P
ing ish
iot Publ r t a
2012
Volume I
The Campbell County Observer
July 27, 2012
iot Publ r t a
ing ish
Brought to you by
P
ELECTION GUIDE
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Representative Sue Wallis: Running as Incumbent for State House of Representatives district 52 Representative Wallis is running for reelection to the Wyoming House of Representatives, District 52. She is running for her 4th term, having been first elected in 2006. Sue is currently serving her third term as a vice-chair of the Agriculture and Energy Committee for the National Conference for State Legislatures. She is also a member of State Ag and Rural Leaders, as well as the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Task Force and the Council of State GovernmentsWEST Energy and Environment Committee. Besides legislative organizations, she is involved in many agricultural and civic organizations such as the Animal Agriculture Alliance, and United Horsemen. Her guiding principles are to work for less government and more freedom- to keep government simple, and to make it fair. If you looked Sue Wallis up on-line you would soon find that she in nationally known as an advocate for animal agriculture, food policy issues, and the horse industry. Because of her unflinching advocacy for rural issues she has garnered more than her fair share of detractors…some of whom have made a cottage industry out of publishing vitriolic misinformation to discredit her work. Nonetheless, for Wallis, family, community, and culture come first. There may be some merit to charges that she is unconventional. For instance, Sue and her husband, Rod McQueary were married on the full moon in July eighteen years ago, and, “neither of us can tell you what the date was,” Wallis admits with a smile. They celebrate their anniversary every full moon. In interviews she expresses the unflinching love of freedom typical of what one expects from a female rancher from Wyoming who dabbles in everything from poetry to politics. “Everything is a freedom issue,” she starts, barely sitting down in the chair. “If you are an adult human being of reasonable capacity, whatever risk you are willing to take, as long as it doesn’t hurt another, should not be the governments business. This is a core value.” One example she gives is Food Freedom, an ardent effort to return the right of free Americans to decide what they eat, and how it is produced, and to eliminate the overreach of government at every level in regards to food regulation so that consumers have access to the fresh, local food that they want, and Wyoming producers have access to markets to sell their healthy, locally produced
tured speaker and able to highlight that Wyoming, and Campbell County in particular, is one of very few places in the world capable of producing every single form of energy in the national energy portfolio. Teaming up with customer states who depend on Wyoming coal for affordable, abundant, reliable, and responsibly produced and utilized clean energy has been a successful strategy on numerous occasions at national legislative events where radical environmentalists are pushing a destructive green agenda. She is also quick to voice her concerns about “kids in trouble. Let’s say you have a kid who needs help. Now, the only way to get state assistance is to turn the kid over to the state. That’s just wrong.” Just like we need to restore the sovereignty of the State of Wyoming over our land, water, air, and resources that have been unrightfully usurped by the federal government,” she says, “we need to restore the sovereignty of individuals, and of
products thus creating opportunity, jobs, and enhancing our local economies. This summer, Wallis is leading an effort to make sure that newly proposed food rules by the Department of Agriculture are changed to protect the private property rights of animal owners, and to create the most opportunity possible for food producers. She will tell you that, “The milk you buy in the store, pasteurized milk, is cooked milk. It is illegal, according to the Department of Agriculture, to sell unpasteurized milk. The real benefit of pasteurization is shelf life. Pasteurized milk can sit for a month, and then it rots. Fresh milk is good in your refrigerator for a week but, then it turns into yogurt or cheese.” The rule changes that the coalition that Wallis formed, which now includes several thousand passionate consumers and producers from all over Wyoming, is advocating for ensures that every citizen who wants to own a dairy animal, or a share of a herd, can enjoy the fresh, healthful products they want. “Did you know, 97% of Wyoming’s produce is shipped somewhere else for processing, and then shipped back to Wyoming? It’s nuts,” she continues. “Health Inspectors prevented people from having pot-lucks at a historical film society in Jackson Hole, church bazaars in Riverton, Sheridan, Gillette, all over the state. They wanted all food to be prepared in ‘certified and inspected’ kitchens, which by definition cannot be home kitchens. They need to get their hands off any traditional gathering, whether it’s to sell and raise funds or not.” To end this travesty Wallis worked with her fellow legislators and successfully passed the Traditional Food Bill that ensures that local social events are not unduly regulated. Another issue close to her heart is energy. “I wish I could remember the name of the woman (politician), who said it to me. But it was ‘We are going to end all use of coal and go to electric cars.’ Well how are you going to get the electric power if not from coal?” she laughed. “We are one of seven states that produce and export coal. All states are our customers. Thirty-nine states depend on our coal to turn on their lights,” she said stabbing her finger onto the table. “Renewables? High likelihood of increasing costs. I believe in teaming up with customers.” Wallis was instrumental in organizing an annual Energy Summit put on by a national group, Women in Government, and has just returned from the third annual event where she was a fea-
parents, as was envisioned by our founding fathers, and guaranteed to us in the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Wyoming.” “I would vote for school choice and vouchers,” she added. “We have a vested interest in seeing that all our citizens are educated.
Continued on Page 3
Powder River Roofing Call for your free estimate! 307-670-2037
We've Got You Covered! 2
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Sue Wallis...
Our state constitution says everyone has a right to as near as free education as possible. Everyone should be able to buy the best education available.” Recent reports and a study out of Harvard point out that Wyoming has spent more than practically every other state in the country on education, and yet our student achievement is mediocre at best, and well below other states who spend far less. “Real competition, parents with the power to insist on excellence and the opportunity to vote with their real choice and educational options, and an end to a bureaucratic go vern men t monopoly over education is what is needed, in my opinion,” says Wallis. “This is the reason I support a state lottery in Wyoming, she added.” We have a rich blessing of mineral wealth. The Hathaway Scholarship is the only fully funded trust in America. But, it’s not enough. I would like to see an increase in funds and expand eligibility to non-traditional students and military veterans. Now, only high school students are eligible. And, the G.I. Bill for our returning veterans just isn’t enough. I would like to see it expand to vocational and technical schools and out of state colleges. There is no medical school in the state. You should be able to get the best education you can find. If you are coming back to Wyoming after graduation, and it is an Ivy League school that trips your trigger, go for it! But in order to do that we need to dedicate a funding stream into the Hathaway corpus, and the only way to do that without raising taxes, or impacting our existing state budget, is to institute something like a statewide lottery which a majority of our citizens want, and under the proposed Georgia model, would not require any state appropriation whatsoever.” When pushed to describe herself politically, Wallis prefers ‘Libertarian Republican’ and ‘Fiscal Conservative.’ “I believe in limited government. That means I believe the government should only do what private
July 27 - August 3, 2012
t e p r a C s s e r p x E DIRECT
The Cl os Thing est Whole To sale!
