GILLETTE, Wyo.— As the Aug. 20 primary election nears, County 17 has sent lists of questions to each primary candidate.
These questions are designed to give readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Except for minor grammar editing and clarifications, all candidate responses submitted to County 17 are republished as they are received.
Read responses sent by Phil Christopherson, candidate for Wyoming State Senate District 24, below.
What issues, if any, impacted your decision to run for this position or why were you interested in the position?
Campbell County and Wyoming are on the brink of a crisis and very little is being done to prepare for or prevent it. I want my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to live, work, play and raise their families in Wyoming, and if we do not start working towards a better economic future, they will not have the opportunity to raise their families here. They will be forced to leave the state to find jobs. We need to save our coal, oil and other minerals industries. We need to bring new industries and businesses to Wyoming. Most of all, we need to support, promote and encourage entrepreneurs to start and run new small businesses.
What unique life or career experience would you bring to the role?
I have worked with legislators and been involved with the legislative process for over 20 years. With my work building and growing Campbell County businesses I have a very good awareness of what we can and should do to prepare for a good future economy.
Do you have previous experience in governmental office?
No — have not been elected to an office in Wyoming.
What are the top issues facing communities in Campbell County right now, and what would you do about them if elected?
Decline in the coal industry which threatens our economy and the future of our community. We need to be very proactive at the state level to build new jobs, new industries and diversify our economy.
Housing — The lack of and the cost of housing. Families need to have a place to live that they can afford and we need to have more workforce and family housing.
Fiscal Responsibility and Legislative Order — Legislators must be fiscally responsible and very frugal with the citizens’ money. The state must reduce expenditures to the absolute minimum required to have a
functioning and well-run state. Legislators must have unity of purpose and work together to solve Wyoming’s problems and to create a strong, viable future economy. Diversity of ideas is important, new ideas and independent thought — but unity of purpose to build a future — no more anger, personal attacks and Washington DC politics.
What is your stance on recently enacted BLM rules regarding coal and oil leasing in the county and broader Powder River Basin area?
This is a terrible rule that will negatively affect Campbell County and Wyoming. We must do all we can to fight these rules.
Have you ever held or do you currently hold any title, affiliation or investments that would be a conflict of interest with your duties as a county government official?
No. I recently retired as the CEO of Energy Capital Economic Development. There is no conflict with that position.
