08/11/08 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
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Aug 12, 2008 Posted by Lauri Elbing
Sweetwater commissioner dies
Sweetwater County Commissioner Joe Oldfield died Thursday after a sudden illness. County spokesman Garry McLean said Oldfield died at 2:30 p.m. McLean said at this time they did not know the cause of death other than noting the sudden illness. Oldfield served as a commissioner for five years and seven months. The county commission has three members.Columnist A popular job -- in most counties
One of the three Democratic candidates is Dale Groutage of Lander. Groutage, you may recall, was a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006, but lost the general election to the late Republican U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas. The other Democratic candidates are Daniel Cardenas of St. Stephens and Ernie Over of Pavilion. Over is a former newspaper editor and broadcaster.
Gordon, Lummis probe past records
Republican U.S. House candidates Mark Gordon and Cynthia Lummis are doing their best to prove that past is prologue in politics.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
EDITORIAL: Wyo: Good investment in high-speed rail study
“With the high cost of both fuel and highway construction these days, exploring high-speed train service in Wyoming is beginning to make a lot of sense. Fortunately, the state isn't just waiting to see what happens. It has already made an investment to see if a high-speed railroad can be efficiently operated in Wyoming.”
EDITORIAL: Business incubator has great potential
“The goal of the incubator is to provide not only a building, but to offer assistance to young firms with consultants and professional resources to help them become self-sufficient and profitable. Some studies indicate that eight out of 10 new businesses fail. The center hopes to reverse those numbers and see 80 percent of the new businesses that participate succeed.”
FORUM: Time is running out for greater sage grouse Bart Rea of Casper is a board member of Audubon Wyoming.
“Populations of this species have declined to one-half to one-third the size of those during the late 1960s…..I urge citizens to contact the Bureau of Land Management and ask them to adopt the governor’s executive order. Time is running out for the greater sage grouse and our wide-open spaces. (Citizens can send letters to BLM Director Jim Caswell at BLM, 1849 C St. NW 5655 MIB Washington, DC 20240.)”
FORUM: State politicians should step up for kids By Marc Homer, KIDS COUNT coordinator for the Wyoming Children’s Action Alliance.
“…Certainly the discussion about wise energy development and the protection of our environment is critical to the people living in the Equality State. Yet I’m concerned that some of the more symbolic points such as those mentioned above, become the primary focus of debate, crowding out issues that directly impact Wyoming citizens.
We hear little about issues that directly affect huge segments of the population: Access to health care, educational success from infancy through adulthood, reducing risk factors for mothers, children, and teens, reforming the juvenile justice system, and fostering an economic climate that puts the American Dream within reach for Wyoming children and families….One can only hope that today’s candidates, public officials, and those in the business community will seize the opportunity to help ensure that children are a part of a living legacy of which we in Wyoming can all can be proud. Candidates should step up for kids and talk about their plans for our children and families during this campaign season.”
FORUM: Who's watching the home place? By Walt Gasson of Cheyenne is a Sweetwater County native who works as the executive director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation.
“…[L]ife, at least for most of us Sweetwater County-ites, was about hunting and fishing and camping and spending time with our families when we get off work. Every Wyoming family has certain places that are special to them -- the places they park their camper or put up their tent. The places they hunt, the places they fish, the places they take their kids and their grandkids and their horses and their 4-wheelers. The places they go to get their boots dirty and their souls clean. Special places -- places I like to call "the home place" -- for each one of these families. Maybe it’s Labarge Creek or maybe it’s the Big Horns, maybe it’s the Black Hills. For lots of families in Sweetwater County, it’s Little Mountain…. Now, let me be real clear about something: I’m not against gas development. My own family came here to Wyoming over a century ago to make a living. How can I deny someone else the same opportunity? I can’t. The last time I checked, my furnace burned natural gas. How can I use my furnace while denying someone a legal right to develop gas reserves? I can’t. But Little Mountain? Are we so desperate that we have to develop natural gas in the one place that some poor soul from Rock Springs can go within 50 miles to find some peace? I guess we must be, but I don’t think I have to like it. So what can we do about it? You know, that’s the real question. What can any one of us do about it by ourselves? Maybe nothing. But as my friends in the Sweetwater County know, it isn’t about what you can do by yourself. It’s about what we can do together. It’s time to stop the insanity. If you think we ought to drill a gas well every 5 acres in every nook and cranny of Wyoming in order to drill our way out of this crazy dependence on fossil fuels, OK. You’re entitled to your opinion. But for those of us who love this state, who love the sunrise over the mountains, who love country with lots of empty still left in it, who like the country pretty much like God made it, it’s time to holler, "Whoa!" Today, it’s Little Mountain, but tomorrow it may be your home place.”
LTE: Candidate avoids shifting alliances By DON THORSON, Newcastle
“Do you like the dictatorial way in which Nancy Pelosi runs the House of Representatives? If she thinks she will lose a vote such as for offshore drilling, she does not allow the vote. If you like this method of lawmaking then you should vote for Gary Trauner or possibly for Mark Gordon. Gary Trauner, if elected would be a minor participant in the House, and would have to go along with her policy because she would rule his party. It is likely that Mark Gordon might also support the Democrats on certain issues based on his past support of Trauner, and Kerry, and his leadership role in the Sierra Club….”
