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Suzie Schmid for HD48
Campaign Phone
3077053081
I graduated from Rock Springs HS. I completed my associates degree in political science from WWCC, and pursued polisci at UTEP. I ultimately decided my heart was in service of making every day things better. I competed in Speech and Debate for 8 years, and taught me core values to effectively argue both sides of an issue. I have an eclectic resume including barista, debate coach, oil and gas disposal, property management, human resource management, wealth management comms, and I currently work as a community organizer. But my most valuable experience is as a youth care worker. Learning to support kids taught me to actively listen, problem solve short and long term solutions, communicate intentionally, and practice patience and curiosity.
Proposition 1 is a fiscally reckless pursuit that puts ideology before common sense. I do not support it. We’re fiscally conservative, and there’s not much left to trim without gutting the communities that make Wyoming worth calling home.
Some Wyomingites genuinely need property tax relief, and we can craft solutions. But all of us, regardless of where we live or how much we make, rely on infrastructure, strong public schools, law enforcement, emergency services, and other services funded by property taxes.
To backfill, let’s consider strategic, progressive taxes on large, out-of-state corporations, who take advantage of Wyoming’s tax structure without being good stewards, paying it forward.
Hard no. Some things aren’t for sale. Public lands belong in public hands.
These lands belong to all of us, so decisions about them should be made with the public at the table—not behind closed doors.
Wyoming should be a good partner to federal agencies, local communities, nonprofits, businesses, and the folks who actually use these lands. We can disagree about how they’re managed without losing sight of what we’re protecting: access and the character of these places.
That means responsible use, clear rules, and transparent decisions. Our public lands are one of Wyoming’s greatest resources. Let’s keep them accessible and make sure they’re here for the folks who come after us.
Wyoming makes a substantial investment in public education, and it’s worth every dollar. I believe the state has a responsibility to provide a strong foundation while taking a thoughtful look at how we can make those dollars work harder for kids.
That starts with the people in our schools: teachers, paraprofessionals, special education staff, and support professionals. We need to look seriously at compensation, benefits, retirement, and class sizes. When teachers are juggling too many IEPs and support staff are stretched thin, burnout follows—and kids feel it. Supporting the adults who care for our kids is how we better serve students.
I don’t support sending public tax dollars to private education while our public schools have unmet needs.
I believe public funds for social services should make it easier to get back on your feet, not create another maze to navigate. Poverty already comes with enough instability. Asking for help shouldn’t mean proving yourself worthy of it over and over again, or trying to fit your life into a dozen different programs.
Where practical, I’d like to move toward more direct, reliable assistance through cash or debit-style benefits. People know what their families need: rent, food, childcare, transportation, a car repair, or a utility bill. Give folks some stability and trust them to make those decisions.
The goal is to give people enough room to participate in the economy, care for their families, and build something better.
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James Wamsley for House District 48
Campaign Phone
(307)389-2309
I believe that civility needs to be reintroduced to our legislative processes in Wyoming. Recent sessions have experienced infighting, extreme partisanship, and a narrow view of what is best for the people of Wyoming. 70% of our most valuable resource - our youth - leave the state and never come back. Business and development are stifled by poor information and a lack of vision.
I have over 20 years of experience in public service across two fire departments and several boards and committees. Prior to that, I worked in local industry for 20 years. I know what it's like to raise a family in Wyoming. I have worked rotating shifts, and commuted 40 miles each way daily.
I have a unique perspective beneficial for our legislative process.
No - I do not support the 50% initiaitive. Property taxes are the closest to the people and those over which they have the most control. Property taxes distribute the tax burden proportionately across all property classes.
The state will have no choice but to backfill the loss. Unfortunately, to effectively generate any meaningful revenue, sales and use tax will need to increase significantly. This really just changes where the tax bill is collected - increasing the tax burden on residents and industry alike.
I oppose the sale of public lands and the transfer of public lands to the state, except in certain circumstances. For better or worse, the federal government is probably a better steward than our State Government. In many of our communities, growth is stifled by land that is federally owned. These tracts could be used to provide affordable housing and expand neighborhoods. I support land exchanges on a very limited basis - not to pacify millionaires who want "pristine" land, exclusive access, or a better view.
I am not familiar enough to answer this question. I would like further information before offering an opinion.
Regarding social services, it has been my experience that you can provide funding for social services or pay for the adverse outcomes. Higher arrest rates, higher 911 call volume, degradation of the family unit, etc. Regarding mental health and suicide prevention, the use of public funds is probably the most effective manner of funding those services.
