Qwenton Eagle Oviatt

Qwenton Eagle Oviatt earned a high school diploma from Lander Valley High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in 2006. Oviatt's career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My wife Jenny and I live in Hudson, where she works as a healthcare provider and I split my time between working as an Academic Advisor for CWC and a part time caregiver for my mother. I grew up in Lander, where I graduated high school, was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout and was fortunate enough to meet my wife. Together, we moved to Laramie where I attended UW, where I completed Bachelor programs in Psychology and Environment & Natural Resource Management. I also attained a certification in mediation from the US Dept. of Agriculture. To complete my degree I undertook a semester internship with NOLS at their Mexico branch. After graduation I undertook the first of my deployments with the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. I am honored to have been able to support the very important research our country does there. In between seasonal deployments I became an entrepreneur, and started a contracting company in Laramie. After my final deployment, Jenny and I moved back to our families in Lander, and formed the Pyrohelix company with my father. We designed and distributed the most environmentally efficient flare stacks and waste gas burners to coalbed methane fields across the state. After the sudden passing of my father my aspirations changed to a focus on family and community. Running for this office is the next step in achieving those goals.

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?

Ensuring the security of our elections while educating and empowering Wyoming voters. Maintaining a data driven approach while respecting the integrity of our officials and volunteers who are at the forefront of our elections.Building bridges thru collaboration. The Secretary of State sits on several boards and commissions that are integral to our state funding and function. I plan to have an open door policy and reach out for the opinion of the people. My experience in collaboration ad mediation will allow me to effectively represent the voice of the people of Wyoming. Public policy must adapt in response to public will.I believe in the Constitution, small government, low taxes and supporting our civic responsibilities. We need to maintain competitive wages for our state's educators and first responders while not overburdening Wyoming taxpayers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

*Federal lands

As an avid outdoorsman I am passionate about Wyoming public lands. There appears to be a huge disconnect between Wyoming voters and our state's lawmakers.

Energy Expansion and Economic Diversification

I believe the winners of this election must find a way to reduce the risk associated with an economy dependent on severance tax revenue without destroying Wyoming landscape and culture.

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

Former Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi was a huge advocate of Scouting, and is a political role model of mine. After being awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, I was invited to a lunch with then Senator Mike Enzi. During this lunch he convinced me to not leave the state for my college education, and to consider a career in politics. He believed in focusing on the 80% of issues that we agree on, and not get caught up in the 20% where we may not. I want to carry the spirit of his 80/20 rule forward into Wyoming politics today.

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

I believe in Scout Law, and I believe many politicians would do well to emulate it:

Trustworthy

Loyal

Helpful

Friendly

Courteous

Kind

Obedient

Cheerful

Thrifty

Brave

Clean

Reverent