Mary Throne was born in Campbell County, later moving to Cheyenne with her husband. In 2007 she entered politics, winning a seat in the state House of Representatives for 10 years, six of which were spent in the leadership position of, first, the Minority Whip and then the Minority Floor Leader.
During the 2015 legislative session she served on the Joint Education Committee, Joint Rules and Procedures Committee, and the Rules and Procedures Committee.
Throne is campaigning on, what she refers to, “a platform of opportunity” which emphasizes revitalizing the energy industry, diversifying the economy, protecting public education, advocating for public lands, investing in communities and expanding healthcare.
“Wyoming’s healthcare system is broken. We have only one insurer on our exchange and some of the highest premiums in the country” emphasizes Throne. As well, Throne hopes to expand telehealth, as a means of reducing wait times for patients in rural areas and expanding transparency for medical costs, so customers know exactly what they are being charged for and for how much.
Thorne firmly believes in diversifying Wyoming’s economy and discussed expanding tax bases. She hopes to push for programs, which have been recommended by committees such as ENDOW that would diversify the economy.
“Elected leaders should not outsource decision making to a blue-ribbon commission.”
In looking at her stance on education Throne believes that fundamental tax reform takes place in Wyoming so that the state can provide a stable level of funding to schools regardless of economic conditions so as to not exacerbate economic woe.
“Our education system from Pre-K to post-secondary is key to ending the boom-and-bust cycle. A strong public education system is needed to attract business and young families to our state, and to train the next generation of workers.”
On the issue of public lands, Throne wishes to reach out to local communities to help manage public lands. “As governor, I will advocate balancing the interests of all our users of public lands so that Wyoming will stay wild for generations to come.”
Once again, Throne addressed the need to invest in communities around the state by advocating for funds to support local leaders. She believes partnering with communities around the state will be beneficial.
“Strong communities will keep our young people in Wyoming and attract business to the state,” she said.
Mark Gordon is the incumbent state Treasurer. Gordon grew up near Kaycee, Wyoming. Prior to his appointment as Treasurer in 2012, he served on the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Board, the Johnson County District 1 K-12 School Board and the board of Nature Conservancy of Wyoming. He has continued to serve as the president of the Willow Park Reservoir Company, on the Board of Volunteers of America Northern Rockies and on the board of the Ucross Foundation.
Gordon’s priorities include reducing the size of government, ensuring the future of natural resources and defending conservative values.
Gordon is quick to point to his position as Treasurer involving managing funds, implementing procedures and furthering benefits from investment income as positive experiences. Arguing that the state ought to find more efficiencies on the local level as a means of maintaining Wyoming’s balanced budget.
“Wyoming is the least regulated state, with some of the greatest opportunities,” said Gordon. “It’s important we live within in our means and maintain our long term fiscal health.”
Gordon is also taking a strong stance on preserving the state’s natural resources.
“Mark will ensure responsible development of our state’s vast natural resources while protecting open space and access to public lands. He will work to position Wyoming as the leader in advanced energy technologies including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and new carbon-to-product markets” boasts his website.
Proclaiming his position as pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro- family, Gordon represents the key values of a conservative candidate. In relation to policy, Gordon opposes LGBT anti-discrimination laws.
“Its we the people,” said Gordon. “When we make laws that divide us, those bonds break down.”
Dr. Rex (T-Rex) Rammell is the Constitution Party candidate for Governor. He was born in western Wyoming and received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University in 1989.
Rammell positions himself as the true conservative candidate, promising to “take a bite out of the feds.”
Rammell believes that the federal government has no right to own public lands, and firmly believes that the state should exert its proper ownership over public lands.
“If the state managed the land, one billion dollars or more of potential revenue would come with it. That is plenty of money to manage the land with additional revenue being shared with the cities, counties, and the state. In fact, I believe there would be enough extra to lower the property tax burden and the motor vehicle registration fees the counties and state put on the citizenry.”
Rammell also touched on his thoughts and policies regarding state budgets and economic diversification in last week’s gubernatorial debate.
“We need to rethink the way government services are delivered to the people and what services are delivered,” said Rammell. “If there are ways to privatize certain areas that would show a cost savings that is a good starting point. Some areas of service could possibly be eliminated. I would like to discuss eliminating occupational licenses and move more to private bonding.”
Rammell would also look at implementing school choice in Wyoming’s education system.
“I think it is time to open up school choice including virtual learning across the state. Competition will decrease state spending and improve quality. Classroom sizes must be increased while having more teacher aids which will also lower costs. We must rethink the way we educate our kids including a choice at age 16 to follow an academic path or a trade school path.”
Dr. Lawerence Struempf is the Libertarian canidate for Governor. He holds hplds a bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Doctorate in Instructional technology from the University of Wyoming.
Struempf regards himself as a “moderate libertarian,” stating “I believe in the Libertarian core values, less government and more liberties; less federal and more state control of local resources. I believe and support the US constitution and in personal liberties.”
Struempf argues that the state must raise revenue to sustain funding for education, “you can only cut something so much before it dies.” Arguing for the creation of a 3% tax on companies, a rate which would still be “the lowest in the nation.” As well, he would be opened to increasing the property tax to 1%, which would, as well, be relatively low.
Highlighting his experience speaking to medical professionals across Wyoming, Struempf believes that Wyoming should expand Medicaid, arguing that it would “save individuals and money through prevenative care.”
In line with this view, Struempf holds that the state should consult citizens across the state when it comes to policy making. He holds that boards should be created in each county, composed of actors from each rung of the respective communities that would submit to legislator’s ideas to improve their localities.
“We want to work and help citizens, but we can’t do it without hearing from you,” Struempf said.
