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reelectkenclouston
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3076824900
I am running to continue serving our community and keeping WY a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Public service has been central to my life, and I bring experience in education, business, and the legislature.
I have served on my school board and the WY State Board of Education, working to support students, teachers, and schools. As a business owner, I understand fiscal responsibility and the impact of government decisions on families and employers.
Now in my 3rd term in the WY House, I have been effective in passing legislation on health care, taxes, public safety, and education. I focus on practical solutions and representing my district with integrity.
I am running to continue that work and provide experienced leadership.
I do not support the proposed 50% reduction. Over the past four years, the Legislature has already passed significant property tax relief, including the long-term homeowner exemption, a 25% reduction, a 4% cap, and relief for veterans. I co-sponsored the homeowner exemption and 4% cap.
We should allow these measures to take effect before making further changes. Wyoming already has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation, ranking among the bottom 10 states.
A 50% cut would significantly reduce funding for special districts and harm rural communities that rely on these revenues for essential services.
I do not support the sale of public lands to private parties. Once land is sold, it is no longer available for public use, and that loss is permanent.
I also believe there is significant risk that proceeds from such sales would be quickly spent, while the long-term value of the land is gone. Public lands are an important asset for recreation, access, and our way of life.
There are limited situations where transactions make sense. For example, Wyoming’s sale of the Kelly Parcel to the federal government ensured the land remained in public use while providing substantial funding for our schools, consistent with our constitutional responsibility.
Any land decisions should prioritize long-term public benefit.
I believe the overall funding level for public education is appropriate. However, as a former school board trustee, I am concerned that the most recent recalibration reduced local control too much.
Wyoming is a large and diverse state, and our schools and communities have very different needs. The current funding model, with its siloed approach, has created a one-size-fits-all system that does not work well for every district.
We need to make adjustments based on what we have learned since recalibration, restoring flexibility so local communities can better address their unique challenges while maintaining strong support for students and educators.
I support the responsible use of public funds for essential social services that help those in need, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families facing temporary hardship. These programs can provide an important safety net and help people become self-sufficient.
At the same time, I believe funding must be carefully managed to ensure accountability, efficiency, and measurable outcomes. Programs should be targeted, not open-ended, and designed to encourage independence rather than long-term dependency.
We must balance compassion with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely while still supporting our most vulnerable citizens.
