit there and not be able to maintain it. As in any tax that sunsets, if additional money is necessary, it does have to go before the people for a vote. I would have to be more in the loop and the discussion to advocate one way or the other. I would certainly research and gain knowledge about the various options before making a decision.
Julie Simon for Gillette City Council Ward 3 Julie Simon, President/CEO of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce announced today her intention to run for City Council Ward 3. Ms. Simon, 54, has resided in Gillette since 1993. She has served on several Boards in the community: Powder River Symphony, Gillette Community Theatre, CASA for the Sixth Judicial District, Gillette Main Street, Women in Business, Wyoming Workforce Development, Razor City Toastmasters, and 8 years on the Gillette Public Access Board, 2 years as President. She is currently a precinct committeewoman for the Republican Party and has served as a delegate to the State Republican Convention. Simon is also a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Wyoming Chamber Partnership, Wyoming Chambers of Commerce Health Benefit Association, and the United States Chamber of Commerce, Energy, Clean Air, and Natural Resources Committee. Ms. Simon has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and M.A. (ABT) in
Communications from the University of Wyoming. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute of Organization Management, the Gillette Area Leadership Institute and a certified notary public with the State of Wyoming. She has served as President/CEO of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce for 8 years. Ms. Simon says she is running for office to serve the community, Ward 3 constituents, and to bring the voice of business to the council. She believes that the council can benefit from her skills, talents, and resources on issues that affect jobs, the economy, and the people who live and work here. “Emphasis should always be focused on serving the community by maintaining and developing infrastructure that makes sense and drives economic development,” commented Ms. Simon. Ms. Simon and her family have always been avid supporters of the community. Her husband, John, works for Yates Petroleum and has served on City and County Boards. Her sons, Jordan, 12, and Joshua, 10, are active in school clubs and community organizations.
As I mentioned in Question # 2, in order to run the business of utility, it has to make sure to cover costs, so if additional costs were necessary, we would have to view the various options and decide which one would be best, whether that is increasing customer rates or if there is another way that achieve what is needed to maintain and/or grow the system. 4: The Field of Dreams is now being built in phases. Do you support following through with all phases? Why or why not? Julie Simon: I believe in providing a quality of life that keeps workers here and attracts other workers, their family and friends to be a part of our community. I believe in assessing the needs of the community and providing the necessary infrastructure to allow our community to grow and still maintain stability. If all phases are deemed necessary to accomplish this, I would support. However, it depends on the timing and funding available. Another place that I believe could include a public/ private partnership. 5: Are there any current ordinances that you plan on presenting, changing, or getting rid of? Julie Simon: I can’t say that I have particular ones in mind. What I would like to review would be those that affect our businesses and may stand in the way of expansion and growth. I also believe in personal property rights within reason;
however, they also have to be balanced with safety and not interfere with the rights of another. 6: Define your opinion on the role of City Government and what constitutes a luxury or necessity when spending tax dollars. Julie Simon: I believe that anyone defining those two words is in a no-win situation. It would be the same as you defining them at home with your family. One person would see it as a necessity and the other a luxury. It’s no different in City Government. However, I reiterate that I believe the City Government exists to provide infrastructure and quality of life for all citizens, and as a citizen, I expect that my tax money will be spent on programs and services that I don’t use; however, a whole group of others may benefit from that particular program or service. I believe in sitting down and talking things over, putting all the available knowledge on the table and making the best decisions you can for the community as a whole. I believe in finding the best deal possible and budgeting your money, just like a business. We can look into the future and plan accordingly; however, it takes all kinds of decisions to continue to make a City desirable to live and work there and we compete on a national basis in that area. So, to me, a necessity may differ at any time from a luxury, depending on the set of circumstances.
Governor 1. Many state residents believe that the EPA and other government agencies are gaining too much influence in the State of Wyoming. Do you agree? If so, what is your strategy to battle these federal agencies? Matt Mead: I agree the EPA and other federal agencies are reaching beyond their authority to unduly affect coal-producing states and western public lands states like Wyoming. I believe the Obama Administration has been trying, in concerted fashion, to avoid Congress and advance its progressive agenda through federal agency action. The resulting glut of federal regulatory activity
affects many aspects of our lives. Federal agency proposals purport to regulate everything from farming activities to property rights and more - they are pervasive and hurtful. I have combated the challenges posed by the Administration in D.C. throughout my time in office and will continue to do so if reelected. My strategy is multifaceted. One, I work to make sure state plans for resource management and environmental programs are the best possible - so we are prepared to lead in areas where the state has primacy or should control the matter at hand. Our new baseline water quality rules are an example.
Second, I work cooperatively when federal agencies are willing to proceed responsively and responsibly. For example, I negotiated a plan with Secretary of Interior Salazar which resulted in wolf delisting and turnover of wolves to state control. Third, I work to build a strong record to support the state’s position. For example, I testified for the first time as Governor at an EPA hearing to support Wyoming’s regional haze plan, and I have commented pointedly in opposition to numerous EPA proposals. Fourth, I fight in court - engaging the state in 13 lawsuits against the EPA alone.
Why advertise in a weekly newspaper? 1. Local weekly newspapers are the most trusted form of media! 2. Over 3 out of 4 readers spend more than 15 minutes reading their weekly Newspaper! 3. More people read a local weekly paper than any daily newspaper on any day! 4. Local weekly newspapers have a large readership profile because the whole family reads them. Each newspaper has many readers and each section targets different economic, social and age groups. All local weekly papers appeal to all sections! 5. Most people that read a weekly community newspaper do not read any other local paper, however most people who read other papers read a weekly newspaper as well. Why waste your advertising budget? Stay with the tried and tested - The Campbell County Observer.
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Governor Continued from Page 6 When federal agencies are wrong, unreasonable, intransigent, I fight aggressively using all options available. The Obama Administration should not be doing an end run around Congress to negatively impact our state, our lives, and our businesses through federal agency action. Taylor Haynes: I agree the EPA and other Federal Agencies are way out of their Constitutional authority. This will allow Wyoming’s natural resource producers to function. Especially our coal mining and our power plants. I will stop these agencies making rulings in Wyoming. We will use our own Division of Environmental Quality as a consultant to industry and residents. This will happen using the Constitution and settled Supreme Court Opinions. 2. Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension plan? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Matt Mead: I have worked with the Legislature to move the various public employee retirement plans toward full funding. Increases in employee and employer contributions were required in 2013 and 2014 legislation, HB 250 and HB 46 respectively, and I supported them in order to make Wyoming’s pension plans stronger. I keep tabs on the retirement plans and, if additional action becomes necessary on any of them, I will work with the Legislature again on retirement plan issues as I did in 2013 and 2014. Taylor Haynes: The Wyoming pension system is very good. However to ensure we can keep the commitment we must have more dependable revenue streams. We should also have options for younger employees to own their own and manage their own pension funds.
3. There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Matt Mead: I believe the state of Wyoming would do better than the federal government in managing and stewarding public lands; however, I do not believe we can wrest these lands from federal ownership by force. As the federal government gets deeper and deeper in debt, I believe there is a chance to consolidate checkerboard lands and increase state and private ownership through land exchange or purchase. As federal resources become more and more constrained, I believe the opportunity will also arise for Wyoming to offer management in exchange for compensation. The state operates more efficiently than the federal government and such an arrangement would be mutually beneficial. In sum, I advocate for a measured, reasoned approach to make headway when and where we can. Taylor Haynes: First, there are no Federally owned lands. I agree with assuming control of all lands within Wyoming borders and installing Wyoming management. Strategy; Using the US Constitution and settled Supreme Court Opinions. 4. WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it? Matt Mead: I have already written the EPA and Corps of Engineers opposing the so-called Interpretive Rule. I believe the rule cuts into the statutory exemption from permitting under the Clean Water Act for normal farming activities. I believe the rule unduly burdens farmers and
adds hugely to bureaucratic red tape by bringing the NRCS into the picture. And that’s just for starters. I believe the underlying proposal to expand the definition of WOTUS is contrary to law and adverse to Wyoming interests, and I will be commenting in detail before the comment deadline this fall. I believe Wyoming will have company - a number of states and organizations - opposing the WOTUS proposals. Hopefully, the federal agencies will see the light and withdraw these ill-conceived proposals. If not, we litigate. 5. With a part-time legislature, the Governor has more executive power throughout the year than many other states. What is the role and limitations of the unique position of the Governor’s office when the legislature is out of session? Matt Mead: I believe the Governor’s role does not change with a part-time legislature. The powers and duties of the Governor, except where bills are involved, are set forth in Art. 4, Sections 4 and 5 of the Wyoming Constitution, and they remain the same yearround. Taylor Haynes: The Governor under our Constitution only has the power to enforce the laws. The Governor must work with the Management Council of the Legislature when the Legislature is not in session. 6. Do you support the re-visiting of a Governor appointed director of education? Why or why not? Matt Mead: Any change in the Constitutional role of the elected State Superintendent must be brought before Wyoming’s voters. Taylor Haynes: No. I am opposed to a Governor appointed director of education. That concentrates power and decision making in too few hands. It removes the peoples’ right to vote for the person in that position.
Governor Matt Mead for Re-Election
Matt Mead, the state’s 32nd governor, is a lifelong Wyoming resident. Born in Jackson, he was raised on the family ranch in Teton County. Mead believes his success is attributable to his upbringing. Growing up, he was expected to pitch in on the ranch. By working on the ranch throughout his childhood, he learned the ropes of running a business. A 4th generation rancher, Matt has stayed involved in ranching to this day. He and his wife Carol have a ranch in Albany County and a farm in Goshen County. “I’ve learned many lessons on the ranch,” Mead says. One particular task that he remembers fondly was riding the fences to check on the security of the herd. His
mother, Mary, called this “riding the longest loop,” meaning not to take shortcuts that could result in a job poorly done. Matt’s grandfather Cliff Hansen taught about stewardship-leaving more blades of grassmeaning land should be passed along in better condition for the future. “Lessons like these are about more than ranching. They are about life and work and leaving a good legacy.” Growing up, Mead became a sportsman and outdoor recreationist. He snowmobiled, skied, played football, and hunted. He climbed the Grand while in high school. “These experiences and others like them available in our big, beautiful state are character-building and just plain fun.”
Dr. Taylor Haynes for Governor
Taylor Haynes is a man who believes that it is character and faith, not empty promises that makes a difference when it comes to achieving goals and contributing to the community. He was born in 1946 and raised by his parents, Taylor and Lourie Haynes, on a produce farm in Louisiana, along with three sisters and one brother. He learned that hard work, honesty, and self-discipline were the keys to achieving whatever goals he set his mind on. Haynes put himself through college and post-graduate studies by working as a laborer on a freight dock and as a stevedore. He married his late wife Barbara Brumfield in 1968 and began raising a family of four children Kenya, Ayodele, Taylor III, and Enioma. After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from Southern University in 1969, he accepted an engineering job in Salt Lake City Utah at the Kennecott Copper Corporation Research Center. In a search for greater autonomy in his career, Taylor left his engineering position and began medical school at the University of Utah while also supporting his young family. After completing his surgical residency in Urology, he moved to Cheyenne Wyoming to open his medical practice. He ran a very successful urology practice and became highly respected by his patients and other physicians in the community. He served as vice chief of staff and Chairman of Patient Care at the DePaul Hospital of Cheyenne. In addition to his career accomplishments, he was appointed by Governor Geringer to serve on the Board of Trustees of the University of Wyoming and, after his
six-year term expired, was reappointed by Governor Dave Freudenthal for another six years. Dr. Haynes remarried in 2002, and he and his wife Beth own and operate Mountain Benefits Management Company, a company that provides employee benefits consulting and benefit plan administration. Haynes serves as President and Chief Medical Officer of the company, and as such has firsthand knowledge of the impact of Obamacare on businesses and individuals. Dr. Haynes accomplishments in the field of agriculture are many. He has served as the President of the Laramie County Stock Growers Association, the President of the Pole Mountain Grazing Association and the Vice President of Wyoming Stock Growers Association. In 2006 he was presented with the Award of Merit by the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture for his contributions in the field. That same year he worked with several other ranchers to found the Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming (ICOW), an organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the Wyoming ranching industry. He served on the Board of Directors of R-Calf USA, and as such was the Director for Region II which includes Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. DR. TAYLOR HAYNES has seen firsthand the wonderful power of the United States Constitution. This document is clearly divinely inspired and has been the force which made this country great and still is the source of our many freedoms. “We must restore the use of the Constitution and our Christian values in our state.”
State Senator #1 Judy McCullough for Wyoming Senate District 01 Judy McCullough, a lifelong citizen of Wyoming who was raised in Crook County and has lived in all three counties of the newly redistricted Senate District 1, has announced she is running for the senate seat on the Republican ticket. Judy is passionate about ensuring that the government on all levels follows the Wyoming and United States Constitutions. While she has been politically active for a long time, in recent years, Judy has attended several legislative committee hearings to testify on behalf of private property, personal freedoms, and reduced agency regulations. Although Judy is currently a rancher from Moorcroft, she has a diverse background that includes leadership positions, educating the public, running a business and public speaking; vital ingredients for strong representation for Senate District 1’s constituents. A sort list of her accomplishments include having served on the Crook County Weed and Pest board, is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture, worked in Wyoming as a teacher, and was a University of Wyoming educator for Johnson County. She has served on the R-CALF USA animal ID committee and was one of the founding members of the Independent Cattlemen of Wyo-
ming. “The best protection for citizens is for government officials to follow constitutional law,” Judy stated emphatically. “I also support less government taxes and limiting government
intrusion into the lives of citizens.” Her goal is to provide more freedom to voters to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as prescribed in one of our country’s founding docu-
ments, the Declaration of Independence. Judy is eager to speak with groups and to listen to concerns from residents of Weston, Crook, and the northern part of Campbell County.
Ogden Driskill for Wyoming Senate District 01 Even from a young age, Ogden remembers being outdoors. He’d spend time with his friends and family in the Black Hills. “I remember it like it was yesterday. We’d go out and go horseback riding and play cowboys and Indians - just little kid games.” Born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Ogden Driskill was born to Jess and Allen Driskill. His parents taught him from a young age to be honest. “It works best in every situation.” After his childhood years, he spent his time at Casper College to get his degree, and then went to the University of Wyoming to complete his education. When he finished, he had his Ag Business degree. Ogden Driskill now owns his family ranch and runs a campground gift store and restaurant. “My wife and daughter help me run the restaurant.” He’s very proud of his family and how they help him. “My family’s been here for seven generations, and I want to keep laws and regulations to a minimum.” As state senator, he feels he can achieve that. He’s very dedicated to Wyoming and wants to keep it a good, free state.
