The following responses from candidates were compiled — with minimal editing for readability and space — from a questionnaire sent to each candidate by the News&Guide. This seat is currently held by Democrat Mike Yin, who is running for re-election.
McCollum
BRADLY J. BONER / NEWS&GUIDE
JIM MCCOLLUM
Party: Republican
Age: 55
Job: Builder, craftsman and author/poet
Years in district: 43
Lives in: East Jackson
Why do you want to represent your district?
We need an effective voice in Cheyenne that will be a voice for the people in Jackson and across the state. Property taxes, affordable housing/living, education
Top three priorities in Cheyenne:
Again, restructuring our property tax valuations and rates.
Education spending, teacher retention, and putting the focus back on students and teachers, not administrative salaries.
Strengthening Wyoming’s overall economy.
As the Wyoming legislature swings to the right — and the ideological divide between moderates and conservatives widens — where do you fall ideologically? How will you manage division to pass bills and secure funding to benefit Teton County residents?
Jackson has become an isolated blue dot in a sea of red. I lean to the more conservative side, but I am fairly moderate on many of the issues facing Teton County. My ability to work with and have a dialog with everybody is going to be helpful in getting things accomplished in Cheyenne.
When should abortions be allowed and under what circumstances?
Rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is jeopardized.
What should the Wyoming Legislature do to ensure that elections are safe and secure?
We've made great progress with voter ID. I would like to see less drop boxes, meaningful legislation on absentee voting.
What should the Wyoming Legislature do about climate change?
Follow, study, and question the science. Climate change has become another very divisive topic. Emotions and money are driving the divide. There are things we can all do to lower our carbon footprint, but any changes made at the state level need to be based on real, honest, and forward thinking science.
Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete in high school sports?
No. Specifically males competing in women's sports.
What should the Legislature do to mitigate the risk of chronic wasting disease in our wildlife populations?
Science and biology are key to addressing chronic wasting disease. Working with and funding the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to mitigate and hopefully eradicate the disease.
When is it appropriate for the Legislature to pre-empt decisions made by locally elected bodies like town councils and county commissions? When is it not?
When locally elected officials fail to adhere to laws and regulations as set forth. If laws and precedent are not being ignored or abused, the state should not intervene.
What, if anything, should the state do to rein in property tax increases?
Place a cap on how much the tax can increase in any given year. I would like to see a cap of 3%.
How should state trust lands in Teton County be monetized?
Although I hesitate to see state lands developed, it is common sense that we look at sale and revenue. School funding, housing issues, etc. can be addressed by the sale of these properties. Rather than see individual $10 million homes, I would prefer well thought out and designed neighborhoods/communities.
How should the Legislature ensure that the state's schools remain funded and staffed?
We need to address the excessive spending on the administrative level. We need to put the focus back on students and teachers. We spend roughly $16,700 per student in Wyoming. Too much of that money goes to administration, multiple assistant principles and staff. There is a vast amount of wasteful spending.
When should public funds be used, if ever, to give Wyoming students and parents an alternative to public schools?
I believe parents and students should have school choice.
What is the worst decision the Legislature has made in the last four years? What is the best?
The budget session was collectively the worst decision/effort. While some good things came out of the last four years, there is nothing that stands out as monumental for Wyoming or Teton County.
Was the 2020 election stolen?
No.
Not enough character space to provide written explanation.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?
Oppose it.
Wyoming has repeatedly said no. That decision needs to be left in the hands of the voters.
Should the 640-acre school trust land parcel in Kelly be sold to Grand Teton National Park?
Yes.
With easement issues, location, and proximity to Grand Teton National Park, I think that would be the proper avenue. Fair market value would provide a financial boost.
What is your position on Medicaid expansion?
Oppose it.
Should Wyoming have an income tax?
No.
Should Wyoming have an independent redistricting commission?
No.
Should the Legislature repeal gun free school zones?
Yes.
What else should voters know?
I appreciate this opportunity and your consideration! A Wyoming voice for Wyoming solutions!
I want to work toward a Wyoming where our kids can grow up and get a great education, find opportunity to have a career or their own business, and raise their own families.
Top three priorities in Cheyenne:
Protecting reproductive rights in a post-Dobbs world.
Increasing local options for our community that we can apply toward solving housing issues.
Relief options for locals to ensure we keep people in their homes as property values skyrocket.
As the Wyoming legislature swings to the right — and the ideological divide between moderates and conservatives widens — where do you fall ideologically? How will you manage division to pass bills and secure funding to benefit Teton County residents?
