Stubson touts strong record, diverse background
Casper – With nine years in the state of Wyoming Legislature, Tim Stubson looks back on his record, as well as his experience, diverse background and deep connection to Wyoming people as his strengths in running for Wyoming’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“In a general way, I would say the people of Wyoming are concerned with the economy and jobs,” Stubson says. “I’ve tried to focus my legislative career on the economic issues that are important to the state of Wyoming and making sure we have vibrant communities across the state.”
While Washington, D.C. hasn’t always been his goal, he says, “I think it’s really important for someone who’s worked on the issues and knows Wyoming people to be in that seat in Washington. We can’t gamble on one seat in 435.”
Background
Stubson was born and raised in Wyoming, growing up in Casper, Thermopolis and Cody and making his career in business law in Casper. He, his wife and two sons make their home in Casper today.
In 2008, Stubson was appointed to the Wyoming Legislature by Natrona County’s Commissioners, and since then, he’s served on a number of committees, including Appropriations.
“I have a record of getting things done on issues that are important to Wyoming,” he says.
In solving problems in the state, Stubson believes in a collaborative approach that brings all stakeholders to the table to achieve a workable solution.
Citing legislation for industrial siting of wind projects, as an example, he explains, “We brought everyone together to write a bill that made sense and balanced interests. We did it with a common sense solution that helped the future of Wyoming.”
Issues at stake
With everything from business and health insurance concerns to natural resources and energy on the plate for Congress, Stubson believes in a common-sense approach to challenges.
“Sage grouse spells out the danger of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and why we need to reform it,” Stubson says. “That was such an apocalyptic decision that we couldn’t even afford for it to be considered, so we went to every length to make sure it isn’t listed. That is not what the ESA was designed to do.”
He notes that incentivizing habitat projects and instituting threshold limits wherein listed species would automatically be delisted unless science otherwise proves that they are not recovered would both be possible ways to fix the Act.
“We shouldn’t have species listed that stay listed forever,” Stubson comments.
Priorities in Congress
Stubson notes that it is important to eliminate a one-size-fits-all mentality and approach solutions to problems at a localized level.
“No matter the issue, it’s important for Wyoming to manage Wyoming problems in a way that makes sense for us,” he says. “Globally, that would be my approach.”
To achieve those ends, he notes that action like rolling back regulations ranging from Clean Power Plan to the waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule are necessary.
“We have to eliminate uncertainty and make Washington more accountable,” Stubson says.
Recently, Stubson laid out a five-point plan in an attempt to raise the accountability of Congress to respond to the needs of citizens.
“Congress is more concerned about raising funds for Congress than responding to the people in the U.S.,” he explains. “We have a five-point plan that talks about pensions, salaries, lobbyist reporting, personal use of campaign funds and one bill, one topic. It’s a reform package to say Congress isn’t going to be there for Congress’ sake but as it was envisioned – to respond to the needs of our nation.”
Ag understanding
Though he wasn’t raised on a farm or ranch, Stubson notes that he has focused much of his work in the legislature over the past nine years on responding to issues that are important to agriculture, especially those related to federal lands.
“Whether we look at WOTUS, trade or the ESA, I have a track record,” Stubson says. “People don’t have to guess where I stand because I have a track record. I have a track record of making sure ag’s interests aren’t overlooked.”
“Even beyond my record, I think I’ve shown that I know how important ag is, especially to the small communities around the state,” Stubson comments. “Not just the economic but the cultural importance of ag to the state of Wyoming is something I know because I’ve made my home here.”
Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.
