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My values are rooted in a robust national defense, a deep respect for life, and the unwavering defense of our Second Amendment rights. I believe in a government that is limited in scope but effective in its duties, empowered at the local level to serve constituents directly. My platform is defined by fiscal pragmatism—protecting state savings while investing in the infrastructure and education that drive our economy—and a commitment to the institutional stability and decorum of the "Wyoming Way."
I am running for the Wyoming Legislature because I want to leave a better Wyoming for my grandchildren and those I will never know. My 30 years in economic development, community college leadership and grant writing have prepared me for this role.
No, I do not support the sweeping 50% reduction in property taxes. Wyoming's largest revenue sources are property taxes, sales and use taxes, and severance taxes on oil, gas, and coal production. In the absence of personal or corporate income tax, we rely heavily on property taxes for local government funding. Reducing property taxes shifts a heavier burden to state funding, which is heavily dependent on the minerals industry, an industry in decline or at the least, volatile over the years. Rather than chisel away at the specific taxes, we should take a good look at the overall tax structure to treat residents fairly and equitably and provide for a sustainable tax base for local governments. Yes, if passed, the state should backfill.
I oppose the sale or exchange of public lands. I believe Wyoming’s public lands are the foundation of our economy and our way of life. I support the framework of SJ0009, which demands that the federal government respect our state’s "Multiple Use" heritage. From grazing and mineral development to hunting, fishing, and recreation, these lands must remain accessible to the public. Decisions regarding Wyoming’s landscapes should be driven by local stakeholder input and sound science. I will fight to keep public lands in public hands, ensuring our outdoor traditions are preserved for generations to come.
I believe the current funding level for K-12 and University is appropriate, but do support a higher level of funding for community colleges. The University enjoys a block-grant funding model, however, the K-12 districts do not. Overall, our decisions about funding K–12 education should be directed toward improving students’ experiences and their educational outcomes across Wyoming. I recommend returning to the block grant approach to funding school districts, which restores local budgeting authority to elected school boards. I believe the funding level for Career Technical Education (CTE) is too low for K-12 and community colleges. CTE programs are direct pipelines to Wyoming's industry jobs and should be strengthened.
I support targeted public funding for essential social services—such as addressing food insecurity, supporting family stability, and expanding mental health resources. My approach is guided by the principle of subsidiarity: the belief that human needs are best met by local communities, not centralized bureaucracies. The most fiscally responsible way to deliver this support is by empowering local non-profits, faith-based organizations, and community networks. By utilizing public-private partnerships, we protect the inherent dignity of individuals while ensuring tax dollars are managed with strict accountability and local control. I support using centralized services when most effective, such as receiving and distributing federal funds.
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