Ken Chestek

Ken Chestek was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Chestek earned a bachelor's degree from Penn State University in 1975 and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1979. His career experience includes working as a professor.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a law professor who teaches legal writing, statutory interpretation, and legal analysis. All of these are perfect skills for the job of being a legislator who writes statutes. I have a strong commitment to public service, and have been an activist for the past six years working on the issue of getting money out of politics.

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?

The climate is on fire. We need to support and prioritize green energy alternatives and wean ourselves off of fossil fuels.Wyoming need a more diverse economy. No more boom and bust! We can solve the climate problem by investing in alternative energy sources, thereby diversifying our economy.Protecting reproductive choices and freedom for women. Government has no business telling any woman what her health care choices are.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Getting money out of politics. We need to solve that problem before we can solve any other problem.

2. Protecting the environment/diversifying the Wyoming economy.

3. Keeping public lands in public hands.

4. Freedom of reproductive health care choices for women.

5. Protecting K-12 education, including finding a more stable funding base.

6. Protecting the right of citizens to vote, which means defending against current efforts to delegitimize elections.

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

A sense of fair play and an understanding of the needs of ordinary citizens. Legislators need to represent the people, not the rich donors who fund their campaigns.

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

Critical thinking. Asking smart questions of knowledgeable people before voting on any bill.

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

In communication with each other, but each acting independently.

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

Diversifying the economy

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Benefits: more things can be accomplished.

Detriments: more things can be accomplished.

A bicameral legislature builds in a requirement for careful deliberation and compromise. It is less efficient, for sure, but the benefit of more deliberation is probably worth it.

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

Yes, but not required.

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

Of course. The more legislators can discuss things with each other (especially with people who disagree with them), the better the decisions they will make.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Independent commission!

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Corporations/elections committee

Judiciary committee

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

No

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely necessary

Chestek's campaign website highlighted the following issues:

Healthcare Costs

I would clearly and enthusiastically accept the federal funding for expanded Medicaid. There are many good reasons for this:

It makes fiscal sense. At a time when the state is facing reduced revenues, it is absurd to turn down several hundred million dollars in federal funding. Wyomingites pay federal income tax, so it makes sense to return more of those dollars to Wyoming.

It provides essential assistance to numerous small hospitals all over the state, especially in smaller communities, that are struggling to make ends meet.

It is the morally right thing to do.

Seizure of public lands

I would strongly oppose any effort that would make it possible, or easier, to transfer public lands to private interests.

The Minimum Wage

If we could put more money into the hands of more workers, they would spend that money, increasing the demand for products and services. That increased demand creates jobs for those who make the products and provide the services. Study after study proves that as worker pay increases and the middle class expands, everybody does well, even those at the top of the economic pyramid. It is no coincidence that our most prosperous times in recent history (the 1950s through the early 1970s) coincided with the era of the largest and strongest middle class.

I therefore strongly support increasing the minimum wage. It is good for the workers, it creates job, and is ultimately good for the economy.

Domestic violence and sexual assault

I would have supported the proposed legislation creating a speedier and more effective remedy for victims of stalking or sexual assault. My wife is a volunteer for the SAFE project so I am well aware of the need for this legislation, and would strongly support it.[6]

—Ken Chestek[7]