CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cap City News has sent out a questionnaire to those running in the primary election in August. The following are the answers from Linnaea Sutphin, who is running for House District 42. Answers are edited only for clarity and style.
Who are you? (name, where you’re from, employment, hobbies, etc.)
My name is Linnaea Sutphin. I am a mother, wife, mental health counselor, educator, and soon to be small business owner. I grew up in Park County, Wyoming where I learned to respect our resources and be wise stewards of our land. I attended the University of Wyoming and received a bachelor’s degree in History, and twenty years later I returned and earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. For the last three years I have been working as a counselor in our school district and am currently in the process of setting up a private counseling business.
Why have you decided to run for office and what do you hope to accomplish should you be elected?
I am running for office because I am becoming increasingly concerned about the direction our country is going. I cannot stand by and watch as others make policies that are not in our best interest, knowing that I have the ability to do something about it. I am no longer willing to suffer illegal mandates from the Biden administration that have paralyzed Wyoming families from continuing our way of life. I will fight back against Biden’s attack on our economy. I am running because I think families and the home are the best place to teach values, not through government programs. Ironically, I am running for a government seat because I want to keep government out of our lives.
How do you plan on accomplishing your goals?
At this difficult time, I will protect Wyoming families by making sure our taxes stay low and look for opportunities for tax relief, such as getting control of runaway property taxes. I will look at ways to fix our structural deficit. I will do this by supporting our legacy industries and finding ways to diversify our economy. Cheyenne has been a leader in bringing in new industries like data centers and manufacturing. I will work to make sure that Wyoming remains attractive to new industries without compromising the values of Wyoming. I will support policies that make Wyoming a place where our children can find good jobs to raise a family and where small businesses can thrive.
What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?
I am not a professional politician. I am a mother, and educator and a small business owner. We need more regular people who understand real life to be involved in the creation of the laws and policies of our state. I have been actively involved in our community, sitting on boards, participating in organizations, and volunteering my time to help create policies and plans to facilitate growth and stability for some of our most at risk populations.
Do you feel you could be a good steward with taxpayer dollars? Why or why not?
Definitely. I have experience successfully managing budgets and understand not only the importance of, but how to be responsible with finances. With current out of control inflation, it is imperative to create responsible fiscal policies to keep as much money in the pockets of families as possible.
On the issue of transparency, where do you stand on ensuring all public business is conducted openly and in a manner that encourages public attendance?
The purpose of government is to be a servant to the people. Public business should always be conducted openly and transparently, and public attendance should not only be encouraged, but expected.
Do you believe the office or board position you seek has been open and honest with the public? If yes, how can the entity remain open and transparent when conducting public business moving forward? If no, what changes would you implement to ensure that all future dealings are open and transparent?
Yes. As a citizen, I have always felt the Wyoming State Legislature has been open, honest, and available. I will continue to support that legacy.
If you are presiding over a meeting and a topic was being discussed that you didn’t fully understand, would you ask for a more detailed explanation during the meeting or would you seek the information after the meeting?
I would ask questions for clarification and understanding during the meeting as well as seeking more information after the meeting as necessary.
Should you be elected, or re-elected, do you plan on seeking any major policy changes in your chosen office? If yes, what would those changes be? If no, why not?
Yes. I will be finding ways to fight the impacts of inflation as well as out of control property taxes. I will seek policy that creates greater accessibility to mental health care.
Marijuana legalization, or at the very least decriminalization, is on the minds of the public and public officials alike. Where do you stand on marijuana legalization? What would your office’s stance be if marijuana was decriminalized?
I do not support the legalization of marijuana.
Should you be elected, or re-elected, where do you stand on the issue of constitutional vs. community policing?
I fully support our law enforcement and will navigate any issues on policing with the safety of our police force and our public in mind.
