09/06/08 Wyoming Democratic Party Daily News Roundup
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Sep 6, 2008 Posted by Lauri Elbing
U.S. House candidates talk reform in Cheyenne
“Under a big tent in front of the stately stone Union Pacific train depot, the candidates for Wyoming's U.S. House seat took part in a forum Friday as the crowd feasted on barbecued ribs…. ”
Judge will choose new SWC commissioner
“And the winner for the open Sweetwater County Commission seat is .... none of the above….”
Canadian oil company lays off workers
“A Canadian-based oil company that specializes in underground oil drilling is laying off more than half its work force, most of them in Wyoming….”
“Representatives with the petroleum industry are unhappy with a newly proposed management plan for the Pinedale region, and they are calling for a do-over on the part of the federal government….”
Natrona County High School student receives distinction
“The Natrona County High School student council was recently awarded the title of Honor Council with Meritorious Distinction from the Wyoming Association of Student Councils. This marks NC's sixth consecutive honor, and is the highest award at the state level a council can receive. This summer at the National Student Council Convention in Justin, Texas, NC's student council was one of only two in Wyoming and one of only 126 councils nationwide to receive a National Gold Council of Excellence award. The award is three years old, and NCHS is the only Wyoming school that has been awarded this every year. The student council's advisors are Bruce Berst and Devon Strube-Martin.”'Rally Days' begin autumn Sunday season
“September means the beginning of autumn, the start of football season, the first days of school -- and, for some, returning to church….”
State HR group plans conference
“The Wyoming State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management will host its annual state conference Sept. 25-26 in Casper, according to a release. The theme of this year's conference is "HR in Wyoming: Expanding Your Toolkit." Dr. William Guillory, an authority on diversity, high performance, leadership, creativity, innovation and quantum thinking, is the keynote speaker. Other presentations include "Energy's Affects on the Future of Wyoming HR," "Ten HR Challenges That Should Keep You Awake at Night," and "Building a Recognition Culture." In addition, there will be both strategic and tactical sessions offered on topics such as Wyoming Veteran employees returning from duty, the legalities of reference checking, and updates on HIPAA, COBRA, and fiduciary duties. For more information, call (307) 237-7311 or visit http://www.wyoming.shrm.org/ and click on Calendar.”LTE: Excuses follow cycle of deception by DUFFY JENNIGES, Gillette
“After a self-imposed inner exile, I am now on a quest for some answers. Maybe some of the hard-core Republicans can explain them for me. 1. I know that we are supposed to be "Cowboy Tough" and be ready to "Cowboy Up." We are constantly told that we are free thinkers and we aren't like everybody else in this country. Why is it that whenever our federal representatives decide to band together and vote against a specific bill, we are told that it is good for the rest of the country, but it is no good for us in Wyoming? I have a hard time believing we are that far out of the mainstream? 2. Now that the primary is over and we are on our way to the general election, we have a new person carrying the banner for the Republicans, but she starts out the same way the old one did business. First, you start off by going negative, and when it gets headlines, then comes the lame apology and shock and dismay if there is any kind of reciprocation, then comes the hurt and bewilderment. Am I the only one who has watched this repeated on a regular basis for the past 14 years? If nothing changes this time around, we will be on the outside looking in again. True insanity is doing the same thing the same way time after time and expecting different results.”
