During the last two years I have looked at each piece of legislation with an open mind and weighed the pros and cons as I understood them at the time, and then cast my vote for House District 18.
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Two years ago, I talked with my wife about running for political office with the attitude that, given my 56 years of living in Wyoming, I had an idea of the issues the area faced. I was asked what agenda I was running on, and really it was just the belief that I could do the job as well as anyone. I hoped to make a difference for Wyoming House District 18. I was honored with the vote for the Representative for House District 18.
I quickly found out that information comes to one quick and from all corners. The saying that you get fed information with a firehose is true, and I can say that maybe my eyes were bigger than my stomach. But I have enjoyed it, and I know my two years of on-the-job training have increased my understanding of issues facing southwest Wyoming.
Over the course of the last two years, I have served on two standing committees: Minerals, Business and Economic Development and Transportation; and Highways and Military Affairs. Issues that came before these committees included the ENDOW Initiative (Economic Needed Development Options for Wyoming), of which I am a supporter. I feel it is a step in the direction Wyoming must take to bring at least some sense of a balanced economy to the state.
Wyoming’s biennium budget for the next two years is basically $3 billion, and we are operating with an income deficit of $1 billion. A third of the state budget is being balanced from prior savings even given the cuts made to the state budget over the last three years. Going forward, cuts must remain on the table, but at some point they will leave residents without services they demand. I remain committed to balancing the budget, looking at cuts that don’t cripple, and examining how revenue can be diverted or increased to help achieve the balance.
During the last two years I have looked at each piece of legislation with an open mind and weighed the pros and cons as I understood them at the time, and then cast my vote for House District 18. I would like to thank the voters of House District 18 for entrusting me to represent you these last two years. I look forward to another campaign run and ask for your vote. The firehose thing has made me consider changing the campaign slogan; however, for now, I remain Tom Crank, Hungry to Serve House District 18.