Continued from Page 2
enterprise can’t do. When someone is truly in trouble, there is a responsibility to help. Churches, private people; they are the safety net. Government needs to get out of the business of taking care of people.” This year the state legislature faces considerable challenges with a diminished revenue outlook, the possibility of a horrific federal “Taxmaggedon” on January 1st with the potential to affect every citizen and business in Wyoming, and consideration of how to deal with the impacts of Obamacare. “These are all things that must be carefully analyzed after the November elections, and significant, perhaps drastic measures taken on the state level to ensure that we have a sustainable system for the long run in Wyoming,” says Wallis, “at the very least we need to ensure that we do not participate in any federal schemes that would obligate us disproportionately to unwise and unaffordable entitlements long after the federal handout is gone.” Wallis was born in Gillette and raised on the Recluse ranch where her mother was raised, and that her parents bought when they were young. “Dad was in the legislature for 16 or 17 years,” she explained. “We had a lot of political discussions around the dinner table.” She still lives on the family ranch with her husband and fellow poet, Rod McQueary, and her folks, Dick And Myrt, as well as her brother, Frank. Both Wallis and McQueary have published books that are available at the Campbell County Public Library. Portions of this article are adapted from a 2011 article by Karen Waters
LLC
Tile, Vinyl, Laminate and Carpet Will meet or beat any advertisers price! 1211 South Douglas Hwy • M-F: 9-5:30, Sat: 11-4 us online at: carpetexpressdirect.com 307-257-4205 Visit
Official Disclosure from the Campbell County Observer
Opinions expressed in these four special editions of the Campbell County Observer 2012 Election Guide are not the opinions of the Campbell County Observer or it’s staff. We have decided to do our election guide different than other newspapers this year. First, you will only see the answers and interviews from the candidates that paid the money to get in our Election Guide. We did this for two reasons. First, most newspapers charge outrageous prices for candidates advertising and give them minimal coverage throughout. We have found a way to pay for the printing of our special section, save the candidates money, and give them the exposure they deserve while also giving the voters more information to cast a proper vote. The Campbell County Observer or our staff will not endorse any candidate. We believe that providing the voter of Campbell County with the information they need would be the best effort we can do during the election. We apologize for any candidate that did not pay in to answer the questions and therefor will not be in our guide. Many of these have full time jobs while running for office, and may not have the financing to do so. All candidates may still pay in and enter in the remaining issues. Public Questions to the Candidates will be accepted. Please email your questions to CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com
“Political courage is not political suicide.” - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
3
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Garry Becker: Republican running for Campbell County Commissioners Garry Becker thinks that the Federal Government down to the local government is way to big, and who can blame him? Dr. Becker came from a rural family in the heartland of America in North Dakota. Born in 1945, he was the oldest of 7 children born to his parents and the first child in his family to go to high school. “I am old and rural enough to remember that my father used a windmill that he had built and developed himself for a 6V system to run a small radio and a light to read by at night,” said Dr. Becker. “Most people don’t remember 6V systems.” It wasn’t until the REA (Rural Electric Administration) Programs came along that many didn’t have electricity. “I was six or seven, and I remember them putting up transformers. All of the sudden, you flip a switch and you have light! It was always amazing that we could have toast, something we had heard of but never had the ability to try.” After graduating high school Dr. Becker attended the University of North Dakota for 6 years, two of those being medical school. But, UND only had a two year program so he transferred to the University of Texas School of Medicine in San Antonio to finish his medical school. Upon graduating with his Doctorate degree, he performed training at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center Hospital in Denver. His live then took him into the U.S. Army in the First Armored Division as a doctor for 5 years. He was stationed in Germany and came to Gillette in 1974 after his honorable discharge. “I wanted to move to a rural state, but not North Dakota. There was too much family there,
and they all want free medical care or they complain too much. I love my family dearly, but picked to live in Wyoming.” Garry moved to Gillette during the time when coal development was just starting. Montana at the time had an extremely high severance tax, while Wyoming’s was very low. “That is why Powder River Coal has developed and Montana’s coal hasn’t. I came the same year that Belle Aire mine move the first coal out of the basin.” Doctor has had a practice in Campbell County for 37 years, and retired on August 31st of 2011. “Retirement is the best job I have never had,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been thinking about running for office for a while. I finally thought, at some point you need to stop talking about it and start doing something about it. So here I am.” He is not alone. He is married to a wonderful woman and local chiropractor, Rita, and has six grandchildren as of current. Much of the reason he is running is because of his grandchildren. “We need to maintain the prosperity we have, for all of our children and grandchildren,” he said. “All government is too big. I don’t know quite what to do about it as of yet, but sometimes keeping it from growing any more is a big advantage. That is my goal if I win.” Garry believes that it is very important that government does not stand in the way. Also that government is not the answer, it is the problem. “We may not be able to do anything on the National level, but we can keep our house clean locally.” Look in our weekly questions for all of Garry Becker’s views.