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State Senator #1 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Ogden Driskill: I would propose that Wyoming draft an amendment to its own state constitution that set the rules for choosing delegates and how to put restrictions on how they vote. The restrictions could lie within the constitutional amendment that specified who the delegates would be chosen andr what restrictions were to be placed on the delegates. This would ensure that the people of Wyoming were the ones deciding the terms-not a bunch of politicians or a single person. Where Article V has never been used before, it is essential that the representatives be crystal clear on what the states citizens want them to do and how to vote. Judy McCullough: I am afraid of a constitutional convention with the present political climate for fear they might throw the original out and leave us without its protections. Finding delegates that have the freedoms and the people at heart will be terribly difficult. I can name a few, but with the cronyism we have now, none of them would get appointed and I am not sure enough informed voters would be able to elect them. Add the delegates from California and other larger populated states and what might they do? Then bring their constitutional changes back to WY, and what might our legislative body do? I cannot support a Constitutional Convention at this time in this political climate. 2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Judy McCullough: The biggest problem is the expenses coming in the future. Those already enrolled have paid into the current program and deserve to be treated fairly. To keep from financially breaking the program, we need to offer new employees a privatized system they would pay into. Those who pay into retirement funds deserve the assurance that they can collect those funds when they retire either as a lump sum or payment system. Ogden Driskill: Yes-there is a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system. The problem is that we are funded at less than 100% in our pension funds. The trend has been backwards. Wyoming’s unfunded liabilities increased from approximately $376 million in January 2008 to nearly $1.7 billion in January 2013. Should this trend continue, it could leave Wyoming in tough spot-like states of California and Michigan. Returns on these plans are based on solid returns on state investments—should the market get bad, then it could have a huge impact on the overall health of Wyoming’s economy. We have passed several bills raising the employer and employee contributions into the plans and have also raised the age in some areas. We have also changed the way that COLA increases work. In the past they were automatically raised. With the new laws they only are awarded when the funds are fully funded. We will have to
keep a close watch and make hard choices to keep the funds healthy and protect future and existing retirees. I also am in favor of changing the rule that allows retirees to “double dip”-collecting a pension while working. 3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Ogden Driskill: I do support this. My strategy would be to sign on with Utah and other western states to get our lands back from the federal government. Utah has a strong bill and it is set to allow other states to join in the effort. I think we need to have vigorous debate on what we do with the lands when we receive them. I am a huge believer of multiple use and think should we receive them we should keep the open to public use by multiple entities. Judy McCullough: The land within the state of Wyoming belongs to the state except for those properties allowed by the Constitution such as federal buildings, forts and post offices. The land has been Federally managed since Statehood, but not Federally owned. Wyoming needs to assert its state’s rights. 4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it. Judy McCullough: Waters of the United States (WOTUS) is nothing but another property grab by the Federal Government. Wyoming and all of the states are sovereign nations united together. Nowhere in the in the U.S. Constitution are those sovereign states required to give up any water to the U.S. Wyoming does not need to play the game. Again assert states rights. Wyoming must choose independence and take Wyoming out of all federally funded programs. Ogden Driskill: Wyoming has to do everything in its power to stop WOTUS. This needs to come from every level and by all entities. We have to stop the uncontrolled power grab by the EPA. WOTUS is just one of many rules and regulations that have been illegally enacted by the EPA. Our economy and way of life is under dire threat due to these rules and regulations. I believe that Wyoming should do everything in its power in every way to stop the EPA including the possibility of the state ignoring the federal rules. We should not allow any bureaucratic agency rule outside of the law—or to write rules that go beyond existing laws. 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Ogden Driskill: I believe the 2nd amendment is clear. “ the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” is a clear statement of the intent of the framers. My intent is to follow that as closely as possible. I will do
what I can to keep the right to bear arms a unfettered as possible. Judy McCullough: I am for full 2nd Amendment Rights and an armed citizenry armed and prepared to serve as a state militia. The people not only have the right to defend themselves, but the obligation to overthrow oppressive government. 6: There is talk of the legislature revisiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not? Judy McCullough: No, I do not support re-visiting SF 104. An elected body has no authority to usurp the powers of another elected official. Both positions answer to the people. The question bears asking why do certain legislators insist on usurping the powers from the people? Ogden Driskill: No-I think the Supreme Court was clear on 104. Should there be any major changes to the position, I feel it should be done by a constitutional amendment. I do believe we need a major change in the way we test and educate our children. We need to return as much control both fiscal and in teaching methodology to the local level as possible. 7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Ogden Driskill: It is hard to say what I would do exactly without having actual legislation on the table. I will support keeping every dime of tax rev-
enue that originates in Campbell County in Campbell County. Our current system is reminiscent of many socialist systems. I can’t support Robin Hood systems that rob counties. My proposal would be to leave local tax revenues intact in their counties of origin. Judy McCullough: As Senator for District 1, I will be representing Campbell county from whom the tax dollars are recaptured, and I will also be representing Crook and Weston counties who receive and benefit from those funds. What is fair to all involved? Personally, I do not support recapture because all of the money that passes through the state coffers does not come back out—some sticks there, and Campbell County ends up helping grow more state government. There has to be a better way to deal with this. Weston and Crook counties have far less tax base and yet they both deal with the expenses of growth spilling over into their territory. There is no question that they need help in providing schooling opportunities for the children of the people living in their counties and working in Campbell County as well as the children of residents who work in county.
Missing a candidate? So are We!
Candidates not answering Campbell County Observer Readers’ Questions have chosen not to participate in the 2014 Campbell County Election Guide
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August 8 - 15, 2014
State Senator #23 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Jeff Raney: I am against any constitutional convention at this time in our nations political history. The likelihood of a progressive revision of the constitution is to great,the convention could be turned into a progressive/liberal forum that would strip the intentions of the founding fathers from our existing constitution. Also,there is no need for one,if congress wants a balanced budget amendment, they can pass one without a Con-Con. Jeff Wasserburger: First, the U.S. Constitution has been amended twenty-seven times and over 4,000 proposed amendments have been introduced in Congress. It is very difficult to amendment the US Constitution. In order to call a constitutional convention, state legislators must follow Article Five of the US Constitution. Article Five requires that three-fourths of the state legislatures (38 states) must vote with a two-thirds majority in each house to call a constitutional convention. These requirements are extremely difficult to achieve, in fact, a constitutional convention has never been called in the history of our nation. Congress will never allow a constitutional convention to be called by the states because of the fear of a run away convention. If more and more states pass a resolution to call a constitutional convention, Congress would yield to political pressure and pass the amendments that the people are supporting. I am in favor of two amendments to the United States constitution. I support a balanced budget amendment and a line item veto for the president. I would support a constitutional convention and I would look for political sages of Wyoming to be our delegates to the convention. They would be the Benjamin Franklin’s of the convention. I would support political leaders in our state like Dick Chaney, Alan Simpson, and Jim Geringer. Political leaders with real knowledge in government and the ability to make the right choices for the future of our country at the convention. I would not put any restrictions on them and would allow them to represent our state freely at the convention. But, I doubt that a convention would ever be called, it is virtually impossible to do so, in my opinion. 2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem?
Jeff Wasserburger: Over the years, the Wyoming legislature has expanded its retirement costs in two ways. First, the legislature added all law enforcement officers to the Wyoming Retirement System. Second, the legislature has increased salaries for public employees and for teachers increasing the states liability when retirees reach the Rule of 85. Furthermore, the baby boomers are retiring at a rapid rate and so the Wyoming Retirement System is paying out more than it is generating in investments. Currently, the Wyoming Retirement System has $4.2 billion dollars and is under funded $1.8 billion dollars to meet all the payments to retirees. There are two ways that the legislature has dealt with this problem. First, the legislature increased the percentage of the contribution to state employees and employers. This will add additional revenues to the retirement account. The legislature did this last year to state employees and employers by increasing their contribution to the system by 2%. This slight increase is incremental and will be done over the next two years. Second, the legislature will not allow any COLA’s until the fund reaches 110% which should be in twentytwo years. I believe that the Wyoming legislature has solved this issue in the last session but I will continue to monitor this issue if I am elected. Jeff Raney: The Wyoming State pension fund is in serious trouble,a combination of underfunding,decreasing mineral revenues and a very liberal definition of tenure have created a vacuum that is siphoning faster than planned. There are several options that can be looked at to remedy this projected shortfall,more funding,redefine tenure,restructure the retirement system,reshape the benefits along the lines of the military’s retirement system,any combination of these and other solutions may resolve the problem. I see a necessity to change the system,however... what was promised in the past must be made good,the state of Wyoming cannot renege on its promises. Future employee’s should be placed under a new program,with defined tenure and defined contributions. 3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Jeff Raney: I am a firm beleiver the State has the right and need to reclaim BLM and other federal lands. One of the ideas I would like to
see implemented is to use the1876 Morrell Land College Land Grant Act. Using this precedent, the Statecould claim BLM lands for school use thereby reducing the school taxes on the state’s citizens. Under this plan my opponents “recapture” plan would go away. Under Mr. Wasserburgers existing “recapture” plan the taxpayers of Campbell County sent 60 million dollars to Cheyenne this year (and received 2 dollars back). My opponent to triple this amount in 2006 under School Finance Recapture 2,fortunately there were still some conservatives in Cheyenne in 2006. Jeff Wasserburger: I would support the federal government giving federal lands back to Wyoming. As I understand the issue, some states have won lawsuits with the federal government and been given back federal lands. I would support the Governor and the Attorney General pursuing this issue through the federal court system. My role as a State Senator would be work with the Governor’s office to ask them to bring a lawsuit against the federal government and to support the Attorney General’s office with funding for this lawsuit. 4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it. Jeff Wasserburger: The Environmental Protection Agency using the Clean Water Act is attempting to expand the definition of wetlands and navigable waters of the United States. I oppose the expansion and federal overreach of the EPA and its definition of “navigable waterway” and would voice my concerns to the Governor. I would ask that the Attorney General of the State of Wyoming side with other states against the federal overreach of the EPA. I would support the State of Wyoming in a lawsuit fighting the EPA and its definition. I would support siding with another party or state and filing an amicus curiae brief supporting another states lawsuit against the EPA. My role as a State Senator would be to fund the increased lawsuit costs for battling the EPA and its expansion of the meaning of navigable waterways. Jeff Raney: I am against any expansion of federal powers over states rights. I agree with Dr. Taylor Haynes plan to oust the EPA and other federal agencies from Wyoming. If elected I will back Dr. Haynes with my full support. 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Jeff Raney: The Second ammendment reads “shall not be infringed” implicitely that means that there shall be no restrictions or regulation of the right to bear arms. I am a staunch supporter of the second ammendment to the United States Constitution,any bill that strengthens or protects the citizens of Wyomings right to bear arms will find a very active supporter in Senator Jeff Raney. Jeff Wasserburger: No, I support the Second Amendment, open carry, and the laws of the State of Wyoming for firearms. 6: There is talk of the legislature revisiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not?
Jeff Wasserburger: I did not support SF 104 at the time. However, the Supreme Court has declared S.F. 104 unconstitutional. Now, the legislature must examine how to put the education governance system back together. I support the legislature responding to the Supreme Court decision. Currently, the Legislative Management Council has directed the Joint Education Committee to undertake a review of state-level governance and administration of Wyoming public education. The Joint Education Committee has contracted with Cross & Joftus to conduct a survey of Wyoming stakeholders on the state of Wyoming education. The study is to examine the education governance system and what would better serve the needs of students and schools and insure accountability for schools and teachers. The study is to be completed by November or December 2014 and presented to the Joint Interim Committee. I do not know if I will support the bill drafted by the Joint Interim Committee until I have had the opportunity to read it closely. I will advocate for an education governance system that better serves the students of Wyoming and increases student achievement. Jeff Raney: I was the second on the vote to censor Gov. Mead at the Republican State convention. SF104 is one of the singularly most morally reprehensible bills proposed in the Great State of Wyoming. I will not support and will vote against any bill that tries to remove an elected position and turn it into an appointed position. These types of power grabs are all about controlling the state multi-billion dollar education budget and the political cronyism that can entail. Too state that this bill is unethical and immoral (and the legislators and senators that backed it) does not go far enough. 7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Jeff Raney: My opponent (wasserburder) proposed to triple the recapture amount paid by Campbell county in 2006,if elected he will bring this idea back to Cheyenne,where the other legislators will no doubt be very happy to have the taxpayers of Campbell County pay for the majority of the states education fund. My opponent is a paid lobbyist for the school district and a proponent of common core (also known as no lobbyist left behind, he is a supporter of centralized top down big government approach of school funding as shown by his proposing “recapture” and “recapture 2”. I am against recapture period. I support LOCAL control of schools and school funding. Recapture anounts to nothing less than “Taxation without Representation”. We fought a war over this very idea a little over 200 years ago. Jeff Wasserburger: If I am elected, I will introduce a constitutional amendment to return recaptured rebate money to the local school districts. I will do all I can to return the money generated in our community to our students and local district. I will work closely with the Legislature Service Office to draft an amendment to the state constitution that meets constitutional muster. I will drop the bill into the hopper on the first day of the session.
Jeff Wasserburger for Wyoming Senate District 23 Jeff Raney for Wyoming Senate District 23 A self-employed military historical antiquities salesman, Jeff Raney has seen his fair share of unique things. “I picked up a pair of George S. Patton’s Calvary boots once...that ended with the FBI showing up at my door to get them back. They’re considered a national treasure. Born in Germany, but raised in Japan, Arkansas, and Texas, Raney has also seen the world. “The most interesting place I’ve ever been is the Czechoslovakian border while it was still under communist rule. I was 21 at the time.” But despite all the traveling in his past, he’s settled down in
Gillette and decided to call it his home. He likes fishing and shooting for sport. Between his two children, Andrew and Caitlan, he also makes it to many sport events. Jeff Raney is running for office because he feels the state budget is out of control. “I want to revoke the 10% gas tax,” Raney said. He’d like to get Wyoming back on track in all aspects. To learn more about Jeff Raney, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Jeff-Raney-for-Wyoming-State-Senate/344361372383970
Born in Lusk, Wyoming, Jeff Wasserburger grew up on a ranch 32 miles north of Lusk. He remembers having horses, cattle, and sheep. Jeff was constantly busy working on the ranch throughout his youth. After graduating high school, he went to Chadron State College to get his degree in secondary social studies education then moved to Gillette and the bright young age of 22. He fondly remembers the day he married his wife. “One of the biggest memories I have is when Tracy and I got married on December 31st.” She worked at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital at the time. When asked why he was running for state senator 23, Wasserburger commented, “I have 12 years of experience with the Wyoming government. I believe that I am capable of helping out the people of Wyoming.”
