Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, ”In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way”. On Wednesday, August 8 Niobrara citizens along with state and local candidates gathered at NCHS to participate in a meet the candidate forum hosted by the Niobrara County Farm Bureau. 

The Niobrara County Republican Party held a dinner, prior to the forum, which was well attended by both candidates and local families.

Over 30 candidates attended the event which was moderated by Kevin Baars, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Southeast District Director. Baars directed the candidates that they would be given four minutes to convince the audience that the job to be done would be done best by them. He then cautioned that this was a forum and not a debate and then bestowed the very sage advice, “the best speeches have a good opening and a good closing and keeping them as close together as possible.”

Niobrara County Farm Bureau President, Andy Geer, was chosen as the timekeeper.  While most contenders respected the time limit, a few were fully engaged in their statements causing Geer to valiantly try to make eye contact. A difficult job well done on Geer’s part.

There is something about being able to take the measure of a man or woman. To shake a hand. To look into someone’s eye while they speak. To listen to their opinion and in return, have them listen to yours. The citizens of Niobrara County listened respectfully to the many platforms and agendas from both local and state contenders, each with the sole purpose of securing our vote.

I read somewhere, “Why pay money to have your family tree traced. Just go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.” While I can’t say that conduct rose to the level of mudslinging, there were some fairly strong personal confrontations in a few of the races, which left the audience feeling uncomfortable.

With that being said, there were also common threads throughout the night. Every candidate that crossed the stage maintains a strong affinity for Wyoming and Niobrara County. There is a deep pride for their generational roots and to a man and woman, they are applying for their respective positions. The candidates bring wide and varied skill sets for their desired offices. Successful business men and women, attorneys, a physician, ministers, pastors, those from the private sector and experienced politicians. 

Voters voiced their desire for quality education, secure prisons and a stable infrastructure. They want their families to have the ability to remain and work in Wyoming and they want government to leave their guns alone.

Long time Herald subscriber and Niobrara native, Jess Rodgers, shared a bit of advice. He had an old cowboy uncle that he spent a lot of time with as he was growing up. He will never forget one of the things he taught him.  “If they can’t saddle a horse, set a post and chain a pickup, don’t vote for them”.

Many attendees have already decided who they will cast their vote for on August 21. For those that haven’t, take a minute to look over the Niobrara County Election Guide, inserted in this edition. Become informed and chose wisely.