In HD-14, Republicans McCallister and Shuster seek to challenge incumbent Democrat Sherwood
The rural district now includes Rock River, having gained the small town in Wyoming’s 2022 redistricting. Now a resident of the town is challenging the incumbent, and a city councilor, for House 14.
Welcome to the Laramie Reporter’s 2022 Elections newsletter. This newsletter seeks to introduce Albany County and Laramie residents to the candidates who have filed to run and to explore the issues surrounding what promises to be an interesting, impactful local election.
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Incumbent Trey Sherwood will run unopposed in the Democratic primary for House District 14, but the same cannot be said of the Republicans vying for her seat. On the Republican side of the aisle, Julie McCallister and Bryan Shuster will square off in the primary, and the victor will likely go on to challenge Sherwood in the general.
Sherwood was first elected representative of HD-14 in 2020, crushing fellow Democrat Alexander Simon in the primary and defeating Republican Matthew Burkhart in a close general election. Sherwood is the director of Laramie Main Street Alliance, an organization that supports downtown businesses and just netted Laramie some national recognition.
Bryan Shuster is a Laramie City Councilor. He agreed to answer questions for the Laramie Reporter, but did not submit his answers by the deadline for this story.
Julie McCallister is a Rock River resident who, before the recent redistricting, lived in House District 47. She was a perennial candidate for representative of that district, running in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020, but losing each time in the primary to Jerry Paxton — who went on, each time, to win the general election and represent the district.
During the state redistricting that followed the 2020 Census, Rock River was absorbed into House District 14. Previously Rock River had been an outlier, the only parcel of Albany County not covered by the county’s two Senate Districts and four House Districts.
McCallister and Sherwood answered a series of questions from the Laramie Reporter about their backgrounds, opinions and hopes for the 2022 election.
Laramie Reporter: What should voters know about your background, profession and interest in politics?
Julie McCallister: I have a bachelor’s in political science, and a master’s in public administration from the University of Wyoming. I spent six years in oil and gas research in partnership with the university. My love of Wyoming started at a young age, fostered by my uncle, John Story of Dubois, and grandfather, Charles Jones Jr. of Riverton. I came home to Wyoming at 19, and could not be happier with where I live.
Trey Sherwood: As an economic and community developer, I am running for re-election to make a difference. A graduate of Leadership Wyoming, I honed my passion for service; utilizing my leadership skills downtown, in volunteer positions with Laramie Public Art and Laramie Plains Museum and as your current HD-14 representative. In my “day job,” I work to build a vibrant business district by collaborating with public-private partners, focusing on our shared goal of a strong downtown where entrepreneurs thrive, new jobs are created and consumers “shop local.” My interest in politics is not driven by selfish ambition, but a deep desire to better the lives of my neighbors, community and state.
Reporter: If elected, what would be your priorities in office?
McCallister: Comprehensive fiscal accountability. Diversification of taxation basis without placing that burden on residents. Innovation support of all Wyoming industries. The legislature needs to be more solution-oriented to our residents’ needs. Very often in policy it is much better to regulate less, and allow other local bodies to deal with issues.
Sherwood: Based on requests from my constituents, I will focus on our labor market (workforce services and a living wage), Wyoming’s housing shortage, stabilizing our revenue streams, expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, providing a quality education for our young people, protecting our public lands and creating new jobs through a diversified economy. If the needs of my district shift, I will adapt my priorities to best serve those I represent.
Reporter: What are the biggest issues facing the Wyoming Legislature today?
McCallister: Sustainable economic development. Wyoming has long protected, preserved and actively defended our important ranching and oil and gas sectors (rightfully so). This level of activity needs to be expanded to all of Wyoming’s industries. Farming, hunting, outdoor recreation, wind and solar energy, power lines, manufacturing and countless other small businesses would benefit from protection – as would the residents who are employed in these sectors. Wyoming needs to protect all of its legacies.
