LUSK – The county commissioners of Goshen, Niobrara, and Weston County selected J.D. Williams from Lusk as the new representative for House District 2 on Tuesday.
Williams, along with Gregg Matney from Lusk, and Allen Slagle from Newcastle, were the three candidates selected by the precinct men and women of the Republican Party from the three counties in the district on Oct. 14.
Niobrara County Commissioner Chairman Pat Wade served as the chairman of the joint commissioners and explained the process for selecting a new representative.
The commissioners compiled a list of nine questions which were read to each candidate individually by Wade while the other two sat in the hallway outside of the Niobrara County Fairgrounds auditorium to ensure the candidates could not prepare their answers ahead of time. The order was decided at random, and Williams went last.
During his opening comments to explain his reason for running and his qualifications, Williams talked about raising his three children.
“At the Williams house, there wasn’t any experimenting. we just raised kids like grandad did and dad did,” Williams said. “Those kids don’t look like clowns, and they don’t act like clowns and I’m proud of them.”
Williams echoed his remarks from the previous meeting of not wanting to even run for representative, but said he is committed to the job.
“I’m thankful for all the opportunities this state and this nation has offered to me, so I’m willing to serve,” Williams said.
Williams also said he believes in the Bible, The U.S and Wyoming Constitutions, and the Republican Party platform.
Williams concluded his opening statement by assuring the audience he will fight for them in Cheyenne.
“You can call on me to make the hard calls for the sake of our country, our state, and this district,” Williams said.
The first question presented to the candidates was what role, if any, the state should have in economic development. The first two candidates said there is no place for the state in economic development and there needs to be less regulations. Williams’s answer was similar, but he also acknowledges pushing the state out completely is not so simple.
“It would be unrealistic to suggest they should be removed from such, but economic growth prosperity, wealth; that all goes back to the private sector,” Williams said. “If the state could encourage that and step aside and let the private sector do what it does best and let the free-market system work, I believe that would be the best.”
The second question was about the candidates’ view on President Joe Biden’s 30x30 executive order.
Williams said he disagrees with the foundation of the plan.
“I would be against that because I’m against the very principle that that is built upon,” Williams said.
The third question was on the candidates’ proposals for balancing revenue with expenses, and if the proposals would lead to a more or less diversified economy and tax base.
Slagle, who went first, talked about being wise with spending. Williams proposed a similar strategy and also related it to his background in business.
“You can’t spend what you don’t have. That’s not sustainable,” Williams said. “It’s painful to live within your means… but it’s the right thing to do.”
Williams also said he is willing to be the one to make changes and take the criticism for it.
“I’m waterproof I can take it,” Williams said.
By not spending extra money, Williams said it will eventually extend the state’s tax base and will allow for private businesses to thrive.
The fourth question from the commissioners were what the candidate’s priorities would be if they were selected. Slagle said he would focus on redistricting and the budget, while Matney said he would vote for the principles he stands for.
Williams said he has no agenda, but he will stand for what the district feels is right. Williams also said he is a clear thinker believes there are other representatives who are as well.
“They’re good for the state. They’re good for communities back at home, and that’s all I’d go to do is make a stand for what’s right,” Williams said.
The fifth question centered around the loss of revenues at the state and local levels from fossil fuel production, and what some alternatives would be to make up the loss.
Williams said the idea of going away from fossil fuels is a charade, but in the meantime the state should look to other areas of the world who are still looking to buy oil, gas, and coal.
“That’s just good business, and if we find a customer, I believe our revenue stream will be whole again,” Williams said.
The sixth question was about the candidates’ motives for running for representative. Williams repeated his feelings of not wanting to run at all.
“Nothing would thrill me more if you let me off the hook today and said go home country boy,” Williams said.
However, Williams also said his neighbors encouraged him to apply and he is committed to being a representative.
“I feel like it’s the right thing to do,” Williams said. “it’s a responsibility.”
The seventh question was about which areas of the state government funding needed to be reduced or cut. While Slagle advocated to reduce the education budget, Williams focused on the University of Wyoming.
“That’s a big ol’ check that Wyoming writes to that outfit, and for what,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of waste there and that would be a good place to start.”
The eighth question was about the $135,000,000 yearly budget shortfall for the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and how to fill the void since the influx of electric vehicles has reduced the revenue from the fuel tax.
Williams said on the toll road vehicles pay by the axle, and something similar should be implemented to narrow the deficit.
“I believe something like that’s going to have to come into play so that those who are using the roads pay for the roads,” Williams said.
The final question was how more laws would equal less government, less regulation, and more personal freedom. All three candidates disagreed with the insinuation of more laws creating more freedom. Williams said someone in the legislature may agree with the idea, however, and he will make sure to stand up against it.
“I guess if it falls to me, if somebody doesn’t beat me to it, I will be the one that stands up and says pardon me but having a bill is overrated if that’s where we’re going,” Williams said.
After Williams finished his interview, the candidates were brought back in while the commissioners voted.
Based on the weighted vote, Williams received Williams 72.34% (8 votes), Slagle received 19.24% (2 votes), and Matney received 8.42% (1vote).
Each county commission approved individual resolutions to accept Williams as the representative of House District 2.
After the meeting, Williams said he was ready to start his new job.
“All I feel is a sense of responsibility, so let’s get started,” Williams said.
Seeing how the process played out was enjoyable for Williams and he learned how similar everyone in the district was despite it covering 100 miles of eastern Wyoming.
“It showed me is we’re not so much different from each other,” Williams said. “It was refreshing and very enjoyable to see the process workout.”
Despite not initially wanting to be a representative, Williams also said he is fully committed to his position.
“When we put our mind to do something we do it… the actual doing it part is not so hard, it’s just a process to get there,” Williams said. “It seems like the hardest part of the step is getting started.”
Williams will have a short time to get used to his new position as the legislature will meet for a special session from Oct 26-28 to discuss COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Williams said he has some preparation to do before the special session.
“I’ve got some calls to make,” Williams said.