LTE: Representative connects her state MICHAEL KENNEY, Dubois, General manager, Dubois Telephone PRO-CUBIN
“As the legislative career of U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin comes to a close this year, I think it is appropriate to take a moment to thank her for some key advocacy efforts during her years of service. I am sure that other folks can provide additional examples of how she has successfully worked on behalf of constituent issues and our state, but I would like to focus on one important issue where Rep. Cubin has proved invaluable to Wyoming. In a state where the energy, tourism and agriculture industries seem to garner the most attention, the news doesn’t always report that Wyoming is also home to some of the most innovative and forward-looking rural telecommunications companies in the country. Providing the least populated state with reliable and affordable phone service and broadband communications is no easy task. It requires the work of dedicated people and companies willing to serve rural communities. The investment and expense of doing so requires genuine advocacy in Washington for policies that continue to Keep Rural America Connected. Rep. Cubin has been a member of the House subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet for more than 10 years. In that position of leadership she has successfully advocated for the advancement of telecommunications services to every corner of Wyoming. In fact, rural telecommunications companies that serve sparsely populated areas all over the country have acknowledged Rep. Cubin’s leadership on rural technology issues. Our state is truly lucky to have had a strong voice in support of rural telecommunications in Congress, and that voice will be missed. So, the next time you talk on the phone, turn on your television, take a college course on line, download a movie or check your email, keep in mind that for the last decade, Rep. Cubin has played a critical role in keeping you and Wyoming connected to the world. Thank you Barbara.”
LTE: Profit motive trumps all ideology by FRANCIS WILLIAM BESSLER, Laramie
“…And beware of real motive. I think a lot of Republicans and Democrats are members of that which could be called the "Industrial Party," but the industrial party is neither Republican nor Democratic. Its membership are those who believe in "industrial freedom" as the most important freedom, and are only socially oriented secondarily. …”
LTE: Selectivity bends constitutional intent by MARIE BROSSMAN, Lander
“The Casper Star-Tribune applauds the demise of a state gun rights bill and then preaches Wyoming should definitely comply with the feds (Aug. 31 editorial). Would the editorial staff rejoice if a pro freedom of the press proposal failed? They defend (their version of) the First Amendment but denigrate the Second. …”
Should we call all of them Wyomingites?
“All three U.S. House candidates said where they were born isn't an election issue, yet they debated it anyway….”
Cheyenne closer to getting computer
“Sponsors say they want to build a supercomputer in Cheyenne, which could soon mean more jobs for the city and more scientific clout for UW….”
Analysis: Obama's pitch ... Fire GOP, hire me
“With two months left, the presidential election seems likely to turn on whether Barack Obama can make himself sufficiently acceptable to millions of disgruntled Americans eager to toss Republicans from the White House if they see a safe, competent alternative….”
House candidates speak in Cheyenne
“The candidates for Wyoming's seat in the U.S. House spoke at a forum in Cheyenne yesterday….”Rock Well Petroleum Lays Off 180 Workers
“A Canadian-based oil company that specializes in underground oil drilling is laying off more than half its work force, most of them in Wyoming….”Carbon County agrees to new wind farms
“The Carbon County Planning Commission has approved the construction of two new wind farms on land zoned for ranching, agriculture and mining in the eastern part of the county….”Government Plans To Rescue Fannie, Freddie
‘The government is preparing to takeover mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times on Saturday. An announcement could come as early as this weekend….’
Double Eagle Petroleum Co. reports record production
LCCC celebrates 40th anniversary
First Wyo rep joins NADO board
Laramie delegates pleased with ticket
“Two Laramie residents who attended the Republican National Convention (RNC) in St. Paul, Minn., this week said they are excited about their party’s candidates as they advance to the general election in November. Kristi Wallin and Tammy Johnson, both of Laramie, said the RNC turned out to be an inspiration and exciting event, even though Hurricane Gustav cut the first day short….”
“Not merely a Republican. Not merely a candidate. John McCain cast himself as a leader for all Americans, regardless of party or status….”
*** Talking Reform: U.S House candidates meet in forum
“Under a big tent in front of the stately stone Union Pacific train depot, the candidates for Wyoming’s U.S. House seat took part in a forum Friday as the crowd feasted on barbecued ribs. Part of RibFest, the candidates offered a range of views on boosting energy production , reducing the influence of special interests, improving health care and other topics. But all three agreed on one thing: Congress hasn’t gotten its act together on the big problems facing the nation. Republican Cynthia Lummis said Wyoming could each Washington a thing or two about balanced budgets and good governance….”
