Dave Hardesty (Independent)

1010 Ararpahoe Ave
Gillette, Wyoming 82718
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I grew up in Thermopolis Wyoming, attended University of Wyoming, BA Communications, served in the United States Coast Guard, graduated from the Defense Information School, Public Affairs, earned a Teaching Credential from California State University Long Beach, South Dakota State University MA Educational Leadership. I have been teaching in Northeast Wyoming the past 20 years. I am an avid user of our public lands.

Holding elected public office, none.

See earlier entry, pretty much covers it.

I have volunteered and coached the past several years in hockey, soccer and basketball. Most of my memberships in anything have expired. I pitch in where and when needed.

Why am I running as an independent? First and foremost I like to think for myself. Treat each idea on its own merit. Standard questions; Is it good for me? Is it good for my neighbors? What do people I know think about this issue? Too often people are swayed by the national news. I will be solely focused on Wyoming’s needs and wants, I will not be following a national party agenda. As a local educator I feel unrepresented. As a public land owner, I feel I don’t get to see all my land.

1. Education
I think the Wyoming legislature needs a teacher’s voice to truly represent students and employees. Cuts are being made, control from local leaders has been wrestled away, and ineffective laws have been passed. Send a representative who knows kids, their needs, and will act as a voice for all learners.
2. Public Land Access
I am an avid public land user. Wyoming has millions of acres of unaccessible public land land. I want to make those vistas more. Every acre for everyone. Corner crossing should become law, easements should be purchased, access roads should be funded.
3. HealthCare
Care in Wyoming is great! The strategic ambiguity, complex mazes, added details between commas, higher premiums and less services, battles between care providers and insurance companies. It’s all maddening. Industry bet is for the consumer to give up and pay the highest price. This is an insanely complicated system, and it has been designed that way to gain as much money as possible. I will try to get some form of a transparency bill passed. I have read about programs and communities doing great things in this arena. Author Stephen Brill has done some great investigations and has solutions that can work. Imagine being able to shop and truly compare prices for services in your region. Mostly I’m tired of health care providers telling me it will be cheaper to pay with cash instead of filing with my insurance.