My Endorsements for Sweetwater County Commissioner and Wyoming Governor

On Tuesday, residents of Sweetwater County will head to the polls to choose their respective party’s candidates for both local and statewide offices. I am proud to tell you that I will be voting as a Republican in the primary election. I am even prouder to tell you that, as of August 2, the number of registered Republicans in Sweetwater County has increased to 7429. That is only eleven short of the number of registered Democrats, and I predict that by election day, for the first time that I know of, Republicans will outnumber Democrats in Sweetwater County.

On the local front, the election to choose four members to fill the newly expanded board of county commissioners is as an important election as the residents of Sweetwater County have ever been involved in. As a county resident, I am extremely unhappy with the direction that the current commissioners have taken us, and I think it is time to get Sweetwater County back on track. We need commissioners who have leadership skills, decision making abilities, and the real world experience to turn our county around. I believe John Kolb is the right person to do that job. I have known John for over 25 years, and I have faith that he can be both a leader and a voice of reason in our county government. His commitment to focusing on our infrastructure and our county employees sets him apart and makes him the best choice for commissioner.

At the state level, the Republican party has four outstanding candidates running for governor. Any one of the four — Matt Mead, Rita Meyer, Colin Simpson, or Ron Micheli — would make a great governor, and it is a rare opportunity that voters get to choose the best from the best candidates rather than settle for the least worse candidate. One of the greatest challenges that Wyoming will face over the next eight years is the very real threat to our state sovereignty created by a power hungry federal government. Whether it be in the guise of health care reform, cap and trade, or endangered species protection, Washington is doing their best to transform Wyoming into the kind of place we don’t want it to be. Matt Mead’s history as a U.S. Attorney gives him the unique perspective and ability to stand toe to toe with them, and protect Wyoming’s heritage from their progressive agenda. Matt also understands the broader issues that Wyoming faces, including our economic diversity, energy production, agriculture, education, and the financing of local governments and infrastructure. I am confident that he is the right person to lead Wyoming successfully through the next eight years and hope you will support him as our next governor.

Voting is more than a right, it is a responsibility. I hope you will join me on Tuesday, and vote for candidates that will lead us responsibly into the future.

Sincerely,

Island Richards