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@lyttleforhouse
Campaign Phone
3074324029
I am running to stop the damage caused by the Republicans' Freedom Caucus. I will support legislation focused on the people and needs of Wyoming, not a national political agenda. I am a retired attorney who worked in the state government and as a representative of debtors for a debt relief program. I saw the needs of Wyoming people firsthand. I served for 16 years as an elected member of the Laramie County Community College Board of Trustees. I support education and the funding of services for Wyoming.
I do not support the ballot initiative for a 50% reduction in property taxes. Those taxes support our schools and the services we need for a safe and healthy community. Cutting property taxes benefits the wealthy who own high-value property more than it benefits middle and lower income homeowners. If the initiative passes, the question remains of how the state should backfill the lost revenue. I have not seen a good proposal and I do not support the proposed increase in sales tax.
I oppose the sale or exchange of public lands. Tourism is the second highest source of revenue in Wyoming. Our public lands attract not only visitors, but new residents of Wyoming who want to live here to enjoy our open spaces and abundant wildlife. We need to be long-term stewards of our beautiful lands, not sell them for short-term gain.
The current structure and funding level for public education is not appropriate. Public education is our window to the future. Our public schools hold our communities together and build community strength. Our teachers are expected to be quality leaders, educators and caregivers of our young people and I support them having the salary and benefits appropriate to the public's expectations of their work. Our school buildings must be safe and well-maintained. Our extra curricular activities need funded for the benefit of our children. Our public funds should not go to private schools who can reject the students they don't want in their classrooms.
I was an administrator for social service programs for the State of Wyoming for 16 years. Social service programs feed our children and families, provide care for our kids with working parents, help grandparents care for their grandchildren, and support low-income working families. Social services keep families together and children safe. There are myths in our country of how public funds for social services are used. These myths are untrue. Some of the most conscientious and caring workers in state government work in social services.
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reinerforwyoming
Campaign Phone
3072862930
I am running for this office because I care deeply about our State and want to help shape it for our kids and grandkids. I am running as a conservative, non-caucus, common-sense, coalition-building Republican because I think that is what our state needs.
My experience and skills include 5 years working as a CPA. I am not afraid of numbers and budgets. I spent 36 years in the military, with the last 8 serving as the Commanding General of the Wyoming Military Department. I am disciplined, a team player, team builder, and leader.
After retiring from the military, I served as the Director of WYDOT for 4 years, retiring in 2023. The 12 years leading a state agency gave me an excellent understanding of state government
The ballot initiative is an approved action of our State Legislature. I share the concern I have heard from many people throughout my district: the impact of such cuts will be problematic for the services that property taxes provide. The list is long, but includes items such as education, infrastructure, and emergency services.
If the ballot initiative passes, I do see it as critical that the revenue loss be backfilled through some mechanism, either a state backfill or another approved revenue-collection source. I view local government as key to our success, and it must be funded (or have the means to fund) the essential services its residents require.
I do not support the sale of public lands. Many of us in the State enjoy the great outdoors and the opportunity to recreate in them. We hunt, fish, hike, ride our horses or four wheelers, take care of, and embrace the land. Once that land, whether federal or state, is sold, access becomes limited or restricted, and, in my opinion, we all lose. The exchange question has some nuances. While I would generally counsel caution, there may be exchanges that could be made to enhance public access, and I see as a good thing.
Funding education is a constitutional requirement in our state, and we recently completed the recalibration process and funded education at the recommended level. Unfortunately, the new silo model adopted and the restrictions regarding moving money have created conditions under which extracurricular activities may have to be cut. I see those activities as key to the educational experience and would support efforts to either allow more flexibility or reset the amount of dollars in the silos. I am a proponent of local control, and I prefer not to silo money but to allow our trained professionals to manage their budgets to meet the required standards.
I see the primary role of government as providing for public safety, setting the conditions for a great economy, and in Wyoming, educating our youth.
I also think it is important that we care for those who cannot care for themselves, guided by the following principles. We should offer a hand up, not a hand out. We should seek to avoid permanent dependencies and move able-bodied recipients towards self-sufficiency. We should maximize assistance at the local level, where personal knowledge of recipients is available, while always ensuring accountability. We should always treat each other with dignity and respect.
My opinion is that the best social service program is a strong economy which provides the good jobs our Wyoming families need.