Sherwood: We are at a turning point in Wyoming. Amidst a growing culture of extremism, contempt and disregard for the democratic process, I believe our legislative body has the will to reclaim civility and work collectively for the betterment of the state. Together, we can do the hard work of stabilizing our budget and reforming our tax structure. We can invest in the future generation by better funding education while providing career opportunities for our young people. Collectively, we can support value-added and emerging industries to diversify our revenue and protect the environment while growing our economy.
Reporter: What does the Legislature do well? What should it improve upon?
McCallister: Wyoming has long been a beacon of open government, with gallery access and an ease of finding your representative on the capitol grounds. The pandemic gave our legislature tools through online testimony and meetings, and this ended in a large uptick in participation from citizens. This was a great idea, and needs to be continued to be utilized to increase citizen participation in the legislative process. More participation, and especially engagement from all constituents, will ultimately result in the best policies.
Sherwood: As a freshman member of the House, I perceive that Wyoming’s legislative body values decorum, tradition, constituent access and approachability. What seems to be a stuffy formality and elaborate jargon is designed to maintain respect for the public, fellow members and the institution. Parliamentary procedure allows for efficient use of time and civil discussions. That said, we could do a much better job of educating and engaging the public in the legislative process. While we are approachable outside of session (at the grocery store, downtown, or out to dinner), the language we use in debate and the process to create a bill isn’t always clear.
Reporter: What role should the state government play in addressing climate change?
McCallister: The state of Wyoming does not have an agency that would be capable of administering a state climate change law. Wyoming has a federally approved EPA agency, but it is only tasked, funded and staffed to enforce federal laws.
Sherwood: We need to lead with facts, with an eye to the future. Yes, Wyoming is dependent on minerals, yet our agriculture, hunting and tourism economies rely on a healthy relationship with the environment. At a minimum, we should enact recycling policies for all state agencies, including energy efficiencies in fleet vehicles and state-owned facilities. Beyond that, we should recognize our vulnerability to increasing temperatures, early snow melt, water reductions and wildfires. While we work to diversify our energy portfolio with an “all of the above” strategy, we can empower state agencies, like the Department of Environmental Quality, Game and Fish and UW, to proactively address the negative impacts climate change will have on our economy and way-of-life.
Reporter: Does Wyoming need to consider a state income tax or otherwise diversify its revenue?
McCallister: No, the last thing Wyoming should do is to implement a state income tax. I also strongly oppose returning to the taxation on foodstuffs. Wyoming needs to value, protect and defend all of its industries for taxation revenue. One example is wind taxation, while incentives are almost always a good idea, taxation loopholes that allow corporations to profit and not pay a penny in tax, are unacceptable. Medical marijuana would also provide a large taxation basis, as those residents who purchase it will continue to do so, no matter where they must travel to do so.
Sherwood: Yes, we must diversify our revenue streams to move away from the transitioning mineral industry, which has thus far subsidized our essential services. Wyoming has some of the lowest taxes in the nation. According to the Wyoming Taxpayers Association, a family with an income of $60,000 and a home valued at $200,000 pays $3,070 in personal taxes but receives $27,600 worth of public services. Relying on one industry is unstable. We are losing revenue, valuable employees, funding for education, healthcare and public infrastructure. If we want to diversify our economy while maintaining our quality of life, we must reform our tax system in a manner that is justified, equitable, balanced and transparent.
Reporter: Should Wyoming expand Medicaid?
McCallister: The pandemic highlighted the state’s need for more effective healthcare options for our residents. Recently, two major healthcare providers stopped providing labor and delivery services. (The state should) find a way to expand our current options and access to the rest of our constituents who pay millions in federal taxation for Medicaid per year to access healthcare. In the most recent committee hearings on this, our state’s hospital association requested an expansion. I am not comfortable with the overreach that an expansion would give the federal government, but we need to do something for our constituents as soon as possible. If the legislature can not come up with a state plan, I am not sure what option is left.
Sherwood: Yes! Healthy citizens are productive and engaged members of our community. Expanding Medicaid will help address our workforce shortage, reduce employee sick days and increase our economic output while protecting our hospitals from the high cost of uncompensated care. With the majority of Wyomingites in favor of expansion, it is time we join the 38 other states, including Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and North Dakota in providing services to care for our most vulnerable residents.