I have proven that I can work across the aisle getting the property tax refund program funded by over a two-thirds vote of the House. The county optional property tax refund program I shepherded also passed both chambers with over two-thirds in each chamber.
I am a pragmatist that wants to work toward accomplishments and not toward just making statements and that involves building relationships with every legislator.
When should abortions be allowed and under what circumstances?
The viability line that Roe v. Wade had set for 50 years was also mirrored in Wyoming law until this last year where a completely draconian ban was enacted. The Roe v. Wade standard is what we need to codify back into Wyoming law. If we want to reduce the number of abortions in Wyoming, we should be increasing access to birth control so people can have more control on when they want to be pregnant.
What should the Wyoming Legislature do to ensure that elections are safe and secure?
Each legislator should have a discussion with their county clerk on what our current process in elections is. Our clerks work to ensure the safety and security of our elections. The Legislature needs to ensure that every citizen has full access to the ballot and a voice when choosing their representatives.
What should the Wyoming Legislature do about climate change?
Provide communities with opportunities for economic growth that isn't just fossil fuel based. Find out what those communities are looking for in industry diversity and foster those economies. Simultaneously, we need to prepare for more extreme weather and drought conditions. Dealing with water usage across western states will be paramount.
Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete in high school sports?
Yes. The school athletics system already has a process in place to deal with this. This is not an issue that requires the Legislature to get involved. The Legislature's current posture creates stigma and a hostile environment for kids in a state with an incredibly high suicide rate. We don't need to cause more trauma.
What should the Legislature do to mitigate the risk of chronic wasting disease in our wildlife populations?
Follow the recommendations of scientists.
When is it appropriate for the Legislature to pre-empt decisions made by locally elected bodies like town councils and county commissions? When is it not?
Generally, local communities know their own issues best. Preemption may make sense when there are cross-community concerns where a statewide policy makes more sense than individual community ones. If anything, I work toward giving more local options.
What, if anything, should the state do to rein in property tax increases?
Property tax assessments are because of the rise in home prices. We need to fix the home affordability crisis across the state, and that means prioritizing the people who live and work in our communities and recognizing how each second home raises the costs for everyone trying to make a living in the community. I am for property tax relief for those that live and work here, but it must be in a way that does not give tax breaks to second homeowners which only worsens the housing crisis further.
How should state trust lands in Teton County be monetized?
It should be in tandem with the community goals.
How should the Legislature ensure that the state's schools remain funded and staffed?
Diversify its tax structure with a diversified economy. The wealth in the valley pays a far lower share of its income toward our school system than the rest of the population, and as tax revenue from fossil fuels declines, we need to evaluate whether that arrangement makes sense.
When should public funds be used, if ever, to give Wyoming students and parents an alternative to public schools?
Public funds should be going to public schools. That is the only way to ensure accountability of taxpayer dollars to ensuring a strong education for Wyoming kids.
What is the worst decision the Legislature has made in the last four years? What is the best?
The worst decision: The abortion ban.
The best decision: Funding the property tax refund program again.
Was the 2020 election stolen?
No.
Donald Trump attempted to coerce individuals to "find" ballots in his favor and stop the electoral college count. Thankfully, he failed.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?
Support it.
It needs to be legalized, taxed, and regulated properly. The "war on drugs" failed.
Should the 640-acre school trust land parcel in Kelly be sold to Grand Teton National Park?
Yes.
What is your position on Medicaid expansion?
Support it.
It brings in federal tax dollars, ensures access to preventive care, and reduces uncompensated care, which is a win for everyone.
Should Wyoming have an income tax?
Yes.
A tax for very high incomes is justified. This class literally makes money by claiming residency in Wyoming over a different state.
Should Wyoming have an independent redistricting commission?
Yes.
Our current process favors incumbents choosing favorable districts for themselves rather than what is the best for each community.
Should the Legislature repeal gun free school zones?
No.
What else should voters know?
Part of an elected official's job is to listen to your concerns and weigh the policy choices with how it will affect our communities and the state. If you have concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. My contact information is on my campaign website, and if I am re-elected will continue to be on the legislative website.
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Please note: Online comments may also run in our print publications.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Please turn off your CAPS LOCK.
No personal attacks. Discuss issues & opinions rather than denigrating someone with an opposing view.
No political attacks. Refrain from using negative slang when identifying political parties.
Be truthful. Don’t knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the “Report” link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with us. We’d love to hear eyewitness accounts or history behind an article.
Use your real name: Anonymous commenting is not allowed.
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The News&Guide welcomes comments from our paid subscribers. Tell us what you think. Thanks for engaging in the conversation!