Powder River Mechanics Auto's, Boats, ATV's, Snowmobiles, Motorcycles Call for Appointment! 307-670-2037 Complete Preventative Maintenance Schedules Available. 4
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Tom Blemming: Running for Wyoming US Senate Republican Party Tom Blemming is one of three Republican candidates running for the U.S. Senate in the 2012 Election. We invite you to get to know your candidate better. Tom Blemming was born in Philadelphia in 1946. On June 25th, 1968 he volunteered for the Army where he earned his GED. He started his tour in Central Vietnam March 10th, 1969 in the 299th Engineers Pathfinder Unit where he was stationed at Camp Holloway. He ended his military career as a Corporal. He stated that Wyoming was always a dream for him. He had wished to own a ranch and be a cowboy. He was successful in his dream in 1982 by Lusk, WY. He remembers the first night here in Wyoming he slept under the stars. Tom was married in April 2003 to a school teacher from Panama. His step –son is a Doctor living in Panama City and is one of the top medical doctors in his area. He also has a step-daughter in her third year of medical school and another step-son who is a helicopter pilot. Tom Blemming stated that “Wyoming people want someone to support them”. Tom Blemming believes in the 2nd Amendment. He has also written a book called Panama: Echoes of a Revolution about his time spent in Panama in the late 1970’s. Tom mainly stays on his ranch and refuses to be bought or owned.
“Political necessities sometimes turn out to be political mistakes.” - George Bernard Shaw
5
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Questions and Answers from U.S. Senator/Representative Candidates Do you believe that we are in a debt crisis, and if so what is your plan to solve it? Joel Otto: The US economic situation is complex. I see governments at all levels spending at unsupportable levels. The spending is funded by excessive taxation, debt issuance, and money creation. US money creation has been countered by contraction in the productive sectors of the economy. As a result, price inflation is highly selective. The inflation we have has hit the working classes hard and benefitted those in the financial and government sectors. Roughly, food and living expenses are up, while wages are down. Corporate profits are up. Government debt enables over-spending. Debt is a symptom of the real problem of spending. The spending is based on a model that relies on growing out of the debt. This is unlikely given the sheer size of it. Unless the economy grows significantly and spending is cut hugely, the alternatives are default or inflation. The US economy is struggling. This leads to a flight to the perceived safety of US bonds. The government is trying to stimulate the economy by creating money. This is supposed to make savers spend money in fear of the money they hold losing value, as well as make more money available for investment in production. On the other hand, people are afraid they will not be able to get money in the future, because returns from interest rates are low, wages are down, and jobs are hard to find. Creating money is inflationary, fear is deflationary. The result is that government gets to fund spending by borrowing at very low rates. If rates increase, borrowing costs could shoot up very quickly. Federal spending is funded by the accounts of savers all over the world who buy bonds, as well as money creation and taxes. A preference for government debt is sucking the life out of the economy. This money should be going into productive businesses. Government policy has made the economy so unpredictable that investors flee to the security of US bonds
that fund non-productive government programs instead. The deflation caused by destroying the economy is paradoxically benefitting, with low borrowing costs, the entity that did the destroying, while that same entity is gifting itself counterfeit money. I expect that following the path we are on will lead toward generally worsening economic conditions until freedom is restored through less regulation and taxes. A “crisis” is possible, but unless we can turn things around I expect a slow decline similar to the twenty-plus year downward spiral that Japan is in. The solution is to significantly cut back government economic interference, stop inflation, and return to sound money. Senator Barrasso: The United States is currently over $15 trillion in debt and we borrow 40 cents out of every dollar we spend. This irresponsible, unsustainable spending and debt is a genuine threat to our future security. If we do not act soon to control our spending, we could face the same crisis happening in other countries. I continue to call on Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. In Wyoming, we balance our budget every year because we know how important it is to live within our means. Washington should follow our lead. I also support Senator Mike Enzi’s Penny Plan, which would cut a single penny from every dollar the government spends. These one percent spending cuts would balance the budget in five years. In the current economic crisis, Washington cannot continue to ignore problems and delay solutions any longer. It’s time for Congress to do the job that they were hired by the American people to do. Thomas Blemming: Yes, we are in a severe debt crisis. After the new Congress is sworn in, it will be asked to permit the socalled “borrowing” (from the Fed), of 2.1 trillion dollars. We cannot allow for this to happen. The
private group of Jew bankers (who make up and who are in control of the Fed) are ripping the American people off, big time. They’ve made trillions of dollars on their century old scam. I do believe that we need to stop ALL foreign aid, pull our military forces out of these wars and thus save trillions in the process. Do you plan on introducing legislation that would nullify current law? If so, which law and why? Thomas Blemming: If elected I shall do what I can to nullify the Patriot Act and National Defense Authorization Act (Section #1021 and #1022), both of which violate the Bill of Rights. Both were voted into law by my opponent (Barrasso). The NDAA is anti-Second Amendment. My opponent is proud at what he voted for and has complete and utter contempt for the people of Wyoming, or else he would have never voted for these. Senator Barrasso: There are many federal laws that should be repealed in part or whole. We should start by repealing the President’s health care law and replace it with something that will actually help patients and reduce costs. In the middle of a tough economy, President Obama passed a health care law that has made our economy even worse. With unemployment over 8 percent for over 40 straight months, we cannot afford this massive tax to stay in place. The president’s health care law hires more IRS agents to investigate you and to make sure you buy insurance, but it fails to deal with the shortage of nurses and doctors to actually take care of you. It is a law that is bad for patients, it is bad for the nurses and the doctors who care for those patients, and it’s terrible for taxpayers. I am committed to repealing the President’s health care law and replacing it with patient-centered reforms. I am also committed to repealing current law that prohibits Wyoming from receiv-
6
ing its portion of Abandoned Mine Lands funds. The provision, which was secretly put into a large transportation bill in the middle of the night behind closed doors, represents everything that is wrong with Washington no transparency, secret deals, and a failure to honor commitments made. Joel Otto: I would favor introducing legislation that removes the ability of the federal government to implement law outside its proper sphere of influence. Going after bad laws as they come up is like playing whack-a-mole. Rather than chasing after multiple specific laws, I would seek to dismantle and defund federal agencies and departments. I would start with the Department of Education and the FDA. Education is best served at the local level. The federal government has no proper role in education. Food standards are strictly a matter for individual choice. FDA SWAT raids on farms are an outrage and call for the elimination of the entire agency. Are you happy with the activities of the EPA? If not, what are you going to do to get the EPA back under congressional control? – Question by Glenn Woods (Campbell County Observer Political Columnist and Radio Talk Show Host on 1270 KIML Gillette). Senator Barrasso: Are you happy with the activities of the EPA? If not, what are you going to do to get the EPA back under congressional control? The EPA is in desperate need of reform and oversight. When talking about the changes in EPA policy over the past 40 years, there’s really only one sentence that comes to mind: This is not your parents EPA. The President’s efforts to regulate coal out of existence mean higher electricity prices, less American energy production, and fewer U.S. jobs. His exclusion of coal from his so-called all-of-the-above energy Continued on Page 7