August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 10
State Representative #3 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Eric Barlow: On December 7, 2013, a group of state legislators met at Mount Vernon to begin examining the process by which a constitutional convention as identified in Article V of the United States Constitution could be organized. There are numerous issues for which such a convention is being sought, like a balanced budget amendment, but the Mount Vernon effort is solely focused on the process. I was not able to attend the Mount Vernon Assembly. However, the interest was strong and the work continued until a follow-up meeting was held this June in Indianapolis which I did attend. The discussion was robust regarding many aspects of a potential convention, including the possibility of a “runaway” convention, who would fund it, and how states would be represented. I was a member of the Rules Committee. During our deliberations, which were public, there was strong support that each state would be responsible for selecting and directing their delegates. There was discussion about who should not be allowed as delegates, such as federal employees and state executive branch members, and who should be encouraged, including legislators and respected community members. But ultimately, this is a decision for each state to make, as is whether to apply for a convention, or participate if one is called. Based on my participation in these discussions, I think there are a variety of ways Wyoming could proceed with selecting delegates. One I think has particular merit would invite qualified electors to apply for consideration to the Legislature.
The applicants would be narrowed to twice the number as required by the House of Representatives and the finalists would be submitted to the Wyoming Senate. The Senate would rank the applicants and submit the appropriate delegate number to the Governor for appointment. If the Governor felt one or more of the selected individuals were not appropriate, they could remove them from consideration and the next name would advance. However, the next name in the order established by the Senate could not be rejected by the Governor. Those remaining on the list could be designated as alternatives. As far as restrictions placed on delegates, numerous states have enacted such legislation with good models offered by Florida and Indiana. Without question however, delegates must be restricted from participating in any issue not directly related to the application for which a convention is called. There will be another meeting of the Assembly of State Legislatures, as this is what the Mount Vernon Assembly has adopted as its formal name, this December and I am hopeful to continue attending. It should be noted that this Assembly could also serve as an important platform for other State’s rights issues, including the federal lands conundrum western states are grappling with. Doug Gerard: I worry about a constitutional convention turning into a runaway convention. I fear some precious rights we hold dear, especially free speech and the right to bear arms, could be taken away if such a convention was held. However, Nick Dranias from the Goldwater Institute (http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org) has done excellent work detailing that an Article V convention could be called with limiting the scope of the convention. Assuming we could call an Article V convention that is limited in scope to a few
topics, say for example a balanced budget amendment, then our legislature should restrict our delegates to only those topics for which the convention is called as a safeguard against a runaway convention. Delegate selection ought to take place as it did in 1787 by having the state legislatures choose delegates. 2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Doug Gerard: If you take a look at the press release from the Wyoming Retirement System from June 6, 2014. It shows there has improvement in the funding ratios of the nine individual plans over the course of the last year. Additionally the funding ratios, assuming the funds make expected returns, are predicted to be at or beyond 100% funding in a 30 year prediction (save the EMT fund which has no permanent funding source and the Warden, Patrol and DCI fund which is at 95.7%). At the current time the funding ratios for 2014 tell a different story as the largest fund is only 77.62% funded. Of the remaining eight funds, two show as fully funded with the rest showing smaller levels of underfunding. The good news is that all funds showed an increase in funded ratio compared to the prior year. What does all that mean? Basically while we aren’t in trouble yet we could be if there is another major correction or other unpredicted event that throws the 30 year predictions for a loop. We will need to closely monitor the situation over the coming years. As a state we must honor the promises made to the public sector employees of all vocations when they were hired. If at some point this becomes untenable we will have to look at other options. Once such option, presented in 2012, was
the switch from a defined benefits plan to a defined contribution plan for new employees and may well be worth revisiting if needed. Most private sector employees have defined contribution plans it seems these days. As soon as possible we will need to find a long term funding source for the EMT retirement fund. Eric Barlow: It is my understanding the pension system is challenged by two major issues. Retirees are living longer than was anticipated and not enough monies were set aside by the State to maintain this obligation. Secondly, our system is based on defined benefits, not defined contributions. Both of these drive costs significantly. As for fixes, it seems that more investment by the State, reduced benefits for retirees and initiating a new contribution based system all need careful consideration. 3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Eric Barlow: There are three components to this issue that need to be addressed from my perspective. First, the U. S. and Wyoming Constitutions speak to federal lands control, ownership and governance in several places. These need to be better understood. Next, how would existing rights for mineral extraction, agricultural use and other multiple uses designations be carried forth or disposed of. And finally, the manner by which the State would hold, manage and dispose of the lands has yet to be broached in any meaningful way. It is my contention
Continued on Page 11
2014 Election Guide • Page 11
August 8 - 15, 2014
State Representative #3 Continued from Page 10 that while this effort finds a firm basis upon which to proceed, there are practical means by which the federal lands foothold can be addressed in Wyoming with tools and concepts already available. These include land exchanges whereby private lands are exchanged for federal lands resulting in the reduction and consolidation of federal holdings, and memorandums of understanding for the State to manage federal resources, in the same way we attain primacy for various federal regulations. The legislature could assist in both and I am contemplating such measures. Doug Gerard: I wholeheartedly agree with Wyoming regaining lands held by the federal government. The most basic principle of good government is that the government closest to the people is best. Putting Wyoming people in charge of the management, preservation and development of Wyoming lands is the best for Wyoming and the agricultural and mineral industries that are the heart of Wyoming’s economy. In doing so we must preserve the multiple use nature of the lands as we don’t want to cost a rancher his or her operation and sportsmen must continue to have access to Wyoming’s world famous hunting and fishing opportunities. Much as we would like to have it happen overnight, it won’t. It will be a long process that will take time and is one we need to start now, and for Wyoming is will mostly be a political solution rather than a legal one. Steps we need to take are: - establish a coalition with other western states facing similar difficulties, especially Idaho and Utah who have the best chance of success in getting this movement started - support coalition states with all needed legal and political assistance - establish our own case for the return of federal lands 4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working
with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it. Doug Gerard: Wyoming is going to have to do all we can to fight the horrendous redefinition of what constitutes waters under federal jurisdiction. For years what waters fell under federal scrutiny depended on if they “navigable” or near an adjacent wetland, now apparently just be connected to something that might be could be enough. This is federal overreach at its most extreme. I hold little hope that pragmatism and responsible government can win the day here. Wyoming and the nation will find itself in a world of misery if this rule is adopted. I expect Wyoming will have to fight a court battle with the federal government. The legislature must be prepared to give the Governor the support he needs to succeed and protect Wyoming from this regulation. Eric Barlow: The WOTUS is an example of when a simple definition can be used to broaden federal regulatory control, in this case over Wyoming’s water and our use and control of it. Certainly, the Governor does have an executive responsibility to address the issue, but even more importantly, we as individuals, our businesses and local governments need to be engaged to resist unacceptable expansions in federal control, especially when not supported by law. Additionally, if the law needs to be revisited, then we must insist our federal representatives attend to that as well. Wyoming’s water is just that, Wyoming’s. We must ensure federal regulations are appropriate and resist all excess. It is the Governor’s responsibility, and it is ours. 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Eric Barlow: The current Legislature considered several firearms bills. They did not pass and some will likely be revisited. However, the is-
sue I would like to see a robust discussion about is the restoration of voting and firearms rights to felons who has fulfilled their debt to society. Under the current system voting rights are withheld for at least five years beyond the end of the sentence, minus a pardon, and only if there is just a single conviction. If there are two, they never are returned. Firearms rights are lost forever regardless. I believe that in the interest of due process, the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, the right to keep and bear arms and suffrage rights, these non- judicial sentences are excessive and deserve reconsideration. Doug Gerard: I am a supporter of the second amendment. I’d like to see Wyoming takes steps to become as close to a “constitutional carry” state as possible. One of the steps for that is Rep. Jaggi’s HB 105 from the 2013 session which my opponent voted against. This bill would broaden the areas where properly permitted individuals could carry a firearm. I’m all for expanding those areas as all I believe you do in declaring gun free zones is create areas where cowardly predators have an advantage. 6: There is talk of the legislature revisiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not? Doug Gerard: No. The Wyoming Supreme Court was clear in decision that the legislature doesn’t have the power abolish the position through statute and must ensure the superintendent has “general supervision of the public schools,” as the Constitution provides. I’d respectfully suggest that perhaps the most needed reform is to improve the ability of the legislature to provide oversight. The legislature has a responsibility to monitor the executive branch to ensure that it is operating according to statue. Eric Barlow: The only context I am aware of that SF 104 will be revisited is with regard to removing it from statute in accordance with the Wyoming Supreme Court’s decision. House Bill 110 was introduced in the last session to accomplish this, but failed introduction. I supported it.
7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Eric Barlow: School recapture is a means by which the State fulfills its constitutional obligation to provide all K-12 students in the state with an equitable opportunity for public education. By its very nature, the formula removes money from wealthy districts and provide resources to less fortunate ones. Our imperative is clear, however I am not familiar with viable alternatives to comment on how it could otherwise be addressed. Doug Gerard: Recapture is essentially the story of Robin Hood with the state in the leading role. Because of Wyoming Supreme Court decisions requiring equal education funding in my view recapture is here to stay. In 2006 the Wyoming constitution was amended to allow for recapture of funds from wealthier school districts to allow the allocation of funds to poorer school districts. At the time several alternative funding models were proposed and all failed in the legislature. I’d be happy to revisit the subject if it comes up again. With that said, every five years the funding model for education is recalibrated, and the next recalibration is due in 2015. One of the major improvements out of the recalibration procedure I’d like to see is a more predictable model, especially for inflation and deflation. On a year to year basis our school districts need to have some certainty to plan for future years. Having the legislature fiddle at the margins each year makes planning difficult. In that same vein school districts must be ready to accept changes in the per student guarantee if in order to provide that surety of planning. The funding model must do its best to protect the state from out of control inflation while at the same time providing predictability for the school districts.
Doug Gerard for State Representative District 03
before us. This work is accomplished during the legislative session and often, most importantly, when you have concerns and are not getting the answers you need and deserve from government. Currently, I am working on several important issues at the request of folks in our community, including: • Highway 59, 50 and 387 upgrades to keep our industries running and families safe, • Mental health access issues, • Sex offender registry shortcomings and • Developmental disability program challenges. In broader terms, I have heard several themes quite clearly. They include: • Federal governmentAsk for less. Accept less. Do more for ourselves. • Education- More local control. Less big government. • Energy- Development on Wyoming’s terms. • Property rights- Keep them strong. These are things I believe in too. Here is a brief reminder of who I am and what I do. I was born in Gillette and raised on the family ranch west of town. I graduated from Campbell County
High School and joined the United States Marine Corps. I served four years and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. I then worked in Australia for a year. In 1991, I married my 9th grade sweetheart, Kelly, and we began working, studying and raising our family. By 1998, Kelly had received her Masters in Special Education and I completed my veterinary degree. Most importantly, we were blessed with two children, Kate and Graham. We returned to Wyoming. First to Newcastle and then back to the family ranch. We continue to operate the ranch today and I practice veterinary medicine as well. We direct market beef and lamb and are involved in many service organizations. Our children were homeschooled for much of their education and both are now attending college. We are blessed beyond measure in so many ways. My service in the legislature has been gratifying and humbling. I commit to continuing to better understand the process and issues that need attention, for you, for our community and for Wyoming. I would appreciate your vote in the Republican primary on August 19th. Thank you.
view.” “I’m running for office because Wyoming, I think Campbell County in particular, needs good, conservative leadership.”
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ing ish
Hello. My name is Eric Barlow. I am currently serving in the Wyoming House of Representatives for House District 3. This district encompasses southern and western Campbell County and eastern Converse County. It includes Wright at its heart, and a considerable portion of east Douglas. I ran for office two years ago because I believed I could positively contribute to the legislative process on your behalf for our community and Wyoming. I believe I have done so with efforts that enhance personal freedoms and hold government accountable. My pledge was to listen to your concerns, learn about the issues and work for solutions that are purposeful, practical and fiscally responsible. Here are several examples of what that yielded: • Reduced business regulations for taxidermists, • Repealed warrantless searches for game and fish officers, • Told the Environmental Protection Agency to mind their business and • Opposed new taxes. However, there is more to do and I am seeking re-election to continue the necessary work we have
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Eric Barlow for House District 03
Doug Gerard was born in Detroit, Michigan and spent the first three years of his life there before his family moved to Rochester, New York. He played hockey growing up and played as the goalie. He graduated from high school in Rochester, and then attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. From there he received his degree in software engineering. Despite his early life on the east coast, Gerard says Wyoming is the only place that’s ever really felt like home. “I love the lifestyle. I love the mentality - the pioneer spirit and sense of community.” He owns his own local company and works with NASCAR and many formula one teams. Gerard is very work-centered, but he find the time to have a good political debate and to travel. The most interesting place he’s ever been was Israel. “Driving down to Jerusalem to Bethlehem...on the highway there, there were cement walls… asked our guide what that was for...’oh, it’s so we don’t get shot by snipers.’ ” He also thoroughly enjoys traveling to Italy, but the most beautiful place he’s ever been is out by Burnt Hollow. “It’s the most beautiful
The Campbell County Observer
August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 12
State Representative #31 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Brenda Schladweiler: If a Constitutional Convention was called by the states (under Article V of the Constitution), chosen delegates must represent the people and NOT act outside their designated written legal authority. Those chosen as a delegate or alternate should be certified by the Secretary of State or suitable state authority and a protocol established where those delegates and alternates would hold to a set of standards to maintain their status as a delegate. It would be the responsibility of each state legislature to author such legislation prior to participation in that Convention. Scott Clem: If our country were to have a constitutional convention, Wyoming would have to be careful who they send as delegates. My initial thought is to involve Wyoming citizens as much as possible. I believe the legislature should decide how many delegates to send. Outside of this, I believe an election by the people and for the people would be the best route. I do believe that the legislature should be able to call back a delegate if they feel he/she is not working for the best interests of the state. 2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Scott Clem: I believe there are problems with Wyoming’s current pension system. As of February 2013, the retirement system was projected to be 72.8 percent funded, meaning that it could cover that portion of its liability to retirees 30 years from now, but would not be cover retirees beyond that. Additionally, annual projected returns have stayed around 8%, when they should be projected to a lower number. In order for the system to be 100% funded the system needs more money. The big question is, where should this money come from? I’m going to use the Public Employee Pension Plan as an example. As of July 1st, 2014, the total contribution for a single employee is 15.87%. Here is how it breaks down: Employee out-of-pocket: 2.055%; Amount state pays for state employers: 6.195%; Employer contribution: 7.62%. As you can see, the out of pocket expense for employees is very little. A person making $100k is only contributing $2055 of his/her own money. In order to make the system for solvent, employees should be contrib-
uting more out-of-pocket, which is no different than those who work in the private sector. Brenda Schladweiler: It is my understanding Wyoming has one of the most wellfunded pension systems in the country. Recent efforts by the Wyoming Legislature such as restricting COLA’s and increasing employee contributions, have helped to strengthen the fund for the long-term by making it driven more by the employee than simply a guarantee of governmental benefits. 3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Brenda Schladweiler: I am in favor of local control as those closest to these lands know best how to manage them. However, I believe we need to take a cautious approach and have to be smart how to address this problem. While my heart is with the folks making this a focal point in this year’s election, my head says to ask the necessary questions to ensure that Wyoming will not be hurt. Will people still be able to hunt or fish on these lands? Would State land be any more accessible than Federal lands to the sportsmen activities that we currently enjoy given current restrictions on State lands? What is the cost-benefit to Wyoming associated with acquisition of federal lands, including how long will Wyoming be in court and what are the legal costs? Would federal laws that remain in place such as the Wild Horse and Burro Act need to be administered by state agencies? If acquired, will the State one day dispose of state lands into private hands? Privatization is generally good but who is going to buy those lands through a closed bidding system and will they provide access to the multiple use activities we have today. Given our federal debt, will China be first in line to purchase those lands? In addition, how are we going to deal with the fact that the Wyoming Constitution (Article 21, Section 26) states that Wyoming has already relinquished its claim to such lands during statehood. Hawaii and Utah’s battles are based on their state constitutions. It’s precarious to compare apples to oranges with these states and their current efforts or outcomes. The Legislature has appointed a select committee to look into this debate. Any debate at this time is somewhat premature until that report is due out later this fall.