*** RockWell to cut 180 jobs: 15 salaried positions in Sheridan among those to be eliminated
“RockWell Petroleum Inc., an oil development and production company with assets in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Texas and Louisiana, announced Friday it is cutting more than half its work force — including 15 salaried positions in Sheridan. According to Phoebe Buckland, the company’s communications director, about 180 of the firm’s approximately 300 employees lost their jobs yesterday. Buckland said most of the layoffs here in Wyoming. Cuts were made in all areas, but technical workers such as miners and drillers were hit hardest, she added….”
*** Highway trust fund to run out of money
“The federal highway trust fund will run out of money this month, requiring delays in payments to states for transportation construction projects, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Friday. The trust fund — a federal account used to help pay for highway and bridge projects — will run about $8.3 billion short by the end of September, Peters said during a conference call with reporters. The shortfall will mean short delays — and in some cases a temporary reduction — in payments to states for infrastructure projects the federal government has agreed to help finance. Peters blamed the funding shortage on the high price of gasoline, which has prompted Americans to drive less. This means less fuel has been purchased, and less gasoline taxes collected for the trust fund. Americans drove 50 billion fewer miles between November and June 2008 than during the same period a year earlier.
Compounding the problem, Peters said, is federal lawmakers’ habit of loading up highway spending bills with pet projects, or earmarks, for their home states. The current highway spending bill has more than $24 billion in earmarks, she said….”
The candidates for Wyoming's U.S. House seat took part in a forum to discuss views on boosting energy production, reducing the influence of special interests, improving health care & more
A Canadian-based oil company that specializes in underground oil drilling is laying off more than half its work force, most of them in Wyoming
Record Production For Petro Company
Double Eagle Petroleum Co. announced this August's total net production beat August 2007 production by 186 percent, exceeding July 2008 production by 20 percent
Petroleum Industry Unhappy With Conservation Plan
Petroleum industry representatives are unhappy with a newly proposed management plan for the Pinedale region, & they want the BLM to re-do it
Local Farmers Learn About Climate Change
Western Farmers & ranchers gathered to learn more about the impacts of erratic weather patterns on agriculture during a climate change symposium
*** Carter Questions Barrasso's Energy Policy (Nick Carter Campaign)
“United States Senate Democratic Nominee Nick Carter pointed out John Barrasso's contradictions and politics as usual approach to our country's energy crisis today. "With the price of gas hovering at four dollars per gallon and working families worried about the next price sp! ike, John Barrasso offers contradictory views on drilling and no long term solution for our dependence on foreign oil." "Out of one side of his mouth, Barrasso says he supports drilling in ANWR and offshore while out of the other side of his mouth he doesn't think Wyoming oil producers can safely produce oil and gas in the Wyoming Range."Carter said. "This type of political double talk by Senator Barrasso is exactly the kind of pointless pandering that our country can no longer afford." Carter laughed out loud when he found out that Barrasso said that the "real" energy supplies were not to be found in Wyoming. "I've been watching working folks come home from the rigs in Wyoming since I was 6 years old and it sure looked like they were drilling for something 'real' to me." "The sad thing is that without a comprehensive energy policy that is dedicated to freeing us from oil dependence, it is only a matter of time before Senator Barrasso is clamoring to drill in the Wyoming Range because gas is six or seven dollars per gallon. Remember, John McCain and George Bush Sr. were opposed to offshore drilling until recently. The only way to preserve our environment and our economy is to make tough decisions on a nationwide energy policy. Anything else is just political doublespeak." "Remember, Senator Barrasso voted against Wind Energy in Wyoming while taking a half a million dollars from big oil. He neither wants energy independence nor protection of the environment. Now he also wants any drilling jobs to go out of state. You can't trust him with the environment. You can't trust him with your job. You can believe I'll work toward a solution to our energy problem -- not just political talk." Carter will be sweeping through the state over the next week, speaking with energy companies, veteran's groups, and senior centers. Unlike Barrasso, Carter claims, he is making a genuine connection with the people of Wyoming so he can truly represent their interests in Washington.“
NFIB Endorses Barrasso (Office of Barrasso Campaign)
“The nation’s leading small business group, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), today backed U.S. Senator John Barrasso’s bid for another term in the U.S. Senate. “As a small business owner and member of NFIB himself, Senator Barrasso has a deep understanding of Wyoming’s entrepreneurs,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB’s vice president, political. “His support of tax relief, including the elimination of the estate tax, and simplifying the tax code for small business owners has been vital to creating a climate that allows them to invest in and grow their businesses.” “I am honored to have the support of the NFIB,” Barrasso said. “I understand that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. I remain committed to supporting and sponsoring low-tax, pro-growth policies to ensure that small businesses can continue to grow and flourish.” NFIB is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of their members to own, operate and grow their businesses.”