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
July 27 - August 3, 2012
U.S. Senator/Representative Candidates... Continued from Page 6 plan is already shrinking America’s energy industry and threatens to do irreparable damage to our economic health in the coming years. To put a halt to this egregious overreach, I voted for a bill to eliminate the EPA s Utility MACT rule a rule that has such severe standards it will cause as much as 20 percent of the existing coal-fired power plant fleet to retire. I will continue to fight to rein in the EPA through vigorous oversight of the agency and legislation, when necessary, to curb harmful expensive regulations. Joel Otto: The job of the EPA is to implement federal environmental legislation. Their activities change over time as new legislation comes their way. They enforce things like the 07 Energy Independence and Security Act which will ban light bulbs and keep alcohol in our gas. Many senseless laws are structured so it is hard to know who to blame. Is it the legislator who passed the law, the bureaucrat who interpreted it and wrote the regulation, the agent who enforces it, or the voters who elected the legislator? Maybe it is the central bank who created the money to pay for it all. My solution is to reduce the power to implement bad laws. Without enforcement power, a bad law becomes a toothless resolution. Environmental protection is a balancing act. Unless we live like wild animals, we will always be making some garbage, putting out some smoke, and using some water. Zero pollution is not an option. The question then becomes whether we rely on some distant federal agency to keep our neighborhood clean, or we do it ourselves. Most environmental issues are local. If someone is polluting their neighbor’s property, good environmental law gives them the ability to collect damages equal to the harm done by the trespass. Good legislation and case law should balance between stifling over-protection and an environmental free-for all. Any regulation should show demonstrable and cost effective benefits. Many environmental regulations are spe-
Joke of the week Submitted by Johnaa Enning
cial-interest protection in disguise, such as ethanol in fuel. The EPA can write the regulations to favor large well-connected polluters over the little guy. I would seek to defund and dismantle the EPA in favor of local action. The EPA has a 2012 budget of $8.449 billion and employs 17,834, spending $474,000 per employee. It is a wasteful and counterproductive agency. If congress needs to have environmental legislation implemented, it can be done at the local level. If there is inadequate environmental protection with federal law, local action can be more effective. Thomas Blemming: Mr. Blemming did not answer this question
How Much Is A Billion? The next time you hear a politician use the word “billion” casually think about whether you do, or don’t, want that politician spending your tax money!! A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but an advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure in perspective in one of its releases: A billion seconds ago, it was 1959. A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive. A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age. And.... A billion dollars ago, was only 8 hours and 20 minutes at the rate Washington spends
Candidate Forum
Do you believe that the position that you are running for should have term limits? Why or why not? Joel Otto: The longer a politician stays in office, the more he or she tends to favor solutions that involve bigger government. Term limits can keep us closer to a citizen government. However, there are a few good legislators, and term limits remove the good with the bad. I do worry that term limits can weaken a legislative body in favor of career bureaucrats, who can simply wait out an uncooperative legislator. I favor term limits, but not strongly. I think the real solution is an informed populace that insists on limited government. It is not so much who is passing the laws, as what laws are allowed to be passed. Senator Barrasso: I believe elections serve the purpose of term limits because elections are not reward systems; they’re job applications. That’s why I’m in Wyoming every chance I get to listen and hear what’s really important to hardworking taxpayers. Thomas Blemming: Mr. Blemming did not answer this question
Gillette Public Access TV, Basin Radio at 1270 AM, and the League of Women Voters of Campbell County will host one more candidate forum for the upcoming primary elections. The forum will be non-partisan and is to provide citizens an opportunity to become more informed about candidates who are seeking election. We invite citizens to send questions for candidates to forumquestionslwv@hotmail. com . All questions submitted will be considered for use during the forum. A question to a specific candidate might be asked of all candidates so that all may have an equal chance to address issues. Basin Radio Station will broadcast the forum live on station 1270 AM. The forum will be televised live and repeated on Gillette Public Access TV.
7
The Campbell County Public Library will have DVD’s to borrow of each forum provided by Gillette Public Access TV a few days after each forum. All forum will be in the Council Chamber at, 201 East 5th Street and all forums start at 6:00 p.m. and the public is invited to attend or meet with candidates before or after in the Gillette City lobby. Candidates will have information to pick up and the information will also be at Campbell County Public Library lobby. The date of the last forum is Tuesday, July 31 for City Council candidates. Questions contact Susan Knesel at 687-0188 (evening) or email sknesel@hotmail. com, or contact Susan McKay at 682-5862 (work) or email susan@susanmckaycpa.com.
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Questions and Answers from State Senator/Representative Candidates Do you agree with the Affordable Health Care Act? Why or why not? If you are against it, what do you plan on doing to keep Wyoming sovereign from the Act? – Question by Glenn Woods (Campbell County Observer Political Columnist and Radio Talk Show Host on 1270 KIML Gillette). Douglas Gerard: The ACA is an affront to individual liberty. We must do everything we can to overturn it and establish health care reforms that are based on individual freedom. To do that we must: Elect a President and Congress that will repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare or PPACA) and work on reforms that will benefit the citizens of this great nation. The people of Wyoming have to pass Constitutional Amendment A, the Health Care Freedom Amendment, in November. This Wyoming state legislation will put the focus of health care reform exactly where it needs to be, on reforms that acknowledge that the individual is the best person to make health care decision for his or her self. Wyoming must not form a health care exchange as requested under the PPACA. This should be left to the federal government. It is an added expense Wyoming just doesn’t need. Merle McClure: No, I do not agree with that Act because the Federal government does not need to dictate to the Wyoming people. We need to continue to optout on everything mandated In Obama Care. We need to be able to buy health insurance across State boarders. We need to impose Tort Reform. We need to reform our standards so people can buy an affordable catastrophic health insurance policy if they choose, maybe one with a higher deductible with lower premiums. We need to look into adding a policy that covers preexisting conditions with a shorter waiting period. And have everything operated on a State level and not the Federal level.