Scott Clem: Some people say that this movement for the transfer of our public lands is about selling them off to the rich, or that we cannot afford to manage our own lands. But the only people making these arguments are the ones who want to increase federal control over our lands. This is about a failed federal lands policy that is killing western communities, draining education resources, closing off recreation and grazing access, and locking up billions of in natural resources/minerals. Don’t our citizens deserve the same opportunities to fund education, grow our economy, and control our natural resources/minerals as citizens in states east of Wyoming do? Today 48% of WY public lands, and 67% of our minerals, are controlled by the federal gov’t. This is land we can’t tax, use to fund education, use to build our local economies, and land where we don’t control our own natural resources/minerals. Mineral royalties on federal lands in WY go directly into federal coffers, about $1 billion/year. But Wyoming only gets back about 45% of that amount. What if Wyoming controlled 97% of public lands, like North Dakota, and we could expand mineral production? On state land we get 100% of the royalties. Imagine the revenue we would collect. Instead, the feds restrict access to minerals in Wyoming, and permits on federal lands are backlogged for months. As CC Commissioner Mark Christenson said before a U.S. Senate committee in July, producers go to other places like ND if they cannot get a timely permit in Wyoming. The solution? We must leverage our voices with resolutions and legislation. Resolutions must come from city councils, county commissioners, chambers of commerce, etc. This is why I went to our city council and school board this last spring, asking them to pass a resolution. I’ve received an invitation to speak to our commissioners in September. As the energy capital of the nation, our delegation should spearhead this effort. WY, UT, NV, MT, AZ,
ID, NM and even SC have taken legislative action. Utah has been leading the charge, passing the Transfer of Public Lands Act (TPLA). I am prepared to pass similar legislation in Wyoming. 4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it? Scott Clem: WOTUS is a proposed rule by the EPA under the Clean Water Act. Its purpose, claims the federal gov’t, is to clarify protections for streams and wetlands. It is worded to sound noble and not controversial, yet it is full of controversy. Under the Obama administration, American’s have witnessed the Executive branch of gov’t execute powers that only the Legislative branch is permitted to do. Namely, the power to create legislation/laws. The EPA has passed and enforced many rules (laws/legislations), in which they are not authorized by the constitution to do so. Only Congress has the power to create laws, but this hasn’t stopped the EPA. This last year the EPA had Wyoming’s boundaries re-drawn and gave 1 million acres of land to the Wind River Reservation, including the entire town of Riverton. This was done unilaterally by the stroke of a pen of a bureaucrat in Washington D.C. The EPA has also tried to garnish wages from citizens who were fined by the EPA, without a court order. WOTUS is another example of gov’t overreach. According their own definition, the EPA seeks to control, “All waters which are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide… waters on a case-specific basis, and other waters (at the EPA’s discretion).” Continued on Page 13
Brenda Schladweiler for Wyoming House of Representatives District 31 Brenda Schladweiler was raised in South Dakota but took advantage of programs available at the University of Wyoming and attended beginning in 1975. In 1977 and 1979, she worked summer jobs in Campbell County, one being at the “proposed” Coal Creek Mine at the time and the other at the then Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) Black Thunder Mine. She lived in Wright during a time that no permanent structures were located in that town and remembers the store and post offices being in trailers. In 1980 after graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Range Management (concentration in land rehabilitation), she moved to Gillette, and, with the exception of 9 months at the ARCO corporate office in Denver, has been in Campbell County ever since. Brenda says her parents instilled in her a willingness to risk and the ability to recognize opportunities. In 1985, the opportunity arose to become sole owner of a company incorporated in the State of Wyoming in 1981. That company was BKS Environmental Associates, Inc. (formerly Western Environmental, Inc.). In her job she provides environmental consulting services on energy development projects throughout Wyoming and adjacent states. As a child, her destiny and love of the outdoors was set as she was “pretty good making mud pies”. Once again opportunity knocked for obtaining a graduate degree at the University of Wyoming and she attended from 1991 to 2002 to obtain a Masters and PhD. She remembers that as knowing every curve in the road between Gillette and Laramie, as she still worked fulltime to keep her business going. Fast forward to 2014 and she now sees another opportunity, i.e., serving the citizens of Campbell County on a statewide
basis at the Legislature. With the open seat of Tom Lubnau available, Brenda decided not to seek a fourth four-year term on the Campbell County Conservation District Board of Supervisors and step to a different level of serving. The issues she is passionate about include protection of energy related jobs in Campbell County and the continuance of Campbell County and Wyoming as being the energy epicenter for the nation. She remembers seeing her first haul truck in 1977 and being in awe at its size. In retrospect, the size of that equipment in 1977 pales at the size of equipment today. As the daughter of parents who achieved 8th grade education, they instilled in her a desire to learn about “everything”. You never stop learning is one of her life phrases. She understands the need for education for the people of Campbell County. In a post-high school environment, that could include Gillette College, the University of Wyoming, or the Vocational Tech Center. In the elementary and secondary schools, Campbell County has been a leader. She remembers seeing the ocean of school buses in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and understanding the resources Campbell County has to put into its students. As Campbell County’s representative from House District 31, Brenda feels she can bring a unique set of qualities to that position, including being a business owner since 1985 and throughout Wyoming’s up and down economic cycles, education and job experience in energy and natural resource issues here in Campbell County and throughout the state, as well as her experience on the Conservation District and awareness of agricultural issues in Campbell County and throughout the state.
Scott Clem for Wyoming House of Representatives District 31
Despite being born in Williston, North Dakota, Scott Clem is a Wyomingite through and through. Throughout high school, he played multiple sports for Campbell County High School. After graduating, Scott started college to get his degree in Physics but later changed his major to Psychology. He’s currently in college for his bachelors of business down at the University of Wyoming. As a child, he was given
a four-wheeler by his dad, and that sparked his adventures in the Black Hills. “We’d find old graveyards and old abandoned mines. And then we’d find dangerous hills to climb on.” He also went skiing in the winter there. Clem frequently tells himself that there’s a time and season for everything, and as an eight year case manager at the Yes! House, he’s realized that life is in periods. “Some times are
good and some times are bad, but they’re all temporary.” Scott Clem spoke very passionately about education and how he believes the federal government is overreaching their boundaries. He’s running for office in hopes to give control back to the local government on all aspects of the spectrum: environment, education, values, and public lands.
2014 Election Guide • Page 13
August 8 - 15, 2014
State Representative #31 Continued from Page 12 They are basically wanting to control all surface area waterways. This will have a far-reaching and negative impact on farmers, ranchers and others with agricultural interests in Wyoming. How can more regulations be helpful, especially when the EPA’s general attitude toward agriculture is negative? The EPA can’t even make up its mind about what permits farmers need, and they want total control of waterways? Another question is how this will match up against Wyoming’s constitution? Article 1, section 31 gives Wyoming control of all water within its boundaries. If the rule is passed, it must be challenged. Our governor and attorney general must sue. I am prepared to do whatever it takes in the legislature to protect Wyoming’s water, to limit the EPA in our state, and to fight for those who make their livelihood in agriculture. Brenda Schladweiler: The March 2014 proposed rule by EPA to redefine “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act is another example of federal overreach in an administration and agency that has shown many times they are willing to do so. At the federal level, many senators have introduced legislation to block the finalization of this rule. At the state level, the Governor’s Office and the legislature must come alongside our Washington delegation partners in this effort. The Governor’s Office has asked the heads of the EPA and USACE to withdraw the Interpretive Rule regarding that effort. Another state effort could be to evaluate our current no trespassing laws on private surface, e.g., make it a crime or increase substantially the fines to intentionally sample a specific area for the purposes of providing information such as a WOTUS designation without the written consent of the surface owner. 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Brenda Schladweiler: The issue of whether or not teachers and employees within schools can have concealed weapons with a proper permit should be revisited. I am in favor of local school boards setting a level of necessary training and being able to choose if certain employees or positions would not be allowed to carry a firearm on school property. Scott Clem: Article 1, section 24 in our Wyoming Constitution says, “The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied.” This is basically the same as the second amendment in our U.S. Constitution. I am a lifetime member of the NRA and a fierce advocate for gun rights. I am proud of Wyoming’s conceal and carry law and believe our state does a fine job of educating firearm safety in hunter’s education courses. I am supportive of legislation that would permit Wyomingites to purchase and own certain fully automatic firearms. Our gun rights were given not so much for hunting than they were for protection. Our found-
ers believed that men ought to own the best firearm they could, should they have to battle with an enemy. I believe that premise still holds true today. Guns are a great deterrent. 6: There is talk of the legislature re-visiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not? Scott Clem: I am absolutely opposed to SF-104 and have been since the beginning. Article 4, section 11 of Wyoming’s constitution describes the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) as one of five elected executive offices. The fact of the matter is that SF-104 was a knee jerk reaction to allegations of wrongdoing in the SPI’s office. SF-104 presumed that the SPI was guilty and was drafted to strip away her powers. The power was then transferred to a newly created Director of Education. This was a position that was appointed by the Governor and was not accountable to the people. It was later struck down the Wyoming Supreme Court and the SPI received her powers again. Call me crazy, but I thought due process of law entailed that a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty? We have a normal process for dealing with those in government who abuse their powers. It’s called impeachment or elections. The legislature should have conducted its investigation right away. If they found wrong doing they could have impeached her. If the public felt the SPI was doing a poor job they could elect someone else. The fact of the matter is that SF-104 was embarrassing. Now some in the legislature want to amend our Wyoming Constitution and remove the SPI, making it an appointed position by the governor instead of an elected position by the people. I am opposed to making the SPI an appointed position. The SPI is the chairperson for the Wyoming Board of Education. All board members, except for the SPI, are appointed by the Governor. The one person who is accountable to the people is the SPI. To make the SPI an appointed position by the Governor is an effort to silence Wyoming citizens, and make the entire board of education appointed by the Governor. Brenda Schladweiler: Although I was not in favor of the original SF-104, I am not in favor of revisiting this. The Supreme Court has stated SF104 was unconstitutional. There are too many other important issues on the legislative plate for the upcoming session. 7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Brenda Schladweiler: The legal validity of recapture requirements was determined by the Wyoming Supreme Court
in litigation ending almost ten years ago. A free and equal public education throughout Wyoming is now required. If someone in the legislature would bring up reevaluating the recapture formula, I would approach that with caution as any revised formula may be more costly to Campbell County than the older formula. Given anticipated declines in coal production, Campbell County’s contribution may actual go down as well, while other counties such as Converse may go up. Scott Clem: There is no question that the wealth of our county is supporting schools elsewhere in the state. Article 7 of our Wyoming Constitution makes it clear that the state is to provide funding for public education, and that each student should have equal opportunity to
learn, but not all schools and towns are equal. Living in Gillette is more expensive than living in Sundance. Due to higher medium incomes, everything from homes to constructions material is priced higher. In order for our school district to remain competitive in Campbell County’s economy they need pay a competitive wage for all their employees, from the janitor to the school psychologist. This recapture formula needs constant observation/review as to make sure that Campbell County is not being shortchanged. We are a generous community and its good to be generous with school districts less fortunate in our state, but we shouldn’t be forced to be generous at the peril of our own students, teachers and families in Campbell County.
State Representative #32 Norine Kaserpik for Wyoming House of Representatives District 32 Representative Norine Kasperik was born and raised in Pennsylvania and received a Diploma in Nursing from Shadyside Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA. She travelled to many states with her husband Nick including West Virginia, Illinois, Wyoming, Missouri and returned to Wyoming in 2005. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna cum Laude, from Regis University in Denver, CO and Master of Sciences in Nursing Administration from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. Her career included clinical work in Emergency and Critical Care in multiple states, international recruitment in the Philippines, and Human Resource Management at the DePaul Health Center in St. Louis, MO. She completed her career as a Nurse Educator and Interim Director of the Gillette College School of Nursing. Norine has been active in professional organizations throughout her Career and has volunteered in numerous community organizations such as the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Board, President of the Campbell County Health Care Foundation and Hospice, and as a member of the Campbell County Public
Health Board. Currently, she volunteers with Gillette Kiwanis and various fundraising events for the Gillette College. She is also a member of PEO. Norine was elected to Wyoming House of Representatives in 2010. She is in her second term and serves on Standing Committees as Vice Chair of Minerals, Business and Economic Development, and as a member on Labor, Health and Social Services. She is also on the Select Committees of Health Benefit Exchange and Federal Natural Resource Management as well as the Economic Development Task Force. In addition to these duties, Norine has participated in meetings of the Energy Producing States Coalition, is State Co-Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council and is a member of the Council of State Government’s Western States Trends Committee. Norine is running unopposed for her third term in the Wyoming House of Representatives. She is married to her high school sweetheart Nick and has one son – Jason, his wife Allison and 11 year old granddaughter Macy.
