Star-Tribune Editorial Board

All politicians can use some competition, including the longest-serving member of the Wyoming Legislature.

In Senate District 30, one of Tom Walters' campaign slogans takes a jab at Charles Scott: "Thirty years is long enough." But Scott's vast experience merits respect, not derision. Since he's been serving his constituents in the Wyoming Legislature for three decades, the majority of voters obviously think they are well represented by Scott.

"I've got a record of getting things done in Cheyenne," he said matter-of-factly. He does, and Scott doesn't mind crossing party lines to get legislation passed.

Scott, a rancher, is working as hard today to earn votes as he did when he first won election to the House in 1978. He's still going door to door, asking people in his district for their priorities in spending the state's surplus. Scott said what he's found is the cost of health care has replaced the traditional top concern, educational spending.

Scott promises to bring back a bill he sponsored this year that passed the Senate unanimously but died in a House committee. The measure would create a pilot program to help provide lower deductibles and provide health insurance for those who can't afford it. The legislation may not be perfect, but it's a creative approach to a significant problem for many Wyoming citizens.

Justifiably proud that it was one of his bills that became the vehicle for the creation of the Hathaway Scholarship Program, Scott thinks the state has more work to do. He'd like to see the Legislature increase the endowment for the program, so the state can increase scholarship amounts. That's a good idea.

Scott also recognizes that many Wyoming citizens, especially seniors on fixed incomes, need property tax relief. His response earlier this year was a proposal that would, if passed, have resulted in a 21 percent property tax cut. Legislators are likely to see that one again, as well.

Walters, who is also a rancher, doesn't sympathize with those who are struggling in the wake of inordinate property tax hikes. "I don't have a problem with property tax increases," the candidate said. "It's part of life."

Walters also doesn't have much compassion for Medicare recipients who are caught in the middle between the federal government and health care providers who aren't being reimbursed enough for their services. "People can't always expect government to pick up the slack," he said.

Give Walters credit for participating in the process and trying to make a difference. But he might benefit from serving in a local, nonpartisan office rather than one that immediately requires him to make policy decisions for the state.

SD30 voters should keep putting their trust in Scott.

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