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Thousands of slanderous postcards, text messages and emails have been sent to Fremont County residents alleging lies and misinformation in regard to voting records of some of our best, hard-working, dedicated legislators, namely Rep. Ember Oakley and Rep. Lloyd Larsen. I received one of these cards targeted at Rep. Oakley. This postcard campaign reeks of dirty politics and it has no place in Wyoming – we are better than this!
The postcards are produced by the “WY Freedom PAC” — apparently a ghost operation, since there are no names or addresses to contact. I think most of us realize the motive – to discredit our thoughtful, independent-thinking legislators so the PAC can get their members elected. Then, we will have the National Freedom Caucus controlling our state politics. Is this what we want?? I think it is time to fact-check the allegations made on these postcards.
First, the postcard states that Rep. Oakley voted NO on property tax caps. This is the biggest lie of all. As the Vice-Chair of the House Revenue Committee, Rep. Oakley co-sponsored HB45, which was passed into law and will cap increases on property taxes to 4% year over year (effective date 1/1/25). More postcard lies…that Rep. Oakley voted “to keep Trump off the Wyoming ballot” – this could not have happened. Election ballots and qualification of candidates are under the purview of the Secretary of State.
Other misleading statements: Rep. Oakley voted NO regarding “HB50, a bill to keep biological men out of women’s spaces”; and voted NO on “HB38, concerning illegal aliens IDs” HB50 failed introduction, and HB38 failed to get out of Committee. Given the amount of time to properly study and vet 353 filed bills in the 20-day session, Reps Oakley and Larsen had the wisdom not to support these bills at this time. Rep Oakley indicated she would support similar bills if they are properly vetted in January 2025.
Finally, the postcards mentioned that Rep. Oakley voted NO on a bill that would “prevent foreign ownership of agricultural land or land close to critical infrastructure.” SF0077, which covers this topic, became law and both Rep. Oakley and Rep. Larsen voted for this bill.
In the best possible world, candidates would be debating ideas in front of Fremont County citizens, but several candidates refused to debate because it was sponsored by the Fremont County League of Women Voters. Those Freedom Caucus candidates are: Sen. Tim Salazar, Rep. Pepper Ottman, Rep. Sarah Penn, and candidates Joel Guggenmoss and Tina Clifford. If these folks won’t communicate with us now, will they listen to us after the election??
Citizens of Fremont County – please vote for Rep. Ember Oakley (HD#55), Rep. Lloyd Larsen (HD#54), Rep. Reg Phillips (HD#34) and Elizabeth Philp (SD#26). They are candidates with integrity, who listen, make thoughtful decisions for Wyoming, and are not supported by a phantom committee.
Respectfully,
Ruby Calvert
Riverton, WY