LUSK-Hot topics and election year issues were discussed on Thursday, February 8, when the Niobrara County GOP Caucus came together at the Fairgrounds. Attendees came from the precincts in Manville, Lance Creek, Warren, Hat Creek, and North and South Lusk to tackle political developments considered important by Wyoming residents, with a sharp focus on matters impacting those who reside in Niobrara County. The event started with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer. Janae Miller, the Chairperson of the Niobrara Republican Central Committee, headed up the proceedings. According to Miller, while caucusing has become rare in many states, it still serves a purpose in Niobrara County.

“Caucusing, overall, is becoming less frequent,” Miller told the Herald. “It is not common anymore. It’s really great for allowing the grassroots to share what their interests are. You can really advocate for change.”

Subjects taken up by the caucus ran a spectrum, ranging from the fairly benign to the controversial. Conversations over ballot initiatives and emergency services found a place among the talking points.

“There have been a few things that have come up,” said Miller. “Some of them are ballot initiatives and how we can regulate those initiatives. There was one in Colorado regarding the introduction of wolves in the area and that would be of concern here. Someone had mentioned that there were issues with ambulance services this year.”

Alternative energy was also a topic that drew debate and discussion. Recently, Governor Mark Gordon came out in favor of Net Zero, a highly controversial effort to drastically cut carbon emissions. Net Zero plans seek to bring such emissions, referred to as “greenhouse gases” in environmental circles, as close to zero as possible. Needless to say, such an endeavor is causing disputes in Wyoming, a state where energy production is an economic centerpiece. Gordon now finds himself at odds with his own party because of the position he has taken on Net Zero and alternative energy. The GOP, on both a state and county level, recently expressed their opposition to Gordon’s plans.

“At our last state committee meeting, which was held in Newcastle, there was a statement put forward condemning the governor for making these statements about Net zero without having campaigned on that platform,” said Miller. “No one is opposed to taking care of the land and being good stewards of the environment. But the fact is that this governor did not campaign on that stance whatsoever. He came up with this on his own and went and gave interviews at colleges and television stations. Everyone saw the 60 Minutes episode. That was not endorsed by the Republican Party in any way, shape, or form. As a whole, I don’t think he has been aware of what his constituents think of him.”

Miller told the Herald that she was very pleased with the turnout for the caucus. In particular, the South Lusk precinct drew a rather large crowd. Miller encourages Niobrara residents to become involved with GOP efforts by visiting the Niobrara County Republican Party Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events and activities. Interested people can also attend the next meeting of the Niobrara GOP Central Committee. That event will be held on February 27 at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds at 6:30 p.m.