State Representative #52 Troy Mader for Wyoming House of Representatives District 52
Bill Pownall for Wyoming House of Representatives District 52 William “Bill” Pownall has chosen to run for State Representative in District 52. Bill, as he prefers to be called, was born and raised in Campbell County. His Grandparent homesteaded the land which has been passed down for the last two generations. Bill’s dad was born on the ranch and took it over in the late 50’s. Bill bought the ranch in 1997. He enjoys roping and branding for pleasure. Bill attended and graduated from Campbell County
High School. While there he participated in playing football and wrestling. He is a member of the DOA Board, Elks, Shiners and the Masonic Lodge. Bill’s career in law enforcement began in 1975 with the Gillette Police Department. He joined the Sheriff’s office in 1976. Bill has served as our sheriff for the last 12 years, being re-elected into three office terms. He has severed Gillette for 38 years. This is his first time run-
ning at the State level. He is a down-to-earth, honest, caring, straight-forward man. He says, “It’s been an Honor serving the people of Campbell County and I will continue to do so.” When asked why he is running for office his reply was, “I’ve served our great community for years, and I would like to continue to serve our community in the way that is deserved by the citizens of Campbell County.”
Representative Troy Mader was born and raised in Campbell County. He’s the youngest son of Richard A. “Dick” and Ena Mader. Troy was raised on the home ranch where he still resides today. He and his wife, Cindy, have eight children and five grandchildren. Troy’s background includes ranching, raising livestock: horses, cattle and sheep, auctioneering, real estate sales and management, law enforcement, construction and subdivision development. Mader’s interest in politics came from his Dad. Dick Mader was a wellinformed American who didn’t hesitate to participate in public debate on the issues or to hold issue-waffling politicians’ feet to the fire. Troy listened and learned well from his Father. Troy’s love for God came from his Mother. “When I recall a true, dedicated Christian, I immediately think of my Mom, Ena Mader,” says Mader affectionately. “She lived her Christianity day in and day out. She gave her life to helping others.” Troy is also well-known for his music too. He’s a recording artist with two CDs under his belt: Freedom’s Struggle – a Patri-
otic CD paying tribute to Veterans (www. freedomsstruggle.com); This Little Light of Mine – Gospel CD with Paul Aamot (www. ptlightofmine.com). Mader sings regularly at Pioneer Manor. Music Highlight: “I’ve performed many concerts honoring Veterans. In one July 4th concert I sang ‘The Ballad of the Green Berets’. I prefaced that song by saying it was my ‘Thanks’ to the Vietnam Vets who honorably served their country. The concert went well and then we had the fireworks display. As people were heading home, a bearded middle-aged man came down the bleachers toward me. There were tears in his eyes as he approached. He reached out and grabbed my hand and said, ‘You don’t know how much your concert meant to me! I’m a Vietnam Vet and you’re the first person who has ever publicly thanked me for my service!’ I just stood there looking at him and pretty soon he wasn’t the only one with tears in his eyes. All of us standing there were touched.” Mader’s goal in the Legislature? “Listen and Learn so he can Legislate effectively.”
August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 14
State Representative #52 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Troy Mader: I’m opposed to a Constitutional Convention – period. Here’s why: A. Wyoming would only have one vote and we would be mown over by the states with numerous votes. B. Due to the deterioration of “Rule of Law” I’m not convinced such a convention can be limited in scope. If limited to a “Balanced Budget” amendment, there’s not as much risk. However, there’s no guarantee any such limitation would be honored. C. The Constitution, in recent years, has been repeatedly interpreted by liberal judges as a “living document” meaning they, the judges, can interpret it according to their own whim, rather than the original intent. Therefore, if a legislative or judicial question would arise from a Constitutional Convention, we would have little chance of a strict original intent ruling. Bill Pownall: If there is a Constitutional Convention selection of delegates would be a critical issue. I would support a process which results in delegates who will be accountable to protect the interests of the people of Wyoming. Whether that process would be legislative approval, direct election, or another form of appointment, any process would need to be carefully crafted to make certain to appoint only the most qualified persons possible. The historical record of our nation’s only Constitutional Convention tells us any attempted restrictions placed on delegates would not be binding. However part of the appointment process would be to select delegates with a clear vision of which issues are most important to the people of Wyoming
3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Troy Mader: Yes, but it will be no easy task with a Federal Government used to running over states’ rights at will. My strategy is “Let’s not re-invent the wheel.” Forty-two of the 50 states have little or no federal lands. Most had to sue the federal government in order to make the Feds keep their word. It’s likely we would have to go the same route. It would also be beneficial for the western states to band together in this effort. Utah has taken the lead. I would like to see Wyoming join them and solicit other western states to join as well. There’s power in numbers. We need to remember the Federal Government’s role with land ownership is more of a “Trustee” rather than landowner. Our founders were adamant in their support of private property and limitation of governmental power. One of the best limitations is preventing government from owning land because all real wealth comes from the land. Whoever controls the land, controls the wealth. So if the citizens own the land, the government is more compelled to listen to the citizens. If government owns the land, they have no motivation to listen to the citizens. Finally, keep in mind the very first plank of the Communist Manifesto is the “Abolition of Private Property Rights.” Bill Pownall: I believe Wyoming should have control of the federal lands within our borders. We can manage and regulate the use of public lands within our state better than the federal government can. With proper management and local decision making, these lands can be of tremendous economic benefit to the citizens of Wyoming. Even though I agree with the idea of state ownership of all the lands within our borders, I also realize the process of gaining title to these lands is not simple. The idea of state ownership of federal lands is nothing new. Western states have been working towards transfer of federal lands is nothing new. Western states have been working towards transfer of federal lands to state control for decades. The only realistic way to succeed in this process will be through the legislative process, legal action and compromise with the federal government.
2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Bill Pownall: I don’t believe there is a major problem with Wyoming’s current pension system. The law enforcement retirement system is currently in good financial shape, and I believe recent changes to contributions for the other parts of the system will be sufficient to sustain the pension system in the future. As with all investments the system needs to be closely monitored to make certain it is properly managed. A properly managed and properly funded pension system is a long term investment toward maintaining high quality employees. Troy Mader: Yes, but I’m not well versed on how to fix it. Due to being appointed the legislature at the very beginning of the Budget Session and having been placed on Revenue and Corporations Committees, I have had to focus my efforts on my committee work. I would seek advice from other conservative legislators on this issue and then do further research on my own.
4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it. Bill Pownall: The EPAs work to redefine which waters are covered under the Clean Water Act amounts to another attempt to place further control of private lands in the hands of the federal government. The EPA will claim authority over farm and ranch lands and attempt to regulate activities on private lands under the claim they are protecting our waters. I
would join with the legislators in numerous other states in taking any action needed to stop what amounts to a land grab by the EPA which is far outside their scope of authority. Troy Mader: The state should have full jurisdiction over water and its usage within its boundaries. It must comply with previous water agreements with other states unless changed through the proper channels. I oppose the EPA’s attempt to control any waters within state boundaries. Further, I support the Governor’s work to retain, improve and expand our water resources. Additionally, I fully support Article 8, Section 1 of the Wyoming Constitution: The water of all natural streams, springs, lakes, and other collections of still water, within the boundaries of the state, are hereby declared to be the property of the state. The Territorial Legislature did a good job here and we can be extremely grateful due to the EPA’s attempt to usurp said control. This gives the state a good legal argument against such usurpation. 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Troy Mader: First, the good news is Article 1, Section 24 of the Wyoming Constitution clarifies that it is the “citizens’ right to keep and bear arms” that cannot be denied. I would like to see “Gun Free School Zones” eliminated. Such zones are a “feel good” law that makes students sitting ducks to any assailant who would want to harm them. During the last session, there were two kinds of bills introduced to address this issue and I supported both of them. Unfortunately, all failed passage. One bill simply eliminated such zones and was quickly stopped partially due to opposition from educators. This was the best bill in my opinion. Two other bills also eliminated such zones but gave discretion to local school boards to decide who could or could not carry guns in their schools. I also supported these bills. It’s important to note these bills were not opposed nearly as much by educators. Regarding giving discretion to local school boards, my preference was to have “some guns” rather than “no guns” under the present law. The contrast can be illustrated with the shooting incidents at Sandy Hook and Arapahoe High School in Colorado. At Sandy Hook, there were no guns and we remember the outcome. At Arapahoe High School an armed Sheriff’s Deputy responded to “shots fired” and only one innocent life was lost. There are positives and negatives to such “discretion.” One positive is such discretion gives exactly that to school boards. For example, how Casper or Cheyenne School Boards might address this issue could be much different than how it would apply to remote schools such as Rozet, Recluse or Little Powder in District 52.
A negative is the lack of consistency between different schools. Bill Pownall: I feel the current firearm laws in Wyoming are sufficient to protect our citizens while safeguarding our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms. I would be in support of expansion of the places where concealed weapon permit holders are allowed to carry firearms. For example even incidental carry of a weapon onto school grounds by a permit holder is prohibited. I would support changing this restriction, and would be open to other expansions as well. 6: There is talk of the legislature revisiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not? Bill Pownall: I wouldn’t support SF104 today. I believe the election process in the proper forum for removing a person from office or limiting their powers. If there is reason to remove the person for official misconduct, they should be removed through impeachment Troy Mader: No, I don’t favor re-visiting SF-104 simply because the person at which that legislation was directed will no longer be Superintendent of Public Instruction in a few months. There is a related issue that should probably be addressed, i.e. the “equal authority” issue between the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. There has been much conflict between the two entities over the years. It’s my opinion the legislature should clearly define who has final say. 7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Troy Mader: The School Recapture Formula is complex and I simply don’ t understand it yet. Therefore I don’t know if I would “support” it or not. Review and address it? Yes! Support it? I don’t know. Changing it would be difficult simply because Campbell County is in the minority in the legislature on this issue. We also need to keep in mind that while we may not be getting all the money back that we would like to, we are funding education at $16,000 to $18, 000 per student. If I recall right, that amount is higher than every other state in the union. Bill Pownall: I will support school funding as it stands currently, however I will oppose any proposal which changes the recapture formula to increase the amount paid by Campbell County.
State Representative #53 1: There have been meetings by state legislators from many states about the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. If one is presented, how do you propose the choosing of delegates and what if any restrictions would you put on them? Roy Edwards: I will not support a Constitutional Convention or an amendment to the Constitution. If a Constitutional Convention is called there is no way to limit the convention to certain topics. They tried that with The Articles of Confederation that is how we got the Constitution and Bill of Rights up to the 10th amendment. If a Constitutional Convention is called GOD help up us. There are many on the left that hate this country that would like to destroy it. I would work to appoint constitutional people as delegates. GOD help them they (Wyomingites) would be badly outnumbered by delegates from more populous states like California and New York to name two. 2: Is there a problem with Wyoming’s current pension system? Why, and if so how do you plan to fix that problem? Roy Edwards: I would have to see where the problem lies before I could tell you how it needs to be fixed. 3: There is much talk by state legislators and legislature candidates about returning federal owned lands back to the state of Wyoming. Do you support this, and if so what is your strategy to perform this task? Roy Edwards: I do support Wyoming taking possession of all lands that the federal government has in Wyoming that it has that are not Constitutional for them to possess. To get these lands we need to stand with other Western States on a constitutional bases and treating Wyoming the same as all the other states east of Wyoming. 4: WOTUS (Waters of the United States) will soon be an issue that the Governor of Wyoming will need to face. Do you plan
on supporting or working with this plan? If not, how do you plan to stop it. Roy Edwards: I will not support the federal government in taking away Wyoming water rights. This is a States rights issue.( 10th amendment ) The federal government will try to use WOTUS to control ALL water and ALL land that the water may touch which would be ALL of Wyoming! 5: Are there current firearm laws in the state statutes that you would remove or change? If not, are there firearm laws that you would like to see implemented? Roy Edwards: I don’t know if there are current firearm laws that need to be changed. I strongly support the 2nd amendment right to keep and bear arms. I will not support legislation to take away those rights. 6: There is talk of the legislature revisiting SF-104 or another variant. Do you support this? Why or why not? Roy Edwards: I believe all of Wyoming’s elected officials need to keep their power as given to them by the Wyoming Constitution. We the people chose who we want to represent us and we can fire them if they don’t do the job we elected them to do. It needs to stay we the people (voters). 7. The Campbell County School District is estimating it will pay $60.1 million to the state as part of a recapture formula to fund school operations throughout Wyoming this year. They will be receiving 2 dollars back. We lead the recapturing funds with 829mil total so far. If this issue of recapturing comes up in the next two legislative sessions, will you support it? If not, what is your proposed alternative? Roy Edwards: The recapture is socialism taking from the haves to give to the have not’s. I would work to help keep Campbell County School District’s money in Campbell County. It may work to make a State Land and Investment Board for school districts in real need.
Roy Edwards for Wyoming House of Representatives District 53 Roy Edwards is a Wyoming man through and through. He was born and raised in Campbell County and always lived in the country. As a child, he remembers going fishing in the mountains with his grandfather. He owns his own business: Edwards Tire Company. Between working and spending time with his family, he doesn’t have much free time. “I see this [running for office] as the last opportunity to straighten Wyoming out. I’d like to help turn this state around and get this state back to the glory it used to be. I want families to be able to raise their children here and not have them go to another state later in life.”
