JACKSON - Candidates vying to represent Teton County in the state Senate differ dramatically on issues surrounding the state's highways.

Chuck Herz, chairman of the Teton County Democratic Party, and Republican incumbent Grant Larson, outgoing Senate president, are running a heated race in District 17, encompassing northern Teton County, including the town of Jackson but excluding Wilson, and Dubois in Fremont County.

Herz said he is "not persuaded" that the Wyoming Department of Transportation is suffering from a thin wallet, as the department has argued.

He said he doesn't detect any "terrible deterioration of our roads," and added that rising fuel costs and global warming impacts are going to shift traffic patterns.

"We're not being realistic about highways," Herz said. He also said WYDOT "dropped the ball" by not designing the Togwotee Pass highway to be a world-class, wildlife-friendly road.

Larson, 73, said WYDOT needs more money because of rising costs in concrete and steel. He said Wyoming has the lowest gasoline tax in the intermountain West, but he's "not prepared to raise taxes."

Larson said perhaps some federal mineral royalties could be diverted to WYDOT.

Larson said he would support funding more highway patrolmen, but didn't want "to commit to any number" until hearing testimony from others in the field.

Herz said he has talked to people with law enforcement who do not think more troopers will crack down on drugs, which is one of the reasons some are calling for a staffing increase.

Herz said Teton County has been pretty successful with the fight against methamphetamine. He's "not terribly knowledgeable" about the idea of the state building treatment centers for those addicted to the drug. Larson said if centers are built, it should be a joint effort between communities and the state.

Both men agreed the state should explore many options to provide health care for citizens. Larson said he would support exploring a program similar to that enacted by Massachusetts, but said he is not convinced a financially sound program can happen without joining in with surrounding states.

Herz said health care is "one of the highest priorities of our state," and said the system does not work for businesses, small businesses, and even doctors and health care professionals. He said he would "absolutely" support exploring Massachusetts' new system.

Herz said the state should focus on getting public schools and the University of Wyoming to "world-class" status and boosting community colleges to a higher level, and leave work force training and recruitment to people and businesses interested in it.

Larson said community colleges are key to work force training, and the schools are "uniquely equipped to do that."

Larson said he's hesitant to call more money coming into the state as "surplus," but the Legislature should "finish what we started on education." He said money should benefit people, including health care and the wildlife trust fund. He also said eminent domain is going to be a big issue.

Herz said the state shouldn't be "on a spending spree" and should invest in "wild places and wildlife through the wildlife trust fund." He also said the state should invest in education, from grade school through the university, and even in early childhood care - including care for mothers and child care. Health care is also key, he said.

Herz said health care, getting the state's educational system to "world-class," and preserving the environment are his three priorities if elected.

Larson said his "total issue" will be "proper expenditure of the large revenues that we have coming in," to meet the needs of the state and people "without a huge growth" of government.

The election is Nov. 7.