Tom Lubnau: I’ve sponsored the Healthcare Freedom Amendment to the Wyoming Constitution, which will give Wyoming voters the opportunity to express their choice via a constitutional amendment. I have opposed, consistently, the implementation of the act. I am awaiting the final regulations from HHS before I promise a firm course of action. It would be premature, prior to reading the final regulations, to assess the course of action best for the State of Wyoming to maintain its sovereignty. Sue Wallis: I do not agree with the Affordable Health Care Act because it is unconstitutional, and is another unaffordable federal mandate being shoved down the throat of the American people that will do nothing to increase access to healthcare, or lower costs. The Act is scheduled to go into effect, and the federal government claims it will pay 100% of the cost of the Act for two years. They are broke now. In two years they would likely not appropriate anything, and then the taxpayers of Wyoming will have a tremendous albatross hanging around their necks. The Supreme Court decision allowing it to stand because Congress has the power to tax is unsupportable. I have already joined with the huge majority of my colleagues in the Wyoming Legislature to take strong stands against it, and have refused to do anything except appropriate dollars to study the impacts so that we have a strong case against not participating. At this point, the main thing we need to do in nothing...until after the election. Hopefully the American people will have voted in new leadership, and a conservative Senate as well as House so that Congress can take the necessary action to completely remove it. At which time, Wyoming is prepared and positioned to take action that really does make a difference in our citizen’s lives by ensuring that they can purchase health insurance anywhere they want to, that they have complete choice over if and when and at what price they
purchase insurance that fits their needs, and which inserts real accountability and competition into the healthcare market. If all of the wrong things happen in November and we are faced with four more years of the same administration, then I intend to again, stand with the vast majority in the legislature, and the Governor, to insist that Wyoming not participate, that if we have to we find the resources to take care of the truly needy, and that we do not doom our children and grandchildren to an unsustainable and impossible healthcare system that only makes things worse. Do you believe that the position that you are running for should have term limits? Why or why not? Merle McClure: Yes. Because I believe all public offices should have term limits. Office holders can always run for a different office, go back to the private sector, or skip a term and rerun for the same office. Sue Wallis: No. In my view the best form of term limit is periodic elections. If any office holder is doing a great job, and the constituents want them there, they have an opportunity to continue learning, and to be in a position to oversee the government in a way that is not possible in just a year or two. If they are not doing a good job, then the voters have the power to remove them. Wyoming has a part-time citizen legislature, and the shortest sessions in the country. Every one of us serves, and quite frankly sacrifices, in order to serve our state...but we spend most of our time in our districts, where we are pursuing occupations, visiting with our neighbors, involved in our communities. It has been proven over history that when term limits are imposed on elected officials that an inordinate amount of power is handed over to an unelected, unaccountable bureaucracy. California is a perfect example--California alone has one of the largest economies in the entire world, and yet their Speaker of the House has less than four years of ex-
8
perience. While California’s state government and budget are imploding, Wyoming is doing fine, even through hard economic times. That is not an accident. And a large part of it is due to the experience and dedication of our legislators. Tom Lubnau: I believe the voters in the State of Wyoming are term limits. If an elected official is not doing a good job, they should be removed from office. Conversely, if an elected official is doing a good job, an arbitrary time limit prevents that good job from getting done. My fear of term limits is they allow a power shift to unelected bureaucrats, which works counter to the operation of good government. Douglas Gerard: No. We have term limits every few years. They are called elections. If you think the guy in office is a bum, get involved and run for the office yourself, make the better argument. We are seeing in Tea Party candidates across the nation gain in popularity and win and hold public offices large and small. It just takes commitment on the part of new candidates, and the ability to make a better argument then the incumbent.
Continued on Page 9
“There is no maxim, in my opinion, which is more liable to be misapplied, and which, therefore, more needs elucidation, than the current one, that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong.” - President James Madison
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
July 27 - August 3, 2012
State Senator/Representative Candidate question... Continued from Page 8
Do you plan on introducing legislation that would nullify current law? If so, which law and why. Sue Wallis: I am a strong proponent of the states, particularly Wyoming, reasserting our state sovereignty over our land, water, air, and the individual rights and responsibilities of people, and to push back against what most of us perceive as a federal government that is over-reaching and unconstitutionally imposing federal law where states, local governments, and individuals should have sovereignty. I belong to, help lead, and promote coalitions with colleagues across the Nation who are working on Tenth Amendment issues of all kinds. I support strongly bills that assert Wyoming’s primacy over gun rights, for instance, that would prosecute federal agents who try to enforce federal law in Wyoming over products that are completely manufactured, bought, sold, and used entirely in Wyoming. I believe that there are other areas such as food safety and access to markets in Wyoming that could use the same kind of primacy reassertion. I am strongly in favor of a Wyoming effort along the lines of the legislation passed in Utah last year that allows the state to condemn public land through the eminent domain process in order to return that land to revenue producing private lands to support our schools, roads, and other necessary needs. All that being said, I prefer the notion of challenging the notion of constitutionality in a way that allows for those decisions to be made by the Supreme Court, as opposed to outright nullification. Nullification should be distinguished from the situation in which a state brings a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of a federal law. A state may challenge the constitutionality of a federal statute by filing a lawsuit in federal court seeking to declare the federal law unconstitutional. Such a lawsuit is decided by the federal courts, with the Supreme Court having final jurisdiction. This is the accepted method of challenging the constitutionality of a federal statute. This is not nullification, even if the federal courts uphold the state’s position and declare the federal statute unconstitutional. The theory of nullification is that the states
