CHEYENNE - The two Democratic candidates for House District 3 in southeast Wyoming differ sharply on the need for a statewide smoking ban.

Laurell Marker, 67, of Wheatland, said she would support a statewide ban on smoking in public buildings, while Terry R. Jones, 59, also of Wheatland, said he would not.

"I think that smoking is a personal choice that everyone has to deal with on a personal basis," Jones said.

The winner of the Aug. 19 Democratic primary will face the winner of a three-way Republican primary: either Frank Peasley of Douglas, or Randy Stevenson or Kirby Wilson both of Wheatland. The incumbent, Rep. Deborah Alden, R-Wheatland, is not seeking re-election.

House District 3 encompasses southern and western Platte County, as well as a section of southern Converse County including a portion of Douglas.

Marker said she supports stricter penalties for drunken drivers, including fines and mandatory help for those convicted of driving under the influence. Jones said he supports stricter penalties for drunken driving, especially for multiple offenses.

Jones said working Wyoming people are suffering from rising property taxes, and targeted tax relief is needed to ease the burden.

Marker said state lawmakers should "listen to the voters" and consider the high number of elderly residents when it comes to the question of property tax relief.

Marker said state highways are in need of repair, and big rigs that use the highways should be required to pay their fair share of the expense.

Jones said the state may need to tap the general fund to pay for highways, which are being damaged by big trucks and the energy boom. He added that big trucks are "wearing out" Interstate 80, "so why shouldn't trucks pay to keep it in good repair?"

Jones would improve health care in Wyoming by working to create incentives to bring health professionals to the state.

Marker said she's not sure what the answer is to today's health care problems, but she does think that medical professionals need more training in geriatric care because of the number of seniors in the state.

She said the state's community college system should continue under the same operating and funding systems.

Jones supports more local control for the state's community colleges, even though the majority of college funding comes from the state.

Jones would like to see the Legislature spend the anticipated budget surplus on highway infrastructure, funding for county and local governments and higher starting salaries for state employees.

Marker said the money should be spent on veterans, seniors, state lands, protection of game and fish, trade-school scholarships for youth and roads and infrastructure related to energy.

On the topic of economic diversification, Jones said the Wyoming Business Council has always been successful in promoting news businesses, and he would support the program if it's needed.

The key to diversify the state economy, Marker said, is to "figure out how to capitalize on the energy and make this the energy capital of the U.S.

"We do have the potential if properly managed," Marker added.

Reach Reporter Jared Miller at (307) 632-1244 or at jared.miller@trib.com.

Laurell Marker

Party: Democrat

Age: 67

Home: Wheatland

Occupation: Retired, former small business owner

Education: University of Wyoming

Family: Widow; 2 children

Political experience: None

Terry R. Jones

Party: Democrat

Age: 59

Home: Rural Wheatland (Platte County)

Occupation: Farmer

Education: High school

Family: Married; 5 children

Political experience: None]]->