Reporter: What role should the state government play in addressing the housing shortage seen in Laramie and other communities?
McCallister: One of the major roles of our Government is to protect life. Having somewhere hospitable to live certainly falls under this scope. Local governments are best at addressing these issues, as they change dynamics drastically from place to place. Local governments should get input from all and find workable solutions for landlords and tenants alike. The government should evaluate, and regulate housing (only when necessary). To be clear, I do not advocate for government ownership of said property, as this would be counterproductive.
Sherwood: We need to strengthen the capacity of the Wyoming Community Development Authority so it can become our go-to agency for housing. The WCDA was created in 1975 as an instrument of the state and raises capital to finance affordable housing, yet receives no state funding. The WCDA should have more tools to provide public-private incentives for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable, workforce and senior housing. When re-elected, I will support the work of the legislature’s Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions committee, which is currently studying issues related to the lack of housing, including the social and economic impacts created by it. Housing is currently the number one barrier to diversifying our economy.
Reporter: If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, how should Wyoming’s state law change, if at all?
McCallister: The State passed HB92 — “Abortion prohibition - supreme court decision” — in the 2022 legislative session. This bill addresses any needed changes to state law, pending a reversal by the Supreme Court.
Sherwood: In early 2022, Gov. Gordon signed House Bill 92 — “Abortion prohibition - supreme court decision” — into law. Abortions in Wyoming will be banned, with the exception of pregnancies involving rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, if Roe v. Wade is overturned. I voted against this bill and believe it should be challenged as it is inconsistent with our right to make our own reproductive healthcare decisions. Wyoming’s Constitution, Article 1, Section 38 (a) and (d), Right of Healthcare Access, states, “Each competent adult shall have the right to make his or her own health care decisions” and “The state of Wyoming shall act to preserve these rights from undue governmental infringement.” It is not the role of elected officials to tell a woman what to do with her body.
Reporter: Should Wyoming pass a non-discrimination statute, prohibiting employers from firing employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity?
McCallister: Yes, to be direct and simple. I do not know of a single industry in the state of Wyoming in which a constituent would be unable to preform their job duties due to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sherwood: Yes! The state should follow Laramie’s lead in adopting non-discrimination policies that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. State legislation should protect our LGBTQ+ citizens from discrimination in the workplace, in seeking housing, access to medical treatments, legal services, public accommodation or capital. Welcoming places that have a diversity of voices around the table, including variations in age, gender, race, ability and socioeconomic status, will recover faster from economic and social traumas. We build strong, compassionate communities by valuing every member of our society.
Reporter: If elected, what is one bill you would like to write, sponsor or introduce?
McCallister: Comprehensive fiscal accountability, taxation evaluation and adjustment, multi-business innovation incentives, medical marijuana regulation, sales and taxation.
Sherwood: I will continue to work on legislation that supports Wyoming-owned businesses while diversifying our economy. Economic development is more than recruitment and incentives for our energy industry. My ideal bill would create a holistic economic ecosystem for smart growth that could be utilized by our communities, of all sizes, to address workforce housing, employee healthcare, equal protections, publicly funded Pre-K and quality of life retention assets (like vibrant downtowns)!
Reporter: Finally, why should the residents of Albany County vote for you?
McCallister: I love Wyoming — it is the sole reason I live here. I love the wild places, the people, the culture, legacy and even the weather. Wyoming is like nowhere else; it takes a special kind of person, self reliant, tough, self-sufficient, to make it here. We make it through 70+MPH winds, snowdrifts the size of our homes, roads that close for days at a time. Yet we are the first to help stranded truckers, stop to see if someone needs help, offer a stranger some help. The people of Wyoming are simply amazing. I cannot think of a more honorable life than to serve the residents of Wyoming in the State Legislature.
Sherwood: I am a passionate public servant who puts people before politics. With 17 years of service to the Laramie community, I have a proven track record of strategic planning, creative problem solving, private-public collaboration and bringing people together in spite of perceived political differences. I value intentional civility, honesty, respect and gratitude. With your vote, I will continue to use my leadership skills to provide an equitable future for all of Wyoming’s residents.