GOSHEN COUNTY – JD Williams is no stranger to Wyoming values. As a matter of fact, the lifelong Wyomingite graduated from the University of Wyoming. Williams grew up ranching in Carbon County and he and his family moved to Niobrara County in 2000. He and his wife Lisa have been married for nearly 30 years and the couple has three grown children. 

“Wyoming is under a lot of economic pressure from the Biden administration’s economic policies,” Williams explained to the Telegram. “Inflation is nationwide and in addition to that, our core industries of coal, oil, and gas are being choked by the Biden administration’s permitting games.”

According to Williams, the industries which have supported Wyoming, her citizens, and the state’s budget are in danger. 

“We are also getting market pressure from consumers who, for reasons many of us can’t relate to have carbon on their minds. Every policy the legislature crafts must take these industries into consideration. Anytime we can support these industries, we must,” Williams explained. “Any policy that puts more pressure on our proven industries is unwise.”

One current issue Williams addressed with the Telegram was taxes. 

“When it comes to taxes, Wyomingites have plenty to be thankful for,” Williams began. “Have the tax conversation with friends and family across state lines and compare your tax burdens. Interest from the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund funds around 30% of the Wyoming State Budget annually. That is approximately $2100/household/yr that we do not have to pay to fund our state government,” Williams explained. “Property taxes have risen as property values have climbed. Some property tax relief was accomplished this legislative session, but many Wyomingites need more property tax relief. It would be wise to target this relief to those that need it the most. Property tax funds local needs, it isn’t the State’s money. The challenge is to give tax relief where tax relief is needed while keeping our local communities whole.”

Williams also added education and taxes go hand in hand. 

“Education is part of this conversation. Our state constitution requires funding for education. The courts are in the process of ruling on what ‘adequate and uniform’ funding is. Education makes up well over half of our budget,” Williams explained. “There are some major a¬djustments we could make if and when we amend our constitution so that we are able to streamline our education system. These will be hard conversations that deal with issues like sports and school consolidation among other things. That is why it is so important to elect a legislator who is accountable to the people rather than a national caucus, one who has the sand to stand up for Wyoming.”

Williams stressed the truth must be known.

“As your representative, I would serve as I did in the past, with respect for the institution and confidence in the process. If you wish to help others you tell them the truth, if you wish to help yourself you tell them what they want to hear. I insist on the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. We must govern in a way that gives the next generation the opportunity to prosper,” Williams said. “A representative must listen to their constituents if one is to represent effectively. There are plenty of other voices a representative can listen to. Many political groups are very hungry for more political power who are very effective at inserting themselves between you and your representative,” Williams continued. “When their influence with your representative grows, your influence with your representative shrinks. I see the need for legislators to have the courage to do the right thing for the state and for their district regardless of the politics.”

When it comes to the best characteristics a representative should have, Williams expressed ‘courage’ to do the right thing was a fundamental quality. 

“Courage, character, and common sense are several reasons my neighbors are supporting my candidacy,” Williams told the Telegram. “When a legislator is elected by the people, they must have the courage to represent the people effectively. That means resisting the pressure from a Washington DC caucus that tells you how to vote. Political groups are very effective at inserting themselves between a legislator and their constituents. When a legislator caves into that pressure they are doing their constituents a disservice,” Williams expressed. “When a legislator votes lockstep with a national caucus, they are not representing the very people who elected them. Every day I am thanked for having the courage to stand up for Wyoming, knowing that I will be disparaged by a coordinated effort from the Freedom Caucus and their phony ‘anonymous’ vote rating sites,” Williams concluded. 

According to Williams, a man’s character doesn’t need to be announced as family, friends, associates, and the community will tell his story. Williams also noted many political issues are emotional ones. 

“Common sense is our practical knowledge of what is effective and what is ineffective. When one strays from the basic rules of common sense the results range from best case scenario of being ineffective to worst case scenario of culling oneself from the gene pool,” Williams added. “Many political issues are very emotional. Common sense guards against our emotions overpowering our intelligence.”