Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Where do you currently live and how long have you lived in House District 27?
I reside in Worland where I grew up before leaving for a number of years and returning in 2009.
Why are you running for House District 27?
I am running for HD 27 because I am deeply concerned about government overreach on both social and fiscal issues. A top priority for me is property tax reform and property rights.
How would you like to address the rising property taxes in the state and what impact would that resolution have on residents, businesses, special tax districts, and local and state government?
To address rising property taxes, we must first determine what the government has the legitimate authority to spend money on. Our government is not unlimited; it is defined by the enumerations in our Constitutions (Federal and State). Only those roles explicitly delegated to the government through constitutional amendments should be funded.
Once we identify legitimate government roles we can determine necessary spending and guide the type of taxation required. The framers intended for the government to protect life and private property. Taxing and seizing private property contradicts this purpose and violates the Fifth Amendment which prohibits the taking of property without just compensation.
Property tax must be removed as a means of revenue. By doing so, we can protect property rights, encourage economic growth, and ensure special tax districts and local and state governments operate within their legitimate constitutional authority. This approach will lead to a fairer, more transparent taxation system that respects individual property rights and limits government overreach.
What areas should the state focus on to diversify its economy, so it is not so dependent on minerals?
The terms "economy" or "market" are not mentioned in the Constitutions, nor has the power to manage the economy been delegated by the people, except in maintaining the value of the currency. Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution restricts the general government from favoring any demographic, business, region or county. States should encourage fair competition, applying "equal protection of the laws" to all.
Additionally, Western states are unconstitutionally violating the Commerce Clause by restricting the sale and shipment of Wyoming coal to other nations. These actions harm our economy and violate the Constitution's intent for free trade between states.
To diversify Wyoming's economy, we should create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. By reducing regulatory burdens, lowering taxes, and protecting property rights, we can attract industries like technology, tourism and agriculture. Educational initiatives that promote skills in these areas will help develop a capable workforce.
Ultimately, our goal should be a fair, competitive marketplace where businesses thrive on their merits, free from government favoritism and unconstitutional interference. This approach respects constitutional principles while promoting sustainable economic growth.
What is one other issue that you feel needs to be addressed by the State Legislature and how would you address it?
Government actions and failures to act are bringing this nation to a breaking point. Unconstitutional government actions create hostility when benefiting one group at the expense of another. All such actions must be eliminated. The best way to achieve this is by establishing a permanent legislative committee to ensure full compliance with the Constitutions.
Unconstitutional inaction has stifled the freedom of the press. Media platforms control what is considered news, suppressing certain stories while promoting those that fit a narrative. The Wyoming Constitution states, "Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being
responsible for the abuse of that right." To ensure a free press in Wyoming, these platforms need regulation.
States have a duty to nullify any federal infringements. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress specific powers. If Congress exceeds those powers, states are obligated not to comply. HB212 in 2023 proposed creating standing committees on federal review to assess the constitutionality of all federal actions and their impact on Wyoming's sovereignty.
Unfortunately, the Wyoming State House rejected HB212 on February 6, 2023, by a vote of 27 to 35. I support HB212 because, under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and every state is bound by oath to support it. States must nullify any federal government infringements that exceed the powers granted to Congress under Article 1, Section 8.
To address these issues, I will advocate for a permanent standing committee to ensure full constitutional compliance and push for regulations on media platforms to uphold press freedom. Additionally, I will support efforts to revive and pass legislation similar to HB212 to safeguard Wyoming's sovereignty against federal overreach.
