08/07/2008 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
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Aug 12, 2008 Posted by Lauri Elbing
'Purple' States Get VIP Seats At DNC
30,000 seats at Obama's acceptance speech at the DNC are for Coloradans, and 30,000 are open to other critical battleground state residents.
E-mail: commcredentials@demconvention.com or call: (720) 362-2500 to apply for tickets.
Newcomer challenges incumbent on property taxes
“Political newcomer Al Snell is challenging longtime state senator John Schiffer in the Republican primary for District 22 on the issue of rising property taxes. Snell favors a property value assessment system based on the most recent purchase price. Schiffer calls that the "California" system of assessing property values, and maintains that he and other legislators have provided relief for elder and lower-income homeowners in recent years. The relief includes a veterans tax exemption and a tax rebate for qualifying elderly and disabled citizens. Several times, the Legislature has raised the qualifying income level so that more people qualify for the tax rebate program.”
Republican lawmaker, challenger differ on fuel taxes
“The Republican candidates for House District 9 in Cheyenne differ sharply on whether to increase the state fuel tax to pay for highway maintenance. Marirose Morris, a 64-year-old arts administrator in Cheyenne, said she would support an increase in fuel taxes, but she is against a separate proposal to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road for tractor-trailer trucks. Morris noted that Wyoming’s fuel taxes are the lowest in the area, and state highway funding needs are large. Increasing the fuel tax, she said, would increase the amount big trucks plan without creating a new bureaucracy to administer a toll system. "Highway users would be paying their share for highway improvements," Morris said. David Zwonitzer, a 55-year-old auctioneer and business owner in Cheyenne, said he’s against raising fuel taxes or creating toll roads to pay for maintenance on I-80.”
City OKs $1.5M grant application for business center
This project is something to watch, as it has the potential to nurture diversification of the economy and build stronger partnerships between the private and public sector. “A business incubator created in hopes of building a stronger business community is one step closer to fruition.”
EDITORIAL: Wyo plan may keep sage grouse off endangered list
This is a Great Editorial illuminating how Wyoming's plan for sage grouse habitat conservation, a collaborative effort that included non-traditional partners and all levels of government, will ultimately save jobs and sage grouse. “And while the state executive order doesn't have authority over federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, federal officials have said they will cooperatively work with the state's plan. That's important, because if sage grouse obtain protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, it would potentially shut down energy activity in much of Wyoming. Restrictions would also hurt ranching operations in the state, but energy development remains the biggest threat to the bird's survival.” And Energy means jobs.
LTE: Candidate shows outside alliances - Anti-Gordon by FAYE MACKEY, Gillette
“In our arid state, water use, water rights, and water development are critically important, and no one understands that better than a person who makes his living in agriculture. However, last year as chairman of the Environmental Quality Council, Mark Gordon cast the deciding vote to give the Department of Environmental Quality the power to regulate -- meaning limit -- the quantity of water that can flow down a stream drainage, even though the water meets water quality standards. Gordon made this decision despite testimony from many ranchers across the state that they had used the water for years and it was essential to their livestock and farming operations. This decision represents an unprecedented departure from Wyoming water law and illustrates Gordon's lack of respect for the vital importance of water to Wyoming. Mark Gordon is registered as a Republican running for Wyoming's lone seat for Congress; but his allegiance will not be to the people of Wyoming but to the Sierra Club and their agenda. We do not need him to represent us here in Wyoming.”
LTE: Administration claims ghastly credits Anti-Bush Administration and Wyoming Delegation by NEIL AMSBAUGH, Riverton
“This time of year last year propane prices were about $1.65 per gallon in Riverton; today they are about $2.50 per gallon. The big factor is the increased price of crude oil, as propane is derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. So we can add high home heating costs to a dozen free gifts from the Cheney/Bush administration. This administration is supported in a virtually lock-step manner by our Wyoming delegation. If you like the state of the world as they've influenced it, vote for Enzi, Barrasso and whatever Republican replaces Cubin.”
LTE: Informed voters redeem nation Pro-Goodenough by AMBER MCEACHERN, Casper
“We all want a real man or woman who cares about Wyoming and who is going to do right, not only for us, but represent our communities to the best of their abilities, right? This is where the responsibility falls to us to be aware of who is who and what is what. I read a quote on Keith Goodenough's Underdog Report that reminded me it's the common folks who make this country great.”
District 10 Dems state energy, smoking views
Jana Howard Ginter and Gary Roadifer, the two Democrat candidates vying for a seat in Wyoming House District 10 addressed renewable energy, a statewide smoking ban and charter schools Wednesday evening at a League of Women Voters forum.