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2014 Election Guide • Page 15
August 8 - 15, 2014
Secretary of State 1: Because of the Secretary of State being the Lt. Governor, please give us an overview of your stances on EPA, Federal Lands back to state control, WOTUS, 2nd Amendment rights, and the current Medicaid/Medicare system. Ed Buchanan: The EPA, under the current administration, is a threat to state sovereignty, our western way of life and just as importantly, our economy. The administration has taken an already powerful bureaucracy and has wielded it as a sword by using executive orders to set unnecessary regulation on power plant emissions and change the definitions to greatly expand federal control over land and water resources. The emissions in the U.S. are at a 20 year low and dropping; we were already doing a great job producing power for our nation while balancing environmental needs. Wyoming and her citizens should not be punished due to the fact that other industrial nations are polluting the air. The definitional changes proposed for agriculture are misleading in that, although they profess to add greater exemptions for agriculture, the exemptions do not provide relief from the reach and jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The entire result is more regulation and permitting requirements that will harm our economy I support the movement for federal lands to be given to the western states. I think Wyoming should join with states like Utah to litigate the issue if legally realistic. However, we do need a comprehensive plan to manage these lands for their maximum economic benefit and plan for the expense that will be incurred in doing so. In other words, go into it with our eyes wide open. I am a strong supporter of second amendment rights and as such have Arating from the NRA. I believe that determinations regarding any regulation need to be at the state level as is required, indirectly, by the tenth amendment. The current Medicare/Medicaid system is too expensive. Until insurance reforms are made that don’t require (Obamacare) specific coverage and that provide for only catastrophic care, the cost of healthcare will continue to rise with the result being bigger deficits and inflation. Wyoming experimented with this under Healthy Frontiers and we finally put that failed experiment to rest. Wyoming was wise, under the current facts as we know them, to resist expansion of Medicaid. We have learned from experience that the federal government promises to pay and then changes its mind, leaving the states to pay the freight. Ed Murray: I have grave concerns about the EPA. From seeking to eliminate the coal industry to stopping hydraulic fracing and now regulating our water, the EPA is taking measures that will effectively destroy Wyoming’s economy and put our citizens at the mercy of unnecessary, overreaching rules and regulations. I firmly believe we need to hold the line on this federal intrusion. Over the course of my campaign, I have toured multiple mines and power facilities and met with industry leaders to gain their insight on the future of coal, and I believe that Wyoming can set the standard for preserving our coal industry while investing heavily in research for clean coal technology at the University of Wyoming. We must do everything in our capacity as a state government to protect our mining industry. I am opposed to the EPA’s efforts to re-
write the Clean Water Act and redefine “Waters of the United State” to include non-navigable waters such as ponds, thereby expanding the jurisdiction of the Clean Waters Act. I fully support efforts to return federal lands back to control by the State of Wyoming. Considering the mismanagement of our federal lands, there is no question that western states should be given the opportunity to have greater control and ownership of the lands that are within our boundaries. As we look at the overall cost of Medicaid and Medicare, I applaud the resistance to accept the expansion with federal assistance. As we have seen with Wyoming’s AML, PILT, and Secure Rural Schools money, the federal government does not always live up to its commitments. To address healthcare funding shortfalls we need to begin to first look at cost savings through finding efficiencies and stopping waste, fraud and abuse. I believe that the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land. In the Constitution, the right to keep and bear arms is preserved. I believe the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right of the people, and as a society we have nothing to fear from law abiding citizens who decide to carry firearms for whatever reason, concealed or unconcealed. I am an ardent supporter of 2nd amendment rights. 2: What is your stance on Wyoming’s current 3rd party ballot access laws? What, if anything, would you change about them? Ed Murray: I believe that lowering the threshold for third party ballot access from five percent to two percent was an important step in allowing greater participation in the electoral process. I am inclined to keep the current threshold at two percent, which I view as a fair standard for the existence of a third party ballot line. Ed Buchanan: While it is somewhat onerous to get a third party on the ballot, it has been done when there has been enough support, e.g. Libertarian Party. The requirement was lowered from 5% of total votes case for U.S. Representative in the last general election to 2%. I wouldn’t change anything absent a compelling case presented. 3: Are there any corporate laws that you would work to change? Why? Ed Buchanan: We need to implement an expedited route to corporate formation utilizing technology for faster turnaround. Also, I think it would be a good idea to send out notices of annual reports due to corporations. This may be a rule change rather than statutory, but I believe entities paying the licensing fees would boost the compliance rate prior to administrative dissolution. Ed Murray: I want to continue the efforts spearheaded by current Secretary of State Max Maxfield to eliminate shell companies and other instances of fraud and abuse in Wyoming. The good name of our state should not be tarnished by a few bad actors, and we need to protect the integrity of legitimate Wyoming businesses. 4: Describe how business friendly
Ed Buchanan for Wyoming Secretary of State Ed grew up farming and ranching in Goshen County, learning the values of hard work and responsibility. After graduating from the University of Wyoming with a B.A. in Political Science, Mr. Buchanan received a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force, where he served as an intelligence advisor to seniorlevel officers in the Department of Defense. While stationed in Colorado, Ed received his M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Upon his return to civilian life, Ed attended law school at the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1998. During law school, Ed chaired the prestigious Rothgerber trial competition and was selected for membership in the Board of Advocates. After gaining experience while associating with another law firm, Ed opened his own business in 2002. The business is the very definition of a small business. Employing a handful people, Ed knows the challenges and importance of small business in Wyoming. Producing a quality service and meeting a payroll are familiar to Ed. Eager to participate in public service, Ed was elected to the Wyoming State Legis-
lature in 2002 and served for 10 years. He served as majority whip and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee from 2006-2008, Majority Floor Leader from 2008-2010, and was the Speaker of the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2010-2012. During his tenure, Ed concentrated on legislation to maintain and increase Wyoming’s economic prosperity, to strengthen and toughen sentences for sex offenders and other criminals, to support the core values of Wyoming citizens and to solve problems brought to him by his constituents. He left the legislature in 2012, adhering to a self-imposed term limit. Ed is and has been involved with many community organizations to include Rotary, Goshen County Economic Development, Goshen County Republicans, Goshen County Two-Shot, Wyoming PBS and Goshen Community Theatre. His favorite charities are St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital and March of Dimes. He is also a volunteer pilot for Pilots ‘n Paws to help orphaned pets find new homes. He most enjoys spending time with family and is a licensed pilot.
(or not friendly) the State of Wyoming is compared to other states, and what would you try to change to make it even more so? Ed Murray: Wyoming is very business-friendly compared to other states in terms of our low taxes, but I believe that one of the biggest challenges facing the next Secretary of State will be keeping Wyoming as business friendly as possible in light of ever-developing challenges, including an overreaching federal government, fraud from shell companies trying to operate in Wyoming, and burdensome rules and regulations that stifle free enterprise. I will respond to these challenges by implementing new technology to modernize and enhance the services provided by the Secretary of State, increasing the transparency of Wyoming’s regulatory climate, and advocating for successful, conservative business principles in state government, which I have honed over 30 years of experience as a businessman. We have an unparalleled quality of life in Wyoming, but decisions made outside of Wyoming can have a chilling impact on our state’s economy and our lives. We need a strong, conservative business leader for Wyoming’s business office. I will serve as a steadfast ambassador for Wyoming. Ed Buchanan: I believe Wyoming is about as friendly as it gets when it comes to doing business. We have no corporate income tax and a very small annual licensing fee. Wyoming consistently ranks in the top 5 for state budget gap, state and local tax burden, and business tax climate. We have a manufacturing tax exemption and have passed legislation regarding tax exemptions for high-tech companies. I think now we need to focus our efforts on building infrastructure to encourage businesses to move here, e.g. fiber optic, broadband etc. 5: What is your stance on Wyoming’s current Independent ballot access laws? What, if anything, would you
change about them? Ed Buchanan: The requirements for an independent to get on the ballot are the same as for a provisional party. The requirement is 2% of total votes case for U.S. Representative in the last general election. I wouldn’t change anything absent a compelling case presented. Ed Murray: As the Chief Elections Officer, my priorities include fostering greater political participation and maintaining total transparency in our elections system. I believe that the current two percent threshold for signatures is appropriate, but I would be open to lengthening the amount of time for the gathering of Independent ballot access signatures. As Secretary of State, I also pledge that my elections division will work to expedite the approval of the petition used for signature gathering. 6: What makes you the best candidate for this position? Ed Murray: The Secretary of State functions as the business office of Wyoming, and I believe we need a business leader with proven business experience in this office. I have spent the past 30 years in the private sector building my own business from the ground up; in my capacity as a business owner, I have created hundreds of opportunities for housing, schools, open spaces, businesses, churches, and new and improved infrastructure for Wyoming residents. I have a track record of success in business, which I attribute to an intimate understanding of successful, conservative business principles, an acute attention to detail, uncompromising integrity, and a genuine desire to lead positive change. As a business leader and fourth generation Wyoming native, I am prepared to put my experience to use to better serve the people of Wyoming in the Secretary of State’s office. Continued on Page 16
Clark Stith for Secretary of State
I am running for Secretary of State because the people of Wyoming deserve a state government that is smaller, cleaner and more transparent. A smaller government will reinforce our core values of individual liberty, personal responsibility and self-reliance. Is the state government sector too large? Yes. According to an official State of Wyoming workforce study, Wyoming’s biggest industry is . . . government. Wyoming currently ranks No. 1 among the 50 states for having the highest percentage of its labor force employed by the federal, state and local governments. Excluding federal workers and education employees, Wyoming still ranks No. 1, at 450 state and local government workers per 10,000 residents. Alaska, a less densely populated state, ranks No. 2 at 392 per 10,000 residents. Wyoming state government employment peaked in 2010 and has fallen somewhat since, to approximately 8,450, but the net gain is still about 1,000 additional state government positions, an increase of 14% since 2003. Surprisingly, the Secretary of State’s office has increased by even more (19%) during the same period. What does the Secretary of State do? The Wyoming Secretary of State serves as the state’s chief elections officer and administers the laws relating to corporations, limited liability companies, UCC financing statements and state securities laws. The Secretary of State is also one of five members of various boards, including the State Loan and Investment Board, The State Building Commission and the Board of Land Commissioners. How do you make the state government smaller? I have made a specific commitment to streamline the staff in an orderly, deliberate fashion by at least 9% over four years, essentially cutting back half of the last decade’s growth while enhancing customer service. Won’t that mean fewer services? No. I have introduced a “small government toolkit,” tools that can be used to make the Secretary of State’s office more effective while reducing its overall size. The first is an Express Lane for same-day online filing for new legitimate Wyoming companies. This would largely replace the current labor intensive, paper based white collar assembly line. The second tool would be to create a dead end for phony companies. Wyoming is business friendly, but business friendly is not fraud friendly. The third tool is for municipalities to revitalize old downtown buildings using crowdfunding that introduces more private capital while getting the government out of the real estate business. These are not new government programs. Rather, they are tools that can be used to make the government both smaller and more effective. What about these State boards? What do they do and why should I care? By state law, the State Loan and Investment Board provides grants and loans for projects to fix public health and safety emergencies, comply with state or federal law, and “other necessary projects.” I support
SLIB infrastructure projects that benefit the community as a whole, but I am against government handouts to private companies. On the Board of Land Commissioners I would support multiple use and no net increase of public lands unless it is to acquire federal lands. On the State Building Commission the biggest challenge will be to ensure that the whopping $259 million that the legislature has already approved to renovate the State Capitol does not mushroom to $400 million or more by the Capitol renovation becoming yet another troubled government public works project. Doesn’t the Secretary of State serve as governor when the governor is absent from the state, resigns or dies? Yes. Wyoming has a colorful early history of Secretaries of State stepping temporarily into the position of governor and appearing to abuse the privilege. In 1903, Secretary of State Fenimore Chatterton, who became governor upon the untimely death of governor DeForest Richards, demanded that he be paid two salaries. (He was paid both -- I would not do that.) In 1893, when Francis Warren vacated the office of governor to become U.S. senator, the Secretary of State, who served as acting governor for just a month, promptly pardoned a criminal friend of his. (I would not do that either.) Except at election time, the functions of the governor’s office would likely take priority over those of the Secretary of State. The staff at the Secretary of State’s office is courteous, professional and hard-working and would be able to step up to the plate to ensure a smooth functioning office during such temporary vacancies. The bottom line is this: big government is not merely expensive. As the government sector grows, it chips away at our core values of individual liberty, personal responsibility and self-reliance. We need to right size the state government sector. Is Clark Stith qualified for the job? Yes. For the past 23 years my day job as a business lawyer has been to deal with the same laws that the Secretary of State administers. I have served as chairman of the Sweetwater County Republican Party twice and on the Board of Trustees of Western Wyoming Community College. I currently serve on the Rock Springs City Council, where I have been a budget hawk, voting in the minority against the 2013 city budget that resulted in deficit spending and voting unanimously in favor of a 3.8% budget cut for the 2014-15 fiscal year. I humbly ask you for your vote.
August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 16
Secretary of State
Ed Murray is a fourth-generation Wyoming native, an experienced businessman, and a family man. For the past thirty years, Ed has devoted his career to private enterprise in Wyoming. He has focused on building small businesses, growing the economy, creating jobs, and improving communities. Ed has led numerous development efforts in Laramie County, resulting in hundreds of opportunities for housing, schools, open spaces, businesses, churches, bike paths and new and improved infrastructure for Wyoming residents. Ed’s track record proves that he is capable of building an honest, thriving business from the ground up. His success can be attributed to his keen entrepreneurial spirit, acute attention to detail, uncompromising integrity, and genuine desire to lead positive change. As Wyoming’s Secretary of State, he is prepared to bring his edge to the way Wyoming does business, centering on transparency, innovation, and efficiency. In addition to being a business veteran, Ed is a community servant and supporter of charitable causes. He has served as a consultant and on the board of directors for numerous organizations, including the Laramie County Community College Foundation (where he served as president) and the Cheyenne-Laramie County Corporation for Economic Development (where he was instrumental in assembling the property for the North Range Business Park where companies like Sam’s Distri-
bution Center and Microsoft Data Center are now situated). In addition, Ed and his wife, Caren, are strong advocates of education, having contributed property for school sites and funding for scholarships and endowments for LCCC cultural series. Born and raised in Laramie County, Ed graduated from Central High School in 1976 and went on to receive a degree in business administration with dual majors in finance and real estate. Following his college graduation, Ed earned his J.D. at the University of Wyoming College of Law before returning to Cheyenne to put his education to use by starting his own business. Above all, Ed’s priority has been bringing up his family with his wife of 28 years, Caren. Ed and Caren have raised four daughters in Cheyenne: Meghan (27), Erin (25), Kelley (22), and Frannie (19). The Murray family has been a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish. Ed calls it a privilege to have raised four daughters in the Equality State. He believes that Wyoming – its unparalleled uniqueness, traditions, and freedom – played an indispensable role in allowing his daughters to grow into the individuals they are today. Ed summarizes his motivation to run for Secretary of State with a quote from Thomas Jefferson regarding the duty of public service: “A tour of duty in whatever line he can be most useful to his country is due from every individual.” It would be an honor for him to serve Wyoming in the office of Secretary of State.
