Jim VanDyke

Why am I a good Candidate for House District 42?

With a career and background in computing, data centers, construction, operations, management, committee meetings and working with communities on various projects, I feel I have a unique business perspective to bring to this district.
I look forward to communicating with people on their interests and concerns, working on public issues and developing lasting relationships to better the future of Wyoming.

What issues am I passionate about?

Responsible Business Development
As a community we need to understand the pros/cons of business development coming into the area and state. Data Centers bring specific challenges to communities and a strong partnership must be developed to balance business requirements with community resources of power, water, natural gas, etc. The government needs to be a steward of these resources for the public.
This does not mean the focus should only be on large corporations, the support of local small businesses is critically important to have a community thrive.

Promote Public Education/Healthcare
Without well supported education, healthcare and public support we will continue see people leave the state for areas with better resources. We need to help our people and children get the training and education they need to succeed locally. Many business are searching for staff and we have the opportunity to help our local community. I would personally like to see the incoming traffic on I-25 all coming into Wyoming from Colorado get reduced because we have the local people to fulfill those jobs.

Retention of Public Lands and Funding Them
Let’s face it, many of us have come to Wyoming to have better access to wilderness areas within the state. We enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and just exploring the natural wonders around us. Why would anyone want to lose our access to those resources or have their funding reduced or eliminated so they could not be properly maintained? These support programs are not overtly funded and if anything they could use more money to support the resources we all enjoy.

Removal or Reduction of Property Taxes
As with many aspects of tax reduction, it all sounds good initially. But when you look at who it benefits, what stresses it puts on existing public systems and what would need to be done to keep the same level of services available to the public, the tax reduction can look not as bright and shiny.  Yes, the reduction of property taxes will benefit all property holders but the largest impact and reduction will be on large property owners and businesses. Additionally to keep our local public schools, fire, police and other resources funded at the same current level would require large increases in sales taxes. This shifts the tax burden from those large land owners to people who buy goods and services in the area. Namely the everyday workers, families and others who may rent housing and are already struggling with the increases of the cost of living.