Wyoming Gubernatorial Candidates Discuss Job Creation and Economic Diversification

Four Democratic candidates for governor in Wyoming recently met for a forum in Cheyenne, where they presented their proposals for creating jobs and diversifying the state's economy. The candidates, Leslie Petersen, Pete Gosar, Rex Wilde, and Chris Zachary, also addressed questions from a media panel about potential tax reforms and the state's economic outlook.

Key Takeaways:

• Former University of Wyoming football player and pilot Pete Gosar highlighted the state's ability to support fledgling companies through marketing and technology, while also emphasizing the need for skilled workers in fields like welding and wellhead technology.
• Rex Wilde noted the challenges of diversifying an economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and coal.
• Chris Zachary expressed optimism about the state's potential for growth, citing its solid transportation network and potential for wind development in Carbon County.
• Leslie Petersen stressed the importance of building attractive communities with good schools to create business-ready neighborhoods and touted the potential of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center as a driver of economic growth.
• Wilde and Zachary indicated support for raising taxes on interstate commerce or implementing tolls on Wyoming roads, while Gosar expressed support for examining all options for addressing road repairs.

Statistics:

• Wyoming has seven Republican and five Democratic gubernatorial candidates on the ballot for the Aug. 17 primary election.
• The NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center is currently under construction near Cheyenne.
• Wind development in Carbon County is a potential driver of economic growth in Wyoming.
• The state has a solid transportation network of highways and railroads.

Sources:

• Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
• McClatchy-Tribune Information Services