have the unilateral power to determine the constitutionality of federal laws, and that a state’s determination of unconstitutionality cannot be reviewed or reversed by the federal courts. Thus, nullification involves a declaration by a state legislature (or a state court) that a federal statute is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced within the state. Under the theory of nullification, such a declaration by a state is final and binding, and cannot be overruled by the federal courts. On the other hand, when a state files a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionality of a federal statute, the ultimate decision on constitutionality is made by the federal courts, not by the state legislature or state courts. Because such a lawsuit recognizes the authority of the federal courts to make the ultimate decision on constitutionality, it is not a use of nullification. Bottom line...I believe that as elected officials we have more ability to change things that really do make things better for all citizens by working within our tried and true system. I also believe that nullification efforts would soak up an enormous amount of precious time and resources when we should be focusing on the pragmatic and necessary things. I am also afraid of the unintended consequences that could arise from so drastically changing our system of checks and balances between our three branches of government, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Tom Lubnau: I currently have a bill being drafted to require a search warrant before a law enforcement agency is able to use a drone to spy in individuals. While surveillance is a proper form of law enforcement, whole scale surveillance of citizens by the government, without the check and balance of a search warrant is bad public policy, and dangerous to the operation of a free society. Douglas Gerard: There is no specific law I would like to see repealed. I’m sure there are some, but none that are of as immediate importance like fighting for jobs for the men and
women of Campbell County and repealing and replacing Obamacare. We have to be very careful when we use the term “nullify”. I know there are those out there that think nullification of a federal law is possible. I don’t believe it is. In fact nullification was one of the roots of the Civil War. Since then it has been well settled that states cannot pick and choose from constitutional federal laws. This is why measures like the Wyoming Health Freedom Amendment is grounded on firm ninth and tenth amendment grounds rather than nullification. We need to reestablish state’s rights as the core of Wyoming and federal jurisprudence to overcome the overreach of the federal government and its ally the liberal federal courts. Merle McClure: I would sponsor a law that would make it mandatory that all laws on the books more than 25 years old need to be revisited, and renewed, revised, or stricken from the books. This would get rid of obsolete very old laws that are still on the books, but have no bearing on modern society. (It should be up for discussion on if it should be 20 or 25 years.) The Wyoming Department of Agriculture is trying to instate a ban on cow sharing. Are you for or against this rule, and why? Tom Lubnau: No. It is an intrusion on the right to contract. Merle McClure: I have no problems with the sharing of ownership of cows. In fact, it should be everybody’s civil liberties if they so wish to buy raw milk, farm eggs, or other fresh produce. It should be everybody’s right to purchase from their friends and neighbors without worrying about breaking the law if they want to.
9
Douglas Gerard: I am against this rule. We don’t need the nanny state here in Wyoming. As long as all the parties to the transaction know the risks and benefits of raw milk they should be able to freely conduct their business. Sue Wallis: I am against the rule which was proposed which said that only the “sole” owner of a cow could use the fresh milk, or serve it to their families and employees. The rule was proposed ostensibly to protect people from consuming raw milk which some think is dangerous. Those of us who have grown many generations of strong, healthy children on good fresh milk take exception to that notion, and believe we have every right to not only own an animal, but to use and benefit from everything that animal produces. Therefore, I formed a coalition of people that now includes several thousand strong minded, vocal citizens from all across the state to promote legislation that allows consumers the ability to seek out and purchase the fresh, local food they desire, as well as give our fine agricultural producers access to markets right here in Wyoming. The culmination of that coalition has been a very strong protest against this particular proposed rule, three meetings across the State in Riverton, Sheridan, and Casper, and will end with a formal public hearing on August 22nd in Cheyenne. The Department has indicated that they will consider removing the word “solely” from the proposed rule so it would allow any owner, in whole or in part, to use milk from a cow that they own. You can bet that I, along with many of the devoted Wyoming Food Freedom supporters, will be there as we were at the three preliminary meetings, and if the Department does not provide this protection of our rights, we will be working with the Legislature to ensure that corrective measures are taken.
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Questions and Answers from County Commissioner Candidates Do you support the Field of Dreams passed through by the City of Gillette, and what do you plan on doing to support or oppose it? Chris Knapp: The Field of Dreams is a City project. The City of Gillette purchased the land, received comments and has gone forward in their budget for design. The County has received no request from the City and has not planned on participation in this project. The County owns and operates Bicentennial Fields which has tennis courts, soccer fields, walking paths, softball fields, baseball fields and playground equipment. We also own and operate two ice rinks, a recreation center, a skate park and golf course. The County spends roughly $5.9 million dollars per for quality of life recreation and we must concentrate on maintenance and support of our current programs. As the community grows the County realizes we have more demand than our current facilities allow, however those demands must be balanced with priorities and needs. Steve Hughes: At this time the Field of Dreams is a city project. I do believe the City was correct in obtaining the acreage for future expansion as needed. Garry Becker: The “Field of Dreams” is strictly a City dream at present. Both the County an School District have declined participation in this. The concept is not completely without merit but in this era of economic uncertainty we should not put the people at risk for such large projects. It is not just the up-front construction costs but the ongoing maintenance cost of this would probably be astronomical; and I HAVE NOT EVEN SEEN ANY CITY projections of what they would be. The city has not been able to water the parks and ball fields that now exist. I think we all know of the
tremendous water demands of ball fields; probably only second to corn fields. It has frequently been said that one person’s dream is another person’s nightmare. Mark Christensen: Like most things, I think the Field of Dreams likely started out as a plan by the City of Gillette to do something good for the citizens of Gillette and Campbell County. Unfortunately, as is often the case in Campbell County and government, a plan to do something good was taken too far. Unfortunately, the plan for the Field of Dreams has become an example of government excess (or in this case, planned government excess). In better times and better economies, the Field of Dreams may have been something worth considering. It does address needs for playfields within Gillette and has positive potential impacts for youth activities and community recreation. Unfortunately, the current regime in Washington has made it a mission to eliminate the use of coal for power generation, industry, and many other uses, and advances in technology (directional drilling and fracking) have opened up huge deposits of natural gas. With natural gas prices at all time lows and uncertainty about carbon regulation, many power-producing companies are making the decision to replace their coal-powered power plants with natural gas. This could have far-reaching impacts for Campbell County and the standard of living our community has become accustomed to. Please keep in mind that I do not intend to be all doom and gloom…natural gas prices are starting to come back up and it is likely that they will continue to rise in the future. However, our government entities need to be cognizant of these possibilities and I think it is reckless to endeavor upon any major capital improvements in the shortterm. The problem with major capital improvements is not just the cost up-front, it’s the long-term costs in terms of maintenance, utilities, staff and personnel, programming, etc. A small one-time capital improvement can create the need for a number of additional full-time employees – employees