LTE: Candidate earns call to county clerk By DINO WENINO, Casper (Supporting Keith Goodenough for Congress)
“In the upcoming primary I am going to change my party affiliation from Republican to Democrat so that I can vote for Keith.”
LTE: Some issues emerge from the chaos by CURT WARTICK, Casper
(Litany of issues mentioning Dems and Republicans alike…anti everything and everybody)
LTE: Beer motivates adoring throngs BILLY LEE ACKERLEY, Wyarno (Anti-Obama)
LTE: Policy serves us to hungry corporations by PETE BEATTY, Casper (Supporting new Washington DC leadership from Wyoming)
LTE: Candidate does his homework by PAT NAGEL, Casper (Supporting Tom Lockhart for State House)
LTE: Elections look to future, not the past by JOE MEYER, Cheyenne, Wyoming State Treasurer (Explaining his support for Mark Gordon for Congress)
“…Did Cynthia contribute to building the diversification of the current Wyoming Investment portfolio? Yes, she did. But not exclusively. Many others, starting with the mineral taxpayers and including legislators and the other members of the State Investment Board, also played a large role in where we are now. I support Mark Gordon's candidacy because I believe he presents the best chance for Republicans in Wyoming to retain the congressional seat and to do so in a campaign style that rank-and-file Republicans can be proud of and not ashamed of, as some have been in some past Wyoming elections. In my mind, I don't think that Cynthia's contributions to improvements in the state investment portfolio outweigh the benefits I see for us all in Mark's candidacy….”
LTE: Childhood ends early in criminal courts by LINDA BURT, Cheyenne, Executive director, Wyoming Chapter, American Civil Liberties Union (Response to Ms. Rule’s Aug 2 Forum)
“…While Gov. Freudenthal has created a youth position in his office, there is no indication this position will be vested with any authority to actually accomplish anything. Judge Hartman is qualified in this field but we have yet to see any job description. Ms. Rule also lauded the passing of Senate File 66 last session, which did nothing to solve any of the problems faced by juveniles in Wyoming. Senate File 66 simply added amendments to legislation that allows communities to have boards for youth services. The legislation provides no money for desperately needed staff, services or programs. Senate File 66 is more of the same do-nothing attitude cloaked under the protection of "local control"….”
LTE: Service teaches discipline and honor by MILES DAHLBY, Casper (Supporting Bill Winney for Congress)
LTE: Criticism clarifies murky condition by MARK GORDON, Buffalo, Candidate for U.S. House (Responds to Faye Mackay’s LTE)
Faye Mackey's letter discusses water in Wyoming and includes harebrained attacks.
LTE: Party expects kudos, earns condemnation by JIM GUELDE, Meeteetse (Anti-Republican candidates, lukewarm on Democrats…in general)
“…When Congress was non-debating the Patriot Act, my son was home on leave from the Army. I asked him what he thought of the direction the country was going. "Dad," he said, "I'd rather live in a free America, where there may be dangers -- than in a safe America, where the government knows every move I make." Maybe the Democrats won't do any better, but by the bones of Patrick Henry, I will not, cannot, vote to reward the Republican Party for its failure to protect my rights and liberties these past years.”
LTE: Wyoming benefits from candidate by BILL and DOROTHY MAIERS, Casper (Supporting Lummis for Congress)
LTE: Fair weather friends await opportunity by MARK TOMPKINS, Cheyenne (Supporting Keith Goodenough, bashing Nick Carter)
Wyo launches energy conservation program
“Several state agencies are participating in a public information campaign to educate Wyoming residents on how to use less energy and where to get help with high heating bills.” Monday, August 11, 2008
FYI: The Wyoming Public Service Commission and Wyoming gas and electric providers will host a conference in Casper on Aug. 20 to help residents prepare for high heating costs that are expected this winter.
Board considers tax deferral program for seniors
“Low-income Natrona County residents over the age of 62 may have a way to defer up to half their property taxes if the county approves a new proposal.”
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Crow coal-to-liquids plant could be boon for Mont.
“A $7 billion coal-to-liquids plant proposed for southeastern Montana's Crow reservation promises an economic boon for the region, but must first overcome economic and political hurdles that have kept any such plant from being built in the United States.” Saturday, August 9, 2008
“State House District 44 deserves a lawmaker who knows his or her issues and is ready to get something done. The incumbent, state Rep. Floyd Esquibel, has moved onto the state Senate. He is known as a "good guy" who gets little done in the Legislature. His constituents deserve better. In a crowded race for the Democratic nomination in HD 44, Nate Breen best meets those criteria. That makes him the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Editorial Board's recommendation in this race.”
In Our Opinion: County Commission recommendation
Wyoming Tribune Eagle's Editorial Board believes incumbent Jack Knudson is best suited to deal with the issues facing this county.
