Editor:

Open letter to Gov. Freudenthal and the Wyoming Legislature:

I am writing this letter to question when common sense will again take hold in our great state. I do admit that in past letters I have been very critical of the Bureau of Land Management, the oilfield industry and the Sweetwater County commissioners, but now I am questioning why it is that these particular mouthpieces who are so vocal for the wonders of the oil and gas industry, can't explain to me or anyone else that after all these wonderful taxes we are collecting why our county in the form of school districts have to raise new mills for the building of schools.

Better yet, why is it that our city budget in Rock Springs is stretched to the limit. It has taken many years for our town to be able to build a senior center. I am wondering why the taxes on almost everyone's homes here have gone crazy. Does anyone know the answer?

No, but I still hear it almost every day how much the oil and gas industry has done for all of us. I question why a small county like Sublette has so much money they have to give some back because they don't know what to do with it.

What is it going to take for our state government to realize which cities and towns are being impacted with growing populations and yet don't receive anything from the state in the form of those amazing life changing taxes.

I am just an ordinary person who goes to work every day and sees life here in Wyoming, and I am smart enough to know that towns like Rock Springs are being smothered with our growth. Our infrastructure and emergency services are overwhelmed and again nothing is being done.

Rock Springs Mayor Kaumo should of ran for county commissioner because what he and the council has done with the little they have is amazing. I am sure he would do a better job than the three people we have now, and the one person who was defeated last time wants in again.

Well, I am not sure why he thinks anyone likes him better now - with him and his wife gone, we surely saved a lot of money on decorating costs. Governor, please take a look at towns like Rock Springs and realize we are losing the way of life that has made it worth living here.

KELLY SOUTHER, Rock Springs