J.R. Riggins

J.R. Riggins was born in Kadoka, South Dakota. He earned a high school diploma from Kadoka High School. His career experience includes working as a project coordinator.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My wife and I met and married in Casper, Wy. 43 years ago. Our two grown children have families of their own and we have five grandchildren.

I've spent 40 plus years working in the natural gas industry and I've been with my current employer for 33 years.

I've been an active member of the Natrona County GOP for more than 15 years as an elected and appointed member. I was the State Committeeman for our county for three years.

I was a volunteer for multiple campaigns for local, state and national offices. I campaigned on behalf of former office holders of my house district.

I'm excited about the challenges ahead and affirming Wyoming's "Red" state status.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Energy – Our exploration, production, gathering, processing, shipping, and marketing of it is the sole reason that Forbes's included Wyoming's 2021 "real per capita income" at #4 in the nation. Like it or not, Wyoming's future prosperity is tethered to the energy industry; that is the simple truth.Property Taxes- Government driven inflation is turning property taxes into a national issue. Combined with asylum seekers from blue states looking for rational government, property values continue to rise despite higher interest rates and an Wyoming economy that is stable, but not booming.

Fixed and medium income homeowners are worried that their mortgage is going to be converted into a government IOU. We have to act.Our Inalienable Rights -

Ordinary Americans are under constant surveillance by the state, and it is hard to tell if they care. Nevertheless, every elected representative must fight to preserve the citizens' liberty by defending their Constitutional rights. Otherwise, the unholy alliance between global corporatists and governing bodies will jackhammer the foundations of this country to dust.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Property tax reform.

Shrinking the bureaucratic states authority.

Ensuring that Wyoming's traditional energy industry and "renewable" energy are competing on a level field.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

W. Cleon Skousen's "The Five Thousand Year Leap"

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Have realistic expectations, be sincere in your conversations with constituents, and don't over promise.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

No one can promise a specific policy outcome, but you can make commitments to the voters in your district. The one promise you can make and keep, is to stay in touch with your constituents. Its never been easier to communicate with voters than it is today. Yet, elected officials seem to shun their constituents. I'm committed to being accessible and pro-active in keeping in touch with the voters in House District 59.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Live a full life.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Painting houses at 13. Had my first Social Security withholding.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Unbroken" - the essence of determination and resilience.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Ideally, the Governor would not veto bills that passed by an 80% to 90% majority.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Recognizing that our minerals energy is under genuine threat from federal over reach and that we cannot adopt never-ending budget increases simply because those threats haven't taken effect, yet.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it's beneficial to have a membership with a broad range of experience and I rely on voters to sort them out.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. You can't get legislation passed without help and freshman legislator's can always benefit from some mentorship.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, but none I want to share here.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

No specific bill drafted at this time.

What committees interest you?

RTW, Minerals, of course...

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

There is room for improvement in our state's financial transparency.

As for "accountability", we have become a nation of unaccountable bureaucrats. Colossal failures at the national level are on daily display and lesser failures at the state level are equally as common. Wyoming has greater accountability, but we are not exempt from the same malaise displayed elsewhere.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I support confirmation of citizenship status and minimum residence requirements.