Wyoming State Treasurer 1. Why are your running for office? Mark Gordon: When Joe Meyer, who was a dear friend, passed away in office and I was encouraged by my wife and friends to put my name in for the appointment because of my broad experience in Wyoming and her principal industries. I was brought up in a family that emphasized service and I am honored to have had the opportunity to fill in behind Joe. Now, I am running for a full term because I hope to finish the work that I have begun. 2. If elected, what would be your priorities for Wyoming? Mark Gordon: I have a
long list of things I would like to accomplish during my first full term – the top few priorities would be: • Finish refining the way the state assists private enterprise to assure a fairer, more mature and appropriate approach. • Assist counties, municipalities, and other governmental subdivisions who have desire to get better returns on their investments to the fullest extent possible, constitutionally and statutorily. • Improve the return on the funds in the “Rainy Day” account by working to pass a constitutional amendment in 2016 allowing those funds to be invested more like the Permanent
Funds and not solely in fixed income instruments. • Modernize and improve the operations of the office 3. What qualifications/ characteristics make you the best candidate for your office? Mark Gordon: The Treasurer’s office is key to so many opportunities and programs that will continue to provide for Wyoming citizens. Since my appointment, I have traveled to all 23 counties, nearly 98,000 square miles, and I’ve built a reputation of being very active in the state and attentive to the needs of all Wyomingites. It’s a reputation I am most proud of.
Mark Gordon for Wyoming State Treasurer Rockies, and on the board of the Ucross Foundation. He is a member of Rotary and Elks and the NRA. He and his wife, Jennie, own and operate businesses and ranches in Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming. His home ranch received the 2009 Excellence in Range Stewardship award from the Society for Range Management. They are members of the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, Wyoming Stock Growers, and Woolgrowers.
In addition to my business background, I am very involved in my community and have served on the board of directors for numerous organizations, including the Laramie County Community College Foundation (where I served as president) and the Cheyenne-Laramie County Corporation for Economic Development. My wife, Caren, and I have been married for 28 years. Together we have raised four grown daughters. Our family is a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish. My education includes a B.A. in Business Administration (with dual majors in finance and real estate) and a J.D. from the University of Wyoming. I believe that it is time for new blood and fresh leadership in our state government. I am a highly committed individual, and I pledge to serve the people of Wyoming with the same commitment I show my family, my business and my community. Ed Buchanan: I grew up farming and ranching in Goshen County and have lived here for 45 years. I attended UW and received my undergraduate and law degrees there. I also completed Air Force ROTC at UW and, upon graduation, served four years as an officer in the United States Air Force at space command. When I finished my military service, I returned to Wyoming and ran for the legislature in 2002. While there, my primary focus was on agriculture, natural resources and economic development
legislation. I was appointed as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which is the committee with the greatest volume of work assigned. Later, I was selected by my peers as the Majority Floor Leader and then as Speaker of the House. I did not seek re-election in 2012 despite there being no term limits. My qualifications for the job are that I am conservative, am a proven leader and have a voting record to back it up. My leadership style enabled me to earn the trust and respect of my colleagues, from both political parties, without compromising my principles. I lead with civility and respect so that we can always find those common interests that will lead Wyoming forward into the future. I sponsored countless bills to support states’ rights, the second amendment, and a balanced budget. I have been an advocate for our mineral industry by educating the public on how much it contributes to our assessed valuation. I place an emphasis on savings and low taxes, and working with local communities to enhance their economic development efforts and build their infrastructure. I have represented my former constituents before the SLIB and know the process well. I successfully sponsored an amendment to the Wyoming constitution that gave local communities more control of their goals for economic development and methods for attaining them. Finally, I love Wyoming and consider it a privilege to serve her citizens. I want to be a public servant of whom the people can be proud.
US Senator Bryan Miller for US Senate
Bryan Miller is a Wyoming Businessman, retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and a Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate for The Great State of Wyoming. Bryan graduated from Sheridan High School where he was active in school government, was a varsity athlete, a member of the FFA and 4-H Programs, and participated in the Wyoming Boys State program. During his formative years, Bryan worked on local ranches and farms working as a ranch-hand, milking cows, and bucking hay. After high school, Bryan was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology. In addition to his undergraduate degree, Bryan also has earned two Masters Degrees one in Aeronautical Science and one in the Military Operational Art and Sciences as well as completed all levels of military officer development through Air War College. Bryan spent nearly 23 years on Active Duty in the US AIr Force, initially being trained as an Air-Refueling Tanker Pilot in the KC-135R (Boeing 707) aircraft. He served at multiple locations across this great nation and around the world flying training, combat, and humanitarian support missions as far back as Operation Desert Storm. In 1997, Bryan was selected to become an Air Force One Presidential Advance Agent and spent five years working closely with the staffs of two White House Administrations, with Local, State, and Federal Agencies, and with US Embassies and Foreign Government Agencies around the world ensuring the safe and timely
travel of the President and Senior Cabinet members. Due to his great success in dealing with difficult situations around the globe, Bryan was ultimately chosen to become the Program Chief at the Pentagon in Washington, DC which provided him unique insight into the Administration’s daily operations as well as in the inner workings of the interagency organizations that make up the federal government. Soon after the terrorist attacks on 9-11, he was selected to attend Air Command and Staff College in residence; then became a member of the team that established the newly created, United States Northern Command, specifically as a member of the J5 Strategy, Policy and Plans Directorate, specializing in homeland defense and security strategy and where he once again became deeply involved with interagency policy and operations. Bryan was later chosen to become the Operations Officer of a C-21 Learjet squadron in preparation for a command position. Finally, while recovering from an on-base accident he was assigned to the North American Aerospace Defense Command where he ultimately finished up his Air Force career. In February 2011, after retiring from the US Air Force, Bryan started a private consulting business in which he is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of BEM Int’l, LLC, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business headquartered in his hometown of Sheridan. Bryan has been married to his wife Susan since 1990, shortly after he completed Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base near Chandler, AZ.
Why Is It? (a/k/a The Advertising Poem) A man wakes up after sleeping under an advertised blanket, on an advertised mattress, pulls off advertised pajamas, bathes in an advertised shower, shaves with an advertised razor, brushes his teeth with advertised toothpaste, washes with advertised soap, puts on advertised clothes, drinks a cup of advertised coffee, drives to work in an advertised car, and then, refuses to advertise, iot Publ believing it doesn’t pay. atr Later when business is poor, he advertises it for sale. Why is it?
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Mark Gordon is currently serving as Wyoming Treasurer. He was appointed to complete the term of the late Joe Meyer who passed away in October 2012. As Treasurer, Mr. Gordon’s principal duty is to safeguard and invest all the funds of the state; which totals more than $17 billion. He serves as Administrator for the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Asset Reserve (WYO-STAR), and Wyoming Unclaimed Property. He also serves on eight boards and commissions: the Board of Deposits, Board of Land Commissioners, Financial Advisory Council, State Building Commission, State Canvassing Board, State Loan and Investment Board, Wyoming Community Development Authority, and the Wyoming Retirement Board of Directors. During Treasurer Gordon’s tenure the Treasurer’s office has diversified its portfolio management, had a record breaking year with $936.5 million in investment revenue, changed the way it loans money to local municipalities, and has returned $1,400,000 of unclaimed property to Wyoming citizens this fiscal year. Previously Treasurer Gordon served on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (10-J) as a Class B Director for 4 years. Gordon has served on Johnson County District 1 K-12 School Board, and has served as vice chair for the Wyoming Stock Growers Tax Committee. He continues to serve as president of the Willow Park Reservoir Company, on the Board of Volunteers of America Northern
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Ed Murray for Wyoming Secretary of State
2014 Election Guide • Page 17
August 8 - 15, 2014
US Senator 1: Is there a Federal debt crisis, and if so what is your strategy to fix the problem? Bryan Miller: Yes. The obvious answer is to spend less. However, there is a much better answer to the debt crisis. Ensure that the federal government only spends money on the items that fall under the enumerated powers given to the federal government in the U.S. Constitution. I would start with eliminating the federal regulatory agencies across the board in order to re-align the role of the federal government with the enumerated powers noted earlier as well as specifically bringing regulatory authority back to the states in accordance with the 10th Amendment. Examples would be to turn the EPA and USFWS into advisory or scientific agencies (eliminating their regulatory power) and depending upon the state agencies (Wyoming’s DEQ and Game & Fish) to enforce laws. The EPA, USFWS, Forest Service, Department of Education, etc. are all redundant organizations, are extremely costly and would be more efficiently run at the state level. Mike Enzi: Our debt crisis is caused by a spending crisis. With a national debt sitting at more than $17.6 trillion, Washington simply cannot continue to spend more than we have. Wyoming families have to manage their budgets and balance their checkbooks, and they expect Washington to do the same. People in Wyoming are frustrated by Washington spending and are looking for solutions. I’m continuing to champion policies in Washington that will rein in spending and begin to pay down the debt. I recently reintroduced the “the One Percent Spending Reduction Act of 2014,” a bill that would balance the budget in three years by cutting spending by one percent each year. We must address Washington’s outof-control spending habits before our debt becomes an insurmountable burden for future generations. 2: What do you plan to oppose and/or approve in the President’s 2015 budget proposal? Mike Enzi: I have a number of concerns regarding the Obama Administration’s FY2015 budget request and the unsustainable spending levels it proposes. During a Senate Budget Committee Hearing in March, I pressed former Director of the Office of Management and Budget Sylvia Mathews Burwell on spending on health programs as well as eliminating ineffective and duplicative programs from the budget. Spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs is expected to double over the next 10 years, which is simply not sustainable. I pushed then Director Burwell on how the Administration planned to make these programs sustainable, or if they had any desire to do so. I also asked the Administration why they were not considering eliminating ineffective and duplicative preschool programs before proposing a massive new one. There are several other areas for concern in the President’s Budget which proposing spending money we do not have. I’m continuing to fight in Washington to ensure our nation begins to live within its means. Bryan Miller: I will oppose any part that attempts to provide amnesty to those who illegally enter our nation as well as oppose funding any new regulatory functions to be done at the federal level. 3: Do you believe bureaucracies and federal agencies, like the IRS, EPA, NFS (and many more) have become overbearing? If so, what is your strategy to rein them in? Bryan Miller: Absolutely, the EPA, USFWS, NFS, IRS (and others) have been on a constant attack of the three industries that are Wyoming: Agriculture, Energy, and Tourism. If this Administration and the federal government has their way, Wyoming will become a state that has the highest unemployment vs one of the lowest as the attacks on coal, farming and ranching, and open access to our forests tighten. Not to mention the attacks on our individual liberty and freedom being made by agencies like the IRS with the implementation of laws related to ObamaCare. Mike Enzi: Absolutely. The overreach of the federal government has run rampant under the current Administration. President Obama is using agencies like the EPA to skirt the legislative process altogether - taking power out of the hands of American citizens and giving it to bureaucrats in Washington. To stop this, we need more votes from leaders in Washington committed to legislating instead of deal making and who are willing to fight for a return to regular legislative order - as intended by the Constitution. Under Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, bills are brought to the floor with little to no time for public review and without committee hearings or debate. Senators are denied the opportunity to offer amendments. And instead of considering issues one at a time, Senate leaders lump spending bills and unrelated legislation together to consider on a single vote. This is not how our founders intended the Senate to work. We must return to regular order to ensure lawmakers have the opportunity to represent their constituents and begin reining in fed-
eral agencies. 4: It’s getting harder and harder to run small businesses in the U.S. because of the seemingly never-ending paperwork, rules, and regulations from the Federal Government forcing these small businesses to use more money, time and resources to keep up. What do you propose to ease the burden on these businesses? Mike Enzi: As a former small business owner, I bring a unique understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by Wyoming small business owners to the United States Senate. That’s why I’ve advocated for fair tax and employment policies for small businesses, and worker -training programs critical to ensuring employees have the skills and expertise they need. Just last month I helped pass an important workforce training bill -- the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The reauthorization of this legislation will help people learn the skills they need to obtain meaningful jobs. As a member of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, I’ve also helped implement Small Business Administration programs that provide funding and other resources for small businesses. In addition, I’m on the Budget Committee and push for the Penny Plan to balance the budget. I’m on the Finance Committee and will finally get to have a major role in making taxes fairer and simpler. To help spur innovation and small business growth, I host an annual “Wyoming Inventor’s Conference” that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to share ideas and helps them launch small businesses. I’ve hosted eleven conferences that have aided more than 500 small business owners and inventors. In addition, I host an annual procurement conference in Wyoming to help bring the federal government to small business owners so that they can learn first-hand what government contracting opportunities are available. Like many Americans, I am also very concerned about the detrimental impact of Obamacare - particularly on small businesses. That’s why I am working to repeal and replace several policies in Obamacare that will have a disastrous impact on Wyoming small businesses, including a measure to define “small business” under Obamacare the same way the SBA calculates the definition. I am also working to change how “full-time” is defined under Obamacare and adjust the aggregate rule” which makes many small businesses unable to grow and expand. Bryan Miller: This is one of my primary complaints about the federal government and is a primary plank of my campaign. It is time to bring the overburdening federal regulatory activities to a halt by returning the power to regulate the economy, jobs, etc. back to the states. Refer to questions #1 & 3for more on my thoughts. 5: As a Federal legislator representing the State of Wyoming, what strategy do you have to help get the shipping ports on the west coast open for Coal exports? Bryan Miller: I would work to eliminate the federal government’s ability to regulate the economic activities of Wyoming across state lines and international borders. I would also encourage the Governor and the Legislature of Wyoming to work with the coal industry to not only improve coal’s image across the board (much like the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority is already doing) but to work with other states directly to show them the economic benefits they could enjoy if they support Wyoming’s coal market. Mike Enzi: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, coal exports totaled nearly 118 million short tons in 2013, a number that has more than doubled since 2006. Each million short tons of exported coal contribute an estimated 1,320 total jobs in the U.S. economy. For Wyoming and our nation, coal exports are critical to driving local revenues and job creation. I am a strong proponent of coal exports and have been leading the fight against efforts by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to do all encompassing NEPA reviews. In part because of my efforts, the ACOE announced it would not be conducting these cumulative reviews. This is not only good for Wyoming coal exports, but is consistent with our international trade laws. I was pleased that this year, Wyoming’s state budget included $500,000 in state funds to be used for legal expenses related to ensuring access to additional port capacity in the Northwest. For Wyoming, coal is an essential part of our local and state economies, and critical to keeping electricity prices down. I’ve been a champion for coal since I was Mayor of Gillette, Wyoming - a town at ground zero of the war on coal. Since that time, I’ve work hard to cut through the EPA’s seemingly endless red tape and stop excessive regulations that hurt our energy producers. I’ve helped pass legislation that improves mine safety for energy workers. I’ve also been instrumental in working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure that the agency regularly schedules coal lease sales. These sales are absolutely critical to the future of coal in Wyoming and to keeping taxes low for Wyoming families. I also meet one-on-one with my Republi-