Reed Eckhardt Column: Don't let city candidates get away with empty promises on streets
Barrasso: Bill cuts time for vets to get treatment
Currently, a Disability rating system must be done before veterans receive help; all brain injuries are not immediately obvious.
What makes Jayne different from the others?
EXTENSIVE Article about candidate for Mayor of Cheyenne, Jayne Mockler – former State Senator, and finishing up her last term as a State Representative
Building The Wyoming We Want
Governor Freudenthal is ready to move forward with "Building the Wyoming We Want."House, council candidates face off
“A full slate of candidates for State House District 46 and for the City Council Ward 3 race participated in the candidate forum Thursday night sponsored by the Laramie League of Women Voters and Albany County Library.”
Bomber training runs over the county has ranchers, farmers upset
Pay attention to articles like this, Federal level candidates, as this will be on your plate to solve for your constituents. “Cattle ranchers and farmers are unhappy with a U.S. Air Force proposal to significantly expand training airspace for bomber pilots.”
Water research worries drillers, ranchers
“A paper published by University of Wyoming researchers has some oil and gas companies in the Powder River Basin worried about water discharge permits and some Wyoming ranchers worried the water they have been using for years will no longer be considered safe for livestock to drink.”
CITY COUNCIL MESSAGE FROM AUG. 6
“Here is the written response to News-Record questions about why the Gillette City Council wants to limit Mayor Duane Evenson’s powers”
Commission to appoint replacement to board
County commissioners will appoint one of the three candidates to replace Bill Paddleford on the board Tuesday.Coal-To-Liquid Plant Bad For Wyo Air
A plan to capture carbon dioxide by gasifying Wyoming coal for liquid fuels has drawn concern over its effects on the air
08/10/2008
Gov Outlines State Growth Plans
Gov. Freudenthal outlined community & statewide growth & development plans at a regional planning conference
08/10/2008
Several state agencies are participating in a public-information campaign to educate Wyoming residents on how to use less energy & where to get help with high heating bills
08/10/2008
Outdoor Tourism Sidelined By Drilling
Outdoor tourism on the Western Slope has suffered cuts in revenue due to encroaching energy drilling on formerly pristine lands
08/10/2008
Gordon, Lummis Hung Up On Past
Republican U.S. House candidates Mark Gordon and Cynthia Lummis are scrutinizing past political decisions each has made
08/09/2008
Crow Coal Plant Promising For West
A $7 billion coal-to-liquids plant proposed for the Crow reservation promises an economic boon for the region, but must first overcome economic & political hurdles
08/09/2008
U.S. Forest Service officials say the cost of fighting this summer's wildfires is forcing them to divert funds from non-firefighting programs
Public Services Commission Announces Winter Heating Conference
MARK YOUR CALANDERS for AUGUST 20th. This is a “MUST DO” event. “Energy providers from around Wyoming will discuss the prices consumers can expect to see in coming months, their efforts to provide safe, reliable service at reasonable rates and incentives that encourage increased home heating efficiency.”
Candidate Releases Letter to the Editor (Office of Goodenough for Senate)
Explains why he believes he is the best candidate for US Senate.
K2TV - KTWO - Casper Channel 2 or 6 and Cheyenne Channel 8
“The gloves have come off in the battle between GOP frontrunners. Mark Gordon and Cynthia Lummis are considered the top two candidates for the Republican nomination for Wyoming's lone US House seat. Friday, Gordon made the rounds responding to an email sent by Bill Cubin. Cubin, a supporter of Lummis, wrote the email responding to a negative TV ad from the Gordon campaign about Lummis. The ad shows a little girl digging a grave. The ad refers to how Lummis' voting record over the years regarding taxes has dug a grave for our children. Cubin calls the ad a sad day for Wyoming Republicans. He also says in his email that Gordon's wife is a liar after she promised in a Casper star-tribune letter to the editor, a positive campaign from her husband. Cubin in his email also says the repulsive ad shows Gordon for what he truly is. On Friday, Gordon fired back.”
The US Senate may be on recess, but Wyoming's Senior Senator is still hard at work... This time close to home. Mike Enzi has returned to the state and is making time to talk to his constituents. Enzi spoke to the five trails Rotary Club Thursday afternoon about what he's trying to do in Washington. Rotarians also asked him several questions about topics ranging from the war in Iraq to his voting record on recent bills.
Energy Assistance
“Several Wyoming agencies are participating in a public information campaign to educate people on how to use less energy and where to get help with high heating bills. It's being called, "The Energy Wise Wyoming Campaign."”Primary Election draws fewer voters
Jaclyn Rostie Reports: The Statewide Primary Election is August 19th. But if history repeats itself, voter turnout will be significantly less than the general election.Managing Wyoming's Growth Moves Forward
Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal announced Friday morning that a new organization will begin to carry forward ideas developed at the "Building the Wyoming We Want" Conference this past January in Casper.Laramie County Commissioners Forum
Laramie County's leadership could change with the upcoming election.