with expensive benefits. Additionally, the endeavor by the City of Gillette for the Field of Dreams seems like a city attempt to create a recreation department. The irony is that the City moved forward with the planning for the Field of Dreams and expenses associated with it before even soliciting support from the County for the concept. The Commission made the right decision in declining to put money into the project. The County already operates a recreation department with no City support, and the Field of Dreams could likely create funding requirements beyond what the City can carry on its own. We all want great facilities and we all want abundant facilities. Unfortunately, somebody has to pay for those facilities as well. Luckily, in Campbell County we have great facilities. Those facilities are also well utilized. Additional field opportunities could be opened up on County and City fields with adjustments to scheduled times andexpansion of days and hours, low cost improvements to the City’s temporary fields on Enzi Drive, expansion at other sites and in other locations with existing infrastructure, and other creative solutions. I do see long-term benefits in the City of Gillette’s acquisition of the property. However, any improvements to the property in the short-term, and/or under the current plan, are unwise. If asked for funding for the Field of Dreams by the City of Gillette as a County Commissioner, Iwould reiterate the feelings of the current Commission and decline to participate in the funding of the project. Campbell County has millions of dollars in a savings account (rainy day fund). Do you plan on keeping adding into it, or lower property tax levies? – Question by Glenn Woods (Campbell County Observer Political Columnist and Radio Talk Show Host on 1270 KIML Gillette). Garry Becker: It is not at all clear that state statutes allow for local government to put aside funds for “savings.” I think they would have to earmarked for certain projects such as depreciation
10
accounts. Government should not “take” money from the people for saving, just as government should not put the people in debt with less than prudent spending. Local governments should be able to put aside funds fo4r major planned projects; such as the city putting aside funds for the local Field of Dreams rather than adding additional debt. On the basis of my present knowledge of the county’s reserves I would lower property taxes especially as long as we have the 6% sales tax. Steve Hughes: The county commissioners have started several reserve funds for Maintenance, Building replacement, Infrastructure, Fleet just to name a few. This is planning for the future when funding streams may be shrinking. I support this program, but I also support when the Commissioners lower the mill levy to its present number. Chris Knapp: Campbell County has worked to set aside a Capital Reserve fund now $67 million. We have also established long term maintenance accounts for specific buildings and fleet which total another $35 to $40 million. These accounts will allow future Commissioners to use the interest to pay for maintenance expenditures, replace infrastructure, and replace fleet. The maintenance accounts and depreciation are not yet fully funded. My priority on the Commission is to continue to add to these funds at an accelerated rate so that our full depreciation is funded. Every road, culvert, and building. It is at that time we can look at property tax relief. It should be noted that the County can tax up to 12 mills. We have purposely lived within our means and worked hard to set aside funds so that we only tax 11.051 mills. It should also be noted that out of a budget of $170,737,588.00, the County tax requirement from the mill is $64,527,513.00. The rest is covered
Continued on Page 11
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
July 27 - August 3, 2012
County Commissioner Candidates... Continued from Page 10 through carry over, fees, grants and other revenues. At the completion of this budget year the County is debt free and is well on its way to get these accounts fully funded. It will be important for the Commission to concentrate and prioritize on these accounts in good times or bad to prevent the growth of government and ensure a secure financial future for the County. Mark Christensen: I believe it is good policy to establish sinking funds and reserve accounts as are allowed by state law. The resources that are extracted from Campbell County coalmines, oilfields, uranium mines, and methane fields are not going to be regenerated any time soon. For that reason, it makes sense to set aside a portion of the funds generated from these resources for times when the County may be in a different long-term economic cycle. Additionally, Campbell County and Wyoming have very friendly tax policy with low property taxes and no state income tax. Our taxes are among the lowest in the nation and I believe our mill levies are reasonable and would not plan any adjustments up or down. As I discussed in your question on the Field of Dreams, there has been a change in national policy away from coal and fossil fuels. Our government leaders should provide for future Campbell County generations and setting aside funds in our County sinking funds and reserve accounts is good planning and good policy. Do you plan on attempting to nullify a current code or ordinance? If so, which one and why. Chris Knapp: The County looks at our planning, zoning and building codes on a continual basis to create an environment that is friendly to developers but also provides safety and consistency to the general public. We have streamlined processes using common sense versus regulations such as the simple lot line adjustment. This process of removing or moving a lot line use
to require a subdivision of property. After working with local developers in committee our planning department came up with a way to simplify this process. It has helped in numerous cases which may have taken months. We have promoted customer service and a helping hand within Public Works and Planning and will continue to examine how we can reduce red tape and make things easier for the public and our developers. Steve Hughes: I know of no codes or ordinances that need nullified at this time, If in the future citizens or County staff present information, I would listen and make a decision on what is presented. Mark Christensen: At this time, I do not plan to nullify any current code or ordinance. I would like to make sure County government is efficient and easy to work with for community members and businesses. Garry Becker: It has been brought to my attention that a code exists that limits structures on subdivisions in the county to a size that does not exceed the size of the home. Although there are cases where that may be justified it strikes me that it may be excessively arbitrary. Not only can this be restrictive and unreasonable but it can have a negative economic impact. Many Campbell County citizens have a lot of “toys” and it makes sense to have them sheltered.