Frontier Oil To Offer Over $200 Million in Notes (Frontier Oil Corp.)
“Frontier Oil Corporation (NYSE:FTO) announced Friday that it intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, up to $200 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2016 in a registered public offering. Payment of the notes will be guaranteed by all of Frontier's material domestic restricted subsidiaries. The notes offering and sale will be made under Frontier's shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 13, 2005. The proceeds from the notes offering will be used for general corporate purposes. …”
*** New Lieap Applications Are Available -- Cheyenne (Wyoming DFS)
“The new application for a program that offers help to Wyoming residents with heating bills is now in the mail, the Wyoming Department of Family Services announced today. Those who have received benefits from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in the past will get the new application in the mail, and it is also available online, at DFS field offices, and will soon be found at senior centers and other locations throughout Wyoming. LIEAP (pronounced lee-ap) is a program using state and federal dollars to help low-income individuals, fixed-income families and elders cover the high costs of home heating. "New applications have been mailed to everyone who applied for LIEAP last year, even if they didn't qualify," DFS spokeswoman Juliette Rule said. "This year it's available on the DFS Web site in a large print format. We have worked to make the new application easier to read and to fill out than previous versions." To get an application or learn more about this home heating help, go to the DFS homepage, http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/, and look for the 'LIEAP for Home Heating' link. To get a paper applications mailed to you, call the LIEAP help line at 1-800-246-4221 any weekday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. You qualify for LIEAP if your monthly income is less than $1,863 for an individual, $2,508 for a household of two or $3,798 for a family of four. Applicants can rent or own their home, but they must complete an application in order to get heating assistance. "LIEAP served about 11,000 families in Wyoming last year, and this winter certainly won't be any easier for those and other families," Rule said. "We really want parents to apply, and we're hopeful adult children will help their aging parents or neighbors get that help." The promotion of this program is part of The Energy Wise Wyoming campaign which encourages state residents to conserve energy, to take steps to weatherize their homes and to take advantage of state programs designed to lower their heating bills. The campaign is produced by a coalition of state agencies including the Department of Family Services, the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the State Energy Office, the Governor's Office and the private non-profit Wyoming Energy Council.”
McCain, Palin fires up crowd in Colorado Springs 2:25 p.m.
Palin power energizes Colorado Springs
Millions for police during DNC
Women who shop Wal-Mart may be key to presidential election
House Candidates Speak In Cheyenne
“There was lots of lip-smacking and napkin-passing going on in front of the candidates for Wyoming's seat in the U.S. House on Friday (September 5th). A candidates forum was held during a barbecued rib festival in Cheyenne. All three candidates agreed on one thing: The federal government, and especially Congress, hasn't gotten its act together on big problems facing the nation right now. Republican Cynthia Lummis says Wyoming could teach Washington a thing or two about balanced budgets and good governance. Democrat Gary Trauner says he wants to be able to tell his young sons that he tried to do something about the problems in Washington. Libertarian David Herbert offers one possible solution -- writing bills that "say what they mean and mean what they say." The three are vying to replace Rep. Barbara Cubin, who's not seeking re-election.”
*** Lummis, Trauner, Herbert Square Off In Cheyenne Debate
“The three remaining candidates for Wyoming's lone US House seat squared off for the first time since the August primary in a noon time debate Friday….”Going To Washington To Help Cheyenne
“A group of Cheyenne business leaders are heading to Washington DC next week to try and get funding for a number of projects around town….”