In Our Opinion: Ward 3 recommendations
Wyoming Tribune Eagle Editorial Board is recommending incumbents Jim Brown and Don Pierson in this ward.
Enzi Predicts Few Changes To NCLB
“Senator Mike Enzi says the No Child Left Behind Act has improved education in America and will not be changed significantly by the next administration. Popular support for No Child Left Behind has dropped off. In a debate this week, none of the Republican candidates for U-S House said they support the law in its current form.”Enzi Does Not Expect An Energy Policy
“Senator Mike Enzi says he does not think a national energy policy is achievable. During a stop in Laramie, Enzi says he understands those who call for such a policy, but he notes that it has been a topic of conversation since the oil crisis of the 1970's. "And we said we need a national energy policy and we have talked about that for over 30 years, and we don't have one. If you do too comprehensive a bill, five people won't like that part and 11 people won't like this part and pretty quick you're over 41, or 51, either one of those numbers makes the difference, and you don't get to that policy." Enzi says that is why lawmakers have had to address the energy issue in steps. He says successful policies will encourage the nation to both use less energy and also produce more.”Teton County Voters Asked To Support Pathways Projects
Teton County voters are being asked to support three alternative transportation issues that will be on the ballot this month.WPR OPINION: For Discussion: On the Ground in Nuremburg
John McCain promotes negative images of Barack Obama in his campaign.Enzi praises teachers, leaders
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said Wyoming teachers were the key to creating innovative children in a speech at the inaugural John P. Ellbogen Institute for Educational Leadership and Advocacy conference Wednesday in Laramie. “We have to innovate or die,” he said. Enzi praised state legislators, school administrators and teachers for striving to make sure their students have the tools necessary to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind.
Paddleford remembered
About 500 people, including Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, paid tribute to Teton County Commissioner Bill Paddleford on Wednesday, remembering him as a leader with a sense of humor and conviction.Washington, D.C. hopefuls debate issues in Riverton
Here is another story on Monday’s debate. Decent coverage.
Candidates court Goshen County votesDemocratic candidate Gary Trauner and Republican candidates Bill Winney and Mark Gordon each walked in the Goshen County Fair Parade, then mingled with the crowd that turned out at the fairgrounds. The candidates also found time to visit with the Telegram about their candidacies, their goals and some of the biggest issues facing Wyoming and the nation…. [Trauner] said he enjoys the variety of opinions and ideas that people around the state share with him. He visited many Wyoming residents during the last election door-to-door and sees the county fair visits he is doing this year as an extension of that.” “A lot of my time last time was just introducing myself,” Trauner said. This time, he said, he can focus more on getting his message out. Part of that message is issue areas he hopes to focus on such as healthcare, energy and the economy. Trauner said that although it is perceived that Democrats often have a harder time in Wyoming because of the state’s predominantly Republican voter demographics, he hopes that people will look outside of labels. Trauner holds some positions that are normally considered conservative, such as keeping government out of private lives, Second Amendment rights and respecting the rule of law. Trauner said he also believes in smaller but more effective government. “Government has a role,” Trauner said. “The question is where that role is.” According to Trauner, one of the main sentiments expressed to him by Wyoming residents is that most people are not happy with the way the government is being run. “People have lost faith and trust in the government,” Trauner said. “You can hold any title you want, but if you’ve lost the support of the people you’re never going to succeed.” Trauner said he hopes to change that and focus on helping Wyoming if elected, even though he would be just one of 435 representatives. “People change the world all the time. You just never know who, you never know when and you never know where,” Trauner said.” “…According to Gordon, there is a way to solve every problem with communication and planning. One of the biggest issues facing Goshen County and the state of Wyoming is water rights. Gordon, who has been on numerous water boards throughout his life, said he has fought very hard for Wyoming’s water.”
Statewide PAWS, AYP testing data released
“[No Child Left Behind assessments] for the Wyoming Students (PAWS) test administered in the spring show a drop in statewide averages in almost every category and grade level between the 2007 and 2008 tests.”
Secretary of state visits prison site“It is scary,” Maxfield said of the treatment facility. “It could fail. We need to try to fix it while our heads are above water. I go out and actually see the projects on site. I am hoping this example will show the Legislature we need more money for infrastructure, but a project like South Torrington Water and Sewer District would never get this funding. A place like South Torrington cannot compete. The five elected state officials need to get more money to use through the SLIB. We need a fall-back safety net.”
OPINION: GOP House race most interesting
“The GOP in Wyoming seems to be close to half full of voters who have no trouble casting a ballot or donating money across party lines. That, and the fact that Democrat Gary Trauner came within spitting distance of beating Cubin two years ago in November, makes the House race the most fun to watch from now through the General Election….If I had to call a winner of that debate, I would hand it to Lummis. Clearly the most well-spoken and dynamic candidate, she appeared bright, well prepared and extremely knowledgeable on all topics. But Lummis will want to keep an eye on Gordon. He’s not as practiced at public speaking, but his miles traveled in Wyoming over the past several months may pay off pretty well on election day.”
