Oil City News publishes letters, cartoons and opinions as a public service. The content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Oil City News or its employees. Letters to the editor can be submitted by following the link at our opinion section.
Code of the West No. 3: Always Finish What You Start
Dear Casper,
To our Wyoming legislators: To those of you who voted to go back into a special session and finish the job by re-introducing and passing the same bills you enacted overwhelmingly and then override the governor’s vetoes, if necessary, I am proud of you.
You are living by the Code of the West’s rule No. 3; always finish what you start.
For those of you who refused to finish the job and complete the work by voting no for a special session or not even voting, we will remember this when the time comes when you ask us to send you back to Cheyenne for another term.
Those of us in business lose customers and respect when we do not complete the work. As an insurance agent for more than 50 years, I am obligated to go back time and again to, not only help my clients get insurance, but make sure they keep their insurance and sometime by rewriting new policies when premiums increase and then making sure their claims are paid. I have to relentlessly go back and start over working through every detail to “get the job done.”
I expect the same from my elected officials and so do the people of Wyoming.
Ross Schriftman
Casper
Gravel pit proposal at base of Casper Mountain
Dear Casper,
As the contentious issue surrounding the proposed gravel pit at the base of Casper Mountain continues to unfold, our family can no longer remain silent. The significance of this matter to our beloved community compels us to speak out. The overwhelming drawbacks vastly overshadow any perceived benefits, making it baffling that this proposal is still advancing.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Casper Mountain Preservation Alliance, the group opposing this endeavor, comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom actively support the energy and extraction industries in our state. Among us are those who are still employed within these sectors. In essence, we harbor no animosity towards energy development, construction projects or the utilization of public lands for supporting our educational institutions. We do not pose a threat to these industries.
However, the singular focus on this particular exploitation of public lands is egregiously misplaced.
How can anyone, with a clear conscience, endorse such a detrimental course of action for the hard-working families who have chosen to make their homes at the mountain’s base? The callous disregard for local impacts is difficult to comprehend, not to mention the repercussions for our outdoor community. We fear that such a drastic alteration to the landscape could indeed harm tourism, as the excavation of a significant portion of our mountain presents a starkly different image of our values and priorities.
Our pride in our community has never been stronger. We believe we are on the right path to retaining our youth, attracting diverse industries and fostering a community that we all cherish. Initiatives like the remarkable efforts of the Platte River Trails organization, the development of David Street Station, and the provision of free family activities have significantly enhanced the livability of Casper. Our city has garnered positive attention, such as the recent accolades in the Denver Post, highlighting Casper as a hidden gem.
We must confront the undeniable reality that Casper Mountain is an integral aspect of our allure and contributes substantially to our community’s appeal. Considering the substantial investments made in areas like Hogadon, the cross-country ski facilities, and the biathlon course, do we truly want to mar the face of Casper Mountain and diminish one of our precious few public spaces? These spaces allow for recreational activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, and dog-walking — activities that enrich our lives and strengthen our community bonds.
To our state and local officials, as well as fellow Casper residents, we implore you: why are those with the power to influence this decision even entertaining the thought of this proposal? Let your voices resound and stand up against this encroachment on our community’s well-being. Let us protect what makes Casper truly special.
Kim and Dan Fedore
Casper
Alcohol Awareness Month
Dear Casper,
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Since 1987, The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence has marked this month to help increase public awareness about the many alcohol-related issues facing society, combat the stigma surrounding alcoholism and provide education about the resources available.
Important facts we should all be conversant in:
- Alcohol can contribute to mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
- More than 65 million Americans report binge drinking or heavy drinking in any one-month period.
- Approximately 29% of all traffic fatalities are attributed to alcohol.
- Alcohol kills 4,700 teens each year, more than all other substances combined.
- Chronic alcohol use is associated with a 10% increase in risk of breast cancer and makes a person 10 times more likely to develop carcinoma than the general population.
- Among people admitted to the ER for injuries, 47% had recently consumed alcohol and 35% were intoxicated — of these, 75% showed signs of chronic alcoholism.
- By limiting alcohol intake, these short- and long-term health risks can be reduced.
Here at Wyoming Behavioral Institute, we have been privileged to serve this community for more than 25 years, providing care and support for those with mental health issues and co-occurring alcohol abuse issues. Our dedicated team of clinicians, staff and peer support specialists are on a mission to support these individuals as they work to take control of their lives.
If you or someone you know is drinking too much and struggling with depression, anxiety or another mental health issue, our team is here for you and can provide the help you need. We offer multiple levels of care to meet you where you are. Call 800-457-9312 for a no-cost assessment or visit wbihelp.com for more information.
On behalf of our team here at Wyoming Behavioral Institute, take a moment to ask for help. This could be the most important call you make.
Mike Phillips, CEO
Wyoming Behavioral Institute
Casper
Driskill and Sommer statement special session
Dear Casper,
There was a recent article in the Oil City News on March 25, 2024, of a statement from Senate President Ogden Driskill and Speaker of the House Albert Sommers regarding a potential Special Session.
In my opinion, they are two politicians who have put a popcicle stick in a road apple, dipped it in hot caramel and covered it with powdered sugar. However, no matter how good they try to make it appear, it is still just a horse turd.
There are five veto bills that have met the requirements of the Wyoming State Constitution, and I would assume the Legislative rules to become bills. Just how difficult and time consuming would it be to call a special session, meet and change the rules to vote exclusively on overriding vetoed bills, no other distractions allowed? It does not need to be as complicated as it is made out to be.
Opinion: Elected politicians have overly complicated the process for nefarious reasons so we the people have to “look through the glass darkly.”
In their statement Driskill and Sommers write: “The very legislators who are asking for a special session created delay after delay during the budget session by asking for roll call votes, trying to resurrect zombie bills, bringing procedural motions and filibustering debate.”
The roll call vote “problem” has an easy solution. Make all votes a matter of public record by a voter card submitted by the individual legislators.
I have no idea what resurrecting a zombie bill is, but I can guess it is something like bringing back a school funding bill into the budget session in spite of an on going paid for by the taxpayers study.
As for procedural motions and filibustering will have to be allowed for, but not allowed for in a veto override session which needs to be a straight up and down vote, aye or nay. Was procedure ignored when Driskill appointed other committee members to resolve the budget gap impasse between the senate and the Legislature?
In researching public voting records, I have arrived at another opinion: State Sen. Driskill, Rep. Sommers, Wyoming Caucus individuals in unison with Gov. Mark Gordon have dictated the outcome for a veto override session. They got what they wanted in those vetoes and the people get “the candied road apple,” just like we got with the bloated budget deal, courtesy of the same herd.
It is time for the voters to cull that herd.
Lee A. Groshart
Encampment