nity organizations, being an educatedvoter, serving in public office, or many other things. Many no longer do their public service – they just expect government to take care of them. Part of the problem in Washington is a lack of term-limits on our elected officials. For many, elected office has switched from a service to their community, state, or nation to long-term employment. When politicians start looking for longterm employment, they tend to stop acting for the public good and instead focus on reelection. People elected for public office are expected to make tough decisions. They are not going to make everyone happy all of the time and long-term “employment” in an elected office contributes to this problem. I have previously indicated that if elected, I would only serve two terms on the Campbell County Commission. For me, this is the right thing to do. I plan to do my service and then move over for a new generation of elected officials. When the elected officials never change, neither do the ideas. New blood is good. It brings fresh perspective, new ideas, new personalities, and new possibilities. Chris Knapp: I believe in term limits but through the election process. There are no career politicians in Campbell County. Everyone who serves has other jobs or businesses to attend to while still putting in time to serve. I serve because I feel it is a duty and that I have become very good at promoting the conservative values I would like to see at the County. This is how to accomplish a long term maintenance account, and a long term fleet account. Every
Do you believe that the position that you are running for should have term limits? Why or why not? Mark Christensen: I feel that all elected positions should have term limits. I believe that we should all do our part for public service – this can be done by volunteering in your community, contributing funds to commu-
11
day I try to give a sense of urgency to fully fund our depreciation account, and to stay within the framework of government and core services. Elections are held to see if candidate’s principles match the citizen’s wishes. It is set structure for the State of Wyoming to select the people we want representing us. It gives even more importance for we as citizens to stay involved, to educate ourselves with facts, and finally to cast our votes for those we believe represent our values and priorities or vote out the o n e s that don’t. I serve because I feel it is a duty to stand up and lead a conservative driven, principle based, County Commission. Why regulate the freedom to choose? Let the voters decide. Voting is the ultimate decision in term limits for any office. Garry Becker: Yes. For many years I was against term limits because it also “limits” keeping “good” elected officials. However, at least nationally it seems that the longer they spend in Washington the more they become like the rest. I think that almost all of us are thankful for the term limits on the president. On State and local levels it is less clear; where term limits have been challenged they have frequently been over-turned by the courts. My personal feeling is that no one should serve in elected office for more than 8-12 years. Steve Hughes: I am running for a second term as Commissioner and I believe the voters have the right to answer term limits. The State Legislators can change State Statues.
Place your ad here, there are three more editions coming out! Call Anne Peterson today 670-8980
July 27 - August 3, 2012
Campbell County Observer • 2012 Election Guide/Paid Candidate Advertising
Online Voting Polls
Visit www.CampbellCountyObserver.com to participate in our election poll City of Gillette Ward 3 - Republican Primary John Wayne - 36.4% Ted Jerred (Incumbent) - 27.3%6 Scott Clem - 18.2% Robert Kothe - 13.6% None of the above - 4.5%
City of Gillette Ward 2-Republican Primary Damon Hart - 50% Billy Mntgomery - 27.3% Forrest Rothleutner - 22.7% None of the Above - 0%
City of Gillette Ward 1-Republican Primary Don Elder - 52.4% Kevin McGrath (Incumbent) - 38.1% None of the Above - 9.5%
Campbell County Commissioners-Republican Primary Mark Christensen - 27.8% Garry Becker - 22.2% Christopher Knapp (Incumbent) - 19.4% Robin Kuntz - 13.9% Steve Hughes (Incumbent) - 11.1% None of the Above - 5.6%
Wyoming House of Representatives District 52-Republican Primaries
Representative Sue Wallis (incumbent) - 45.2% John Robertson - 25.8% Merle L. McClure - 22.6% None of the Above - 6.5%
U.S. Senator-Democrat Primaries None of the Above - 44% Tim Chesnut - 28%7 Al Hamburg - 20% William Bryl - 8%
“The good news, to relieve all this gloom, is that a democracy is inherently self-correcting. Here, the people are sovereign. Inept political leaders can be replaced. Foolish policies can be changed. Disastrous mistakes can be reversed.” - Theodore C. Sorensen
Joke of the week Submitted by Jeanie Forser You Might Be A Republican If... You Might Be A Democrat If... You think “proletariat” is a type of cheese. • You’ve ever said, “We really should call You’ve named your kids “Deduction one” the ACLU about this.” and “Deduction two” • You believe that a few hundred loggers You’ve tried to argue that poverty could can find another career, but the defensebe abolished if people were just allowed to less spotted owl must live in its preferred keep more of their minimum wage. tree. You’ve ever referred to someone as • You ever based an argument on the “my (insert racial or ethnic minority here) phrase, “But they can afford a tax hike befriend” cause...” You’re a pro-lifer, but support the death • You keep count of how many people penalty. you know in each racial or ethnic category. The only union you support is the Base• You believe our government must do it ball Players, because heck, they’re richer because everyone in Europe does. than you. • You can’t talk about foreign policy withYou think you might remember laughing out using the word conspiracy. once as a kid. • You think Ralph Nader makes a lot of You once broke loose at a party and re- sense. moved your neck tie. • You think solar energy is being held You’ve ever referred to the moral fiber of back by those greedy oil companies. something. • You’ve never been mugged. You’ve ever uttered the phrase, “Why • You actually expect to collect Social don’t we just bomb the sons of b*&%$#@.” Security. You’ve ever said, “I can’t wait to get into • You think the State of Florida should business school.” have tried to reform Ted Bundy. You answer to “The Man.” • You think Ayn Rand is an African curYou fax the FBI a list of “Commies in my rency. Neighborhood.” • Your High School Year Book goals inYou’ve argued that art has a “moral cluded the words “help people.” foundation set in Western values.” • You think the Free Market is where When people say “Marx,” you think they hand out Government cheese. “Groucho.” • You think Carter should be on Mt. You’ve ever yelled, “Hey hippie, get a Rushmore. haircut.” • You believe personal injury lawyers You argue that you need 300 handguns, when they say they are just trying to dein case a bear ever attacks your home. fend the little guy. You’ve ever said civil liberties, schmivil • You actually believe the NY Times and schmiberties. all other Daily Papers. You’ve ever said “Clean air? Looks • You think the anti-war protestors from clean to me.” ‘60s are the real heroes. You’ve ever called education a luxury. • You actually think that poverty can be You wonder if donations to the Pentagon abolished. are tax-deductible. • You admire the Swedish welfare sysYou’re afraid of the liberal media.” tem. You ever based an argument on the • You know that Jefferson really meant to phrase, “Well, tradition dictates....” say “En titled to Happiness.” You ever told a child that Oscar the • You think the Flat Tax should be at 95% Grouch “lives in a trash can because he • After looking at your pay stub you can is lazy and doesn’t want to contribute to still say, “America is under taxed.” society.”
12