Very silly Editorial: ‘Rush nightmare' ruins otherwise nice nap
Don't ever fall asleep with Rush Limbaugh's voice blaring from the radio unless you're in Cody's 75 percent of Limbaugh lovers. I did so one recent morning and had a strange, troubling dream.Transmission lines will carry power to Idaho
“With the turbines of the new Glenrock Wind Farm sprouting up, so too will 1,000 miles of transmission line to transport the renewable energy across the state to Idaho.” Plans are underway and when completed (2014ish) “the line will be able to transport 3,000 mega-watts from the Windstar station to the Hemmingway station [and] the state will be able to claim taxes on the power, similar to the process of in-state coal generated power.”
Republicans advocating change: Four GOP House candidates say they will get nation back on track
More on Monday’s Debate…focused on Republican portion. “The race leading to the Aug. 19 primary has revolved around themes such as reducing government spending, ending partisan bickering and lifting barriers to oil drilling to boost global supply and ease gas prices.”
Rising costs take bite out of food budget
This is a great article about the impact rising fuel and food prices are having on a food pantry’s donation and ability to buy food, but the State is says the impact on the food stamp program is flat and can be challenging to discern. "People don't get on the program and stay on it for a long period of time. Typically they stay on for about three months and then something changes and their income shifts and they don't qualify for it anymore," Rule said. And “in Johnson County, less than 25 percent of the estimated 1,110 people living below federal poverty levels applied for food stamps in May 2008. That's down from May 2006 and 2007 levels, when around 30 percent of qualified Johnson County residents received the benefit. It is also slightly lower than the statewide average, which typically hovers around 40 percent.”
Washington, D.C. (Office of Senator Enzi) – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., will be logging thousands of miles this month as he travels across the state meeting with Wyoming residents from corner to corner during the Senate’s August home work period. Highlights of Enzi’s schedule are provided.
Primary Election
State Capitol (State of Wyoming) — Wyoming’s Primary Election will be held August 19. Secretary of State Max Maxfield reminds residents that: “Wyoming has a wonderful reputation for high voter turnout.” “Let’s continue to display good citizenship by voting,” Maxfield said. Polling places will open at 7:00 a.m. and remain open until all those persons who are in line to vote at 7:00 p.m. have cast their ballot. “There are no excuses for not voting, because Wyoming allows absentee voting prior to election day and even allows voter registration on election day,” Maxfield said. Candidates and their supporters are also reminded that the state’s electioneering laws prevent any form of campaigning within one hundred (100) yards of polling places. Additional election information, including local County Clerk contact information, can be found at the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Website http://soswy.state.wy.us/.WASHINGTON, DC (Office of Representative Cubin) -- Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) was named a “Friend of the American Motorist” by Americans for Prosperity (AFP) for earning a 100% score on the group’s “Freedom from Foreign Oil” scorecard. The scorecard ranks U.S. Representatives based on their support for – or opposition to – policies that would lower gas and energy prices by increasing American energy supplies. Cubin was among a select group of House lawmakers to receive a perfect score on AFP’s scorecard.
$6 Million in Federal Grants Has Local Airports Flying High
Washington, D.C. (Office of Senator Enzi) -- The friendly skies will get a little friendlier for travelers flying through Buffalo, Cheyenne, Lusk, Pinedale and Riverton thanks to five federal airport grants worth a total of more than $6 million, announced U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Barbara Cubin, all R-Wyo. Johnson County Airport, Cheyenne Regional Airport, Lusk Municipal Airport, Ralph Wenz Field in Pinedale and Riverton Regional Airport will all be receiving major improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. The funds will be used for projects such as runway improvement and the building of airport hangars.
K2TV - KTWO - Casper Channel 2 or 6 and Cheyenne Channel 8
USDA LOANS LOCAL BUSINESS 10 MIL: NATRONA COUNTY
The rock springs mineral processing company will be building a bentonite processing facility west of Casper. Bentonite is used in many products from kitty litter to drilling oil. The site expects to export 400 thousand tons per year, once they get the factory up and running. The new facility will create about a hundred new jobs for natrona county. The united states department of agriculture, rural development division, helped make the loan possible. First interstate bank is putting up the money for the business and industry guaranteed loan.
Fremont County Residents To Vote On Tax
Fremont County residents will vote in November on a 1 percent sales tax to fund improvements to the county fairgrounds in Riverton.