CASPER, Wyo. — Election season is underway and Oil City News has sent a list of questions to candidates for the Wyoming Legislature out of Natrona County who have filed to run in the primary election in August.
These questions are designed to give our readers a better understanding of the people behind the names on the ballot. Below, get to know Thomas Myler, who is running for the House District 57 seat in the Wyoming Legislature:
1. Who are you? (Name, where you’re from, employment, hobbies, etc.)
My name is Thomas Myler. I was born and raised in Casper where I was taught strong conservative values. I currently work at my alma mater, Casper College, as the marketing coordinator, where I am in charge of all marketing and social media efforts. I value my family, hunting, fishing, and reading.
2. Why have you decided to run for office and what do you hope to accomplish should you be elected?
I am invested in the future of Wyoming. Casper is my home and I want to see it stay as amazing as I know it to be. Running for HD57 is the way I know how to protect our way of life in Wyoming. The legislature is the management team for the state, and I am a good manager and problem solver. One issue I know concerns many people is the rise in property taxes, leaving many folks with less money in their pockets. I also see many of our young people leaving Wyoming because of a lack of job opportunities. Both of these issues I would hope to address.
3. How do you plan on accomplishing your goals?
Hard work, starting with the end in mind. I believe the most productive way to work with committees or groups, is by finding common ground and being respectful when you disagree. Most people can find something to agree on with others. Once I find that common ground, I build on that to work on and solve problems that matter to us all.
4. What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?
I am currently a Trustee on the Natrona County School Board. I served as an intern for Senator John Barrasso, where I learned the importance of helping constituents and how policies affect the public. While attending Casper College, I served as a member of the student senate and gained my first understanding of an operating board with committees.
5. Do you feel you could be a good steward with taxpayer dollars? Why or why not?
I keep a family budget and hold councils with my wife to ensure we are spending money on what is needed. As a school board member, I actively participate in budget discussions and am focused on spending prudently to benefit students. I am fiscally conservative. My budget is balanced at home; I promise to not overspend, and to keep a balanced budget at the legislature too.
6. On the issue of transparency, where do you stand on ensuring all public business is conducted openly and in a manner that encourages public attendance?
This is an issue of trust. When government business is conducted behind closed doors, it loses public trust. I pledge to represent my district openly, answer questions honestly, and remember who I serve.
7. Do you believe the office or board position you seek has been open and honest with the public? If yes, how can the entity remain open and transparent when conducting public business moving forward. If no, what changes would you implement to ensure that all future dealings are open and transparent?
I believe this position has been open and honest with the public. I will make myself available to those that wish to know what is going on and I will do my best to keep them informed.
8. If you were presiding over a meeting and a topic was being discussed that you didn’t fully understand, would you ask for a more detailed explanation during the meeting or would you seek the information after the meeting?
The best way to conduct a meeting is to have every member on the same page. Whether I am on the committee or presiding, I will always ask questions to understand the topic during the meeting. And on complicated issues, for example the state budget, where understanding may be a process instead of one answer, I gather and digest as much information as possible before making decisions.
9. Should you be elected, or reelected, do you plan on seeking any major policy changes in your chosen office? If yes, what would those changes be? If no, why not?
No, I’m not running to make major policy changes. Wyoming currently balances its budget, which is important. How Wyoming spends its money is important to our collective future. I will work to keep state government working for the benefit of her citizens and the future we should all want, for ourselves and for the next generation.
10. Is there anything the above questions didn’t ask that you would like to comment on?
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NOTE: All primary candidates who filed to run for a seat in the Wyoming Legislature were sent questionnaires at the same time and Oil City News will publish responses in the order they are received. Candidate responses are only edited for clarity and style.
If you are a candidate and did not see the questionnaire in your inbox, please email news@oilcity.news. Oil City News sent questionnaires to Natrona County candidates running in the primary for municipal, county office or a seat in the Wyoming Legislature based on email addresses shared by the Natrona County Clerk’s Office; if you would prefer the questionnaire sent to a different address, please let us know.