can and Democrat colleagues to build support for our energy industry. We’ve made a lot of progress with energy-state Democrats who realize that what the President is doing will put thousands of people out of work and drive energy prices through the roof. 6: What is your stance on WOTUS (Waters of the United States) proposal by the EPA, and how will you help Wyoming and her citizens if the program is implemented? Mike Enzi: The Waters of the United States proposal would grant the EPA expanded say over waterways, which could include puddles and areas of run-off on private property. However, that far exceeds the authority the agency was granted by Congress and is another example of how out-of-touch and out-of-control government has become under this Administration. To fight this, I’ve joined several of my colleagues in the Senate in sending multiple letters to EPA administrator Gina McCarthy pointing out the dubious legal and scientific basis for the proposed rule, asking for the maximum comment period to hear from affected Americans and calling on the EPA to refrain from moving forward with their controversial proposal. In June, I joined Senator Barrasso and several of my colleagues in the Senate to introduce the Protecting Water and Property Rights Act of 2014 to stop the EPA from taking over all private water in the United States. The bill would prevent the EPA and the Army Corp of engineers from finalizing their March 2014 proposed rule, which would significantly expand federal authority under the Clean Water Act. I will continue to fight any attempt by the federal government to have complete control of our water rights and dictate what we can or cannot do with water on our private property. Bryan Miller: I will work to eliminate the power of the Administration to use the “Rulemaking process” to implement policies they can’t get the Congress to pass. The current Rulemaking Process allows unelected, unnamed bureaucrats, who we cannot hold accountable, to change statutes from laws long-passed (statutes that become “De Facto Law”) to implement the President’s policies through by-passing Congress. Only Congress can make laws according to the U.S. Constitution. I will introduce a law that required the House and Senate to vote on all “Final Rules” as an “Intent Check” (or sanity check) as to whether or not the rules meet the intent of the law as passed. That way we, the voters, can hold our Congressional leaders to account for the “De Facto Laws” that result from the Rule-making Process. 7: Rate the Federal Government’s transparency efforts and where can transparency be improved? Bryan Miller: 25% at best. The federal government overclassifies information and improperly attaches handling procedures like “For Official Use Only” consistently. I saw this on a daily basis while in the military and while working with government agencies for the past 3.5 years in the private sector. The laws on the books are not being followed. I would work to implement some type of penalty system for those who don’t follow
the current regulations. Mike Enzi: I’d rate the current Administration’s transparency efforts as disastrous. Over the last six years, President Obama has led one of the least transparent administrations in recent history - destroying the American people’s faith in government altogether. From Benghazi, to Obamacare, to judicial nominees and everything in between, the Obama Administration has made transparency the rare exception instead of the rule. This lack of transparency has become rampant in the U.S. Senate as well where Senate leaders have continuously side sidestepped the legislative process to pass bills with little to no time for public review or input from other lawmakers. Legislation is brought to the floor without committee hearings or debate. Senators are denied the opportunity to offer amendments. And instead of considering issues one at a time, Senate leaders lump spending bills and unrelated legislation together to consider on a single vote. This is not how our founders - or the Constitution - intended the Senate to work. Returning to regular order is essential to improving transparency and productivity in Washington. I’ve worked hard to improve transparency in government and sponsored bills to force lawmakers to quit deal making and start legislating. 8: There have been meetings by State Legislators discussing the possibility of a Constitutional Convention. Do you think one is needed? Why or why not? Mike Enzi: Article 5 of the Constitution, which lays out the process by which the Constitution can be altered, is my favorite part of the Constitution. The article provides for “equal suffrage in the Senate,” which means rural states, like Wyoming, will always have equal representation in the U.S. Senate. While there could be several positive outcomes to a Constitutional Convention, such as a balanced budget amendment or an amendment giving states the right to reject federal laws such as Obamacare, I think the decision on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention should come from the states. Bryan Miller: I don’t think we’ll have a choice in the matter as it has a lot of support across the nation and that support is growing daily. If the balance of power between individuals, the states, and the federal government are not restored soon, then I would expect the American people to step up to the plate to hold a Constitutional Convention to make it so. One of the reasons I’m running is to bring about that balance without having to resort to a Constitutional Convention to change/return that balance of power. I expect this Administration would use federal assets to stop a convention from happening and I do not want to see confrontations that could spawn violence across the nation. I believe my experience in diplomacy and coordination between organizations who don’t share common goals will allow me to directly impact the attitudes of those in Congress who continue to work to consolidate power in Washington. If those of us who believe in the balance of power as established in the U.S. Constitution do not succeed in changing the current course in Washington, DC in the next several years, the American people will have to do more to restore that balance and holding a Constitutional Convention is one answer.
Mike Enzi for US Senator
Mike Enzi and his wife Diana have lived in Gillette for more than 40 years. Together, they raised their three children Amy, Emily and Brad while operating three small businesses, NZ Shoes. Enzi served eight years as Mayor of Gillette during a major boom that doubled the size of the population and grew Wyoming’s energy industry exponentially. He has also worked as an accountant and safety training manager in oil well servicing. Enzi was elected to the state legislature where he served as a State Representative and State Senator. As a member of the U.S. Senate, Enzi has been a relentless champion of Wyoming’s energy industry, promoting coal and natural gas while fighting back burdensome rules and excessive regulations. He’s helped pass legislation that allowed for the development of the coalbed methane gas industry in Wyoming. Enzi has used his senior role on the Health, Edu-
cation, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to improve access to quality education and healthcare. A steadfast opponent of Obamacare, Enzi has fought to repeal, defund and dismantle the law at every opportunity. He’s helped pass bills that allow small business owners to grow and expand and been an outspoken advocate for 2nd Amendment rights. Enzi has worked to promote state’s rights and been a relentless defender of the constitution. As a member of the Committee on Finance, Enzi is also working on tax reform. In addition to the HELP Committee and Finance Committee, Enzi serves on the Committee on Budget, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Enzi is an avid fly fisherman and proud grandfather to Megan, Allison, Trey and Lilly.
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August 8 - 15, 2014
2014 Election Guide • Page 18
Supt. of Public Instruction
2: What is your stance on Common Core, and what will you do to expand, reduce, or eliminate the program? Bill Winney: I do not support Common Core. The Wyoming Department of Education in coordination with the State Board of Education and our local School Boards should develop a framework of standards that the local districts can work within and adopt as needed. Sheryl Lain: I am opposed to the [‘0Common Core State Standards. I support rigorous Wyoming standards informed by input from stakeholders. The Common Core leads to a package deal: a national test, teacher evaluation based on student performance, and unprecedented data collection on our students. None of these have been proven
to improve student outcomes. The very best way to start hindering and start helping education in Wyoming is to bring our collective focus back to instructional excellence in the classroom. As Superintendent, I will work to adopt state standards that are lean, rigorous, and reviewed by our Wyoming stakeholders and I will advocate for an accountability system that is clear and fair. 3: With federal funds coming in to Wyoming Education comes federal guidelines and programs that may or may not be good for our education system. Do you think Wyoming should keep receiving these funds? Why or why not? Sheryl Lain: I believe that we should resist the federalization of education in Wyoming. Every federal program should be examined for unintended consequences at the classroom level. To the extent that a federal program grows government and imposes more compliance obligations on our schools, I would resist implementation of those programs. We are seeing now that federal funding offered by the Race to the Top grants are getting less than 25% of those funds to the school districts, with the rest spent on consultants and administration costs. We should examine all federal funding to understand whether the opportunity enriches our students. Bill Winney: Whether to receive such funding is a political decision that ultimately must be made within the Legislature. The Department of Education should prepare the needed information and submittals so that if a decision is made to go forward, Wyoming is ready. I do not support the many strings that come with such federal programs since they are at cross-purposes with the independence of our school boards. 4: Rate, in your opinion, our current education system (using your own scale). For struggling ratings, what will be your strategy to improve? Bill Winney: Unsatisfactory. We continue to focus on “making teachers perform” without looking at the role of the leadership in front of them. As I knocked on doors around the state when the Common Core arose teachers were
Bill Winney for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction lin, it recieved the fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine of the year award. He also commanded the USS Holland, a submarine tender. He served in Washington DC for three tours of duty along with a tour in Omaha Nebraska at the US Strategic Command center. While in Omaha, Winney was the Chief of Command and Control in Omaha and was able to write the first set of procedures for nuclear weapons release. His favorite childhood memories are of his adventures as a Boy Scout down at Philmont Scout Ranch
in New Mexico. Winney remembers multiple summers down at the ranch. In high school, he was a member of the lighting and sound crew for the high school theatre. The most memorable show he helped with was Guys and Dolls. “I had a ball,” he commented. As a current observer of the legislature, Bill Winney feels that something needs to be done with education. He’s running for office because education is very important to him, and he believes he has the right skills and background to do Wyoming good.
5: Do you believe this position should be elected or appointed? Why? Sheryl Lain: I believe the position of State Superintendent should be elected by the people, as required by the Wyoming constitution and affirmed by the Wyoming Supreme Court in Powers v. Mead. An elected Superintendent is answerable directly to Wyoming’s citizens, keeping accountability at the local level where it belongs. Eliminating or reducing the role of a Superintendent elected by the people is not the way to reduce the inherent tensions caused by
having a Board of Education appointed by the Governor, a Superintendent elected by the people, and a legislature seeking to micromanage education instead of keeping to its constitutional duty to fund education. Instead, we must create clear lines of responsibility and authority, ensuring that all authority over education ultimately answers to Wyoming’s citizens. Bill Winney: In light of the SF-104 events the people of Wyoming have spoken clearly: it must remain elected. Any other discussion is moot for the foreseeable future. 6: What is your opinion of the current Public Instruction budget and programs? Where would you cut or add programs or funding? Bill Winney: We spend too much time and money on testing to include the cost of the time taken up in test administration. I will work with the legislature to satisfy their requirements for assessment and reduce the overall program. - We spend too much money on studies with little real change as a result. I will critically review all studies and cut them back. I will ensure that future study proposals have clear goals and a good probability of producing a real, usable outcome. - Early assessment of learning disabilities offers the ability to address such disabilities early on. This in turn offers a real potential to save money later on in the education program. Sheryl Lain: Wyoming’s public instruction budget is sizeable and includes funding from state and federal sources. Much of the budget is flow through to districts. As Superintendent, I would advocate for examining the budget to ensure that all funding decisions are aligned with the mission of the Department of Education, which is to educate Wyoming’s kids. I would also keep a watchful eye out to resist growing government and to resist adopting programs and funding that impose more constraints on a teacher’s ability to have autonomy and engagement in the classroom.
Sheryl Lain for Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
Sheryl Lain was born in Powell, Wyoming where her father taught agriculture at Powell High School and her mother raised Sheryl and her five sisters. Sheryl graduated from the University of Wyoming and, following in her father’s footsteps, began her teaching career at the Wind River High School in 1968. Sheryl has worked in Wyoming’s schools for more than 40 years as a teacher, administrator, literacy coach, and instructional facilitator. She currently serves as the Instructional Leader in the Wyoming Department of Education’s Office of the State Superintendent. Throughout her career, Sheryl’s work has resulted in improved student achievement. Using methods learned from Sheryl’s professional development trainings, staff at both Arp Elementary School and Carey Junior High in Cheyenne were able to grow student literacy to meet annual AYP goals after being deemed “in improvement” under the No Child Left Behind law. Similarly, after deploying instructional support to districts across the State while serving as the Instructional Leader in the Wyoming Department of Education, student scores improved on the statewide assessments in reading, math, and science. Sheryl brings a wide breadth and depth of experience to discussions affecting
Wyoming’s classrooms to the office of State Superintendent. As Wyoming’s policy makers continue to discuss organizational structure and accountability, Sheryl is committed to examining every program and initiative for how it will affect the classroom. Sheryl embraces conservative principles of individual responsibility, fiscal integrity, and limited government control over people’s lives. As State Superintendent she will apply these principles to support students, teachers, and local communities as they work to grow our most precious resource – Wyoming’s students. Why I am running: I am running for State Superintendent because I wish to continue the focus on instruction and school improvement, along with the other pressing issues of stopping Common Core and implementing a clear and fair accountability structure. I will seek to balance the all for accountability at the state level with the critical need for teachers and local districts to have autonomy and engagement in their work with our students. This means seeking meaningful input from stakeholders at the local district and classroom level, not hiring more out of state consultants. I have addressed these challenges at the classroom building, and district levels and will do so again as Superintendent.
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Despite being born in Deleware, Arlington, Virginia is where Winney attended middle school and high school. After graduating high school, he attended the US Naval Academy where he graduated in June of 1972. For 30 years, Bill Winney was a member of the US Navy in the submarine force. He was stationed on five different submarines. Winney commanded the USS Benjamin Franklin and was the Cheif Engineer on the USS Francis Scott Key. While he commanded the USS Benjamin Frank-
uniformly opposed to it, but not for the expected reason. Rather they oppose it because it effectively runs their classroom in their place. When I spoke with superintendents they had no idea what their teachers opinion. This represents a leadership that is disconnected from what is going on in district classrooms. This is unsat and I will take it on. Sheryl Lain: Wyoming’s schools are strong. School districts across the state are seeing their students succeed in academically, yet we always have room to grow. My strategy to improve student growth will be familiar to all teachers – we must engage and empower teachers, parents, and students at the classroom level, taking a look at instructional support. We must allow our educators to learn from and with one another instead of adopting every new program put out by the federal government or textbook or technology companies. My strategy to improve would be to give school districts and school buildings the tools for success. These tools include accountability at the school level, local control of decision making, engagement of parents, teachers, and students, and commitment to fiscal responsibility. I believe that when empowered with these tools, all of our schools can continue to improve how they educate our children. Currently the Wyoming Department of Education is working on a tiered system of support to comply with the Wyoming Accountability in Education Act.
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1: How do you view the role and duties of Superintendent of Public Instruction? Sheryl Lain: The role and duties of the Superintendent of Public Instruction are to supervise the public schools, as set out in the Wyoming constitution and affirmed by the Wyoming Supreme Court in Powers v. Mead, which overturned SF104. I believe that to provide the best quality education to Wyoming’s children, we must return the legislature to its constitutional duty of funding schools and see the State Board of Education and the Wyoming Department of Education work together meaningfully to guide education policy in a manner that is constructive to the work done in our classrooms. This will achieve our vision of ensuring that Wyoming students receive the best education in America. Bill Winney: The Superintendent is the Chief Advocate for Education within Wyoming. The Superintendent must interact with the Legislature on all issues and legislation and be ready to speak with and have an ongoing dialogue in support of education with them. The Superintendent oversees development and publication of policy for use by school districts and administrators. Most importantly the Superintendent must travel the state and speak with parents and teachers seeking ground truth of what’s going on in our schools.
Anne Peterson
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