GILLETTE- Candidates for House District 40 in Johnson County differ on what the state should do with its bulging budget. Independent Richard Tass favors socking surplus away and not raising any taxes. Republican Mike Madden favors appropriate assistance to communities impacted by energy development, one-time capital investments and a very conservative look toward taking on any new ongoing expenditures.

Tass said he believes it may not be necessary that every dollar of the state's surplus go into the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund. Some one-time expenditures may be necessary. But before commenting on what those might be, Tass said he must study each proposal carefully.

"I like to think I'm conservative and keep things balanced," Tass said.

The candidates have different views on how the state should approach methamphetamine problems. Tass said he doesn't believe state funds should be used for treatment centers, whereas Madden supports the idea of establishing one or more treatment centers and be careful not to get into a struggle about where to locate them.

"We must remember that the location decision should not be based on the convenience of the clients as much as should be for their welfare," Madden said.

Madden said he favors measures to expand healthcare coverage for individuals and small businesses, but not on a penalty basis, such as with the Massachusetts statewide healthcare plan. Tass said the state's role in healthcare should be minimal.

"I do not believe this is the proper function of state government," Tass said.

"We definitely need to pursue policies that expand medical insurance coverage to more of our citizens," said Madden. "We need to base any new program on incentives for small businesses and individuals. A serious problem does exist in reimbursement equity in Wyoming that needs to be addressed."

A top priority for both candidates is to change the way property taxes are assessed, saying that the neighborhood value approach places an unfair burden on fixed income homes and young families.

Madden identified workforce housing as another top priority.

"This issue looms from one end of the state to the other. There are a number of solutions, some of which will require only minimum funding that will fix this problem," Madden said.

Tass said Wyoming's eminent domain laws must be reformed.

"I believe it is wrong for a government entity to condemn private property and then transfer that property to another private entity," said Tass.

Reporter Dustin Bleizeffer can be reached at (307) 682-3388 or dustin.bleizeffer@casperstartribune.net.