The state needs to conduct a vigorous campaign to find out why people who are eligible for existing property tax relief programs aren't using the programs fully, says Amy Edmonds, a Republican seeking a second term in the Wyoming House.

Once the answers to that question are clear, she said, the Legislature can do something to increase participation.

"Targeted tax relief for those who need it most should be the most important route the Legislature takes in regards to this issue," Edmonds said.

Edmonds' Democratic challenger, political newcomer Katherine Van Dell, wants to expand tax relief for people who need help to keep their homes, such as senior citizens and the handicapped.

She also wants to maintain income limits in determining who is eligible for this assistance.

The two candidates are competing for House District 12.

Neither candidate supports a higher fuel tax to support highways. Edmonds said she wants to see a stable funding source for roads and voted for additional money for highways in the Legislature.

Both Van Dell and Edmonds said the suggestion of a toll road on Interstate 80 for trucks needs to be studied.

Finding access to affordable health care for uninsured people is important to Van Dell.

Edmonds believes comprehensive tort reform - to limit punitive damages in medical malpractice lawsuits - would make Wyoming friendlier to health care providers. She opposes universal health care or any other form of socialized medicine.

Neither candidates supporters stricter penalties for drunken driving.

"Wyoming has some of the strictest laws in the nation," Van Dell said.

Edmonds said stronger enforcement of current laws is critical and law enforcement should be supported and financed accordingly.

The candidates also differ on a statewide ban on smoking in public places, including restaurants and bars.

Van Dell said she probably would vote for the statewide ban.

Edmonds believes this question should remain a local issue.

Regarding the community college system currently under study, Van Dell believes every county should pay for the colleges whether they have one in their county or not.

Edmonds said that while she has concerns about a statewide tax system for the colleges, she believes the state should move toward that goal.

A high quality education system is the key to the future viability and economic diversity of the state, Edmonds said. She is calling for a full accounting of how taxpayer's money is being spent and what is being achieved in job and college readiness of students.

Van Dell believes the state should continue to pursue companies that provide services or products separate from the extraction of fossil fuel.

As for prioritizing the anticipated state surplus, Edmonds said she isn't interested in doing that and the governor will have more ideas in any event.

What she wants is for the state to pursue zero-budgeting to improve the budget process and ultimately get on a handle on state spending.

Van Dell's priority for the surplus is highways and roads and helping communities maintain proper water and sewer systems.

Contact capital bureau reporter Joan Barron at (307) 632-1244 or joan.barron@trib.com

BIO BOXES

House District 12

covering Cheyenne south of Interstate 80 to the Colorado border and from west of the South Greeley Highway to the Albany County line

Katherine Van Dell

Party: Democrat

Age: 65

Home: Cheyenne

Occupation: Retired from the Wyoming Education Association, as Director of Support Services after 25 years of service

Education: Attended Central Wyoming College and Laramie County Community College, earning 60 college credits in business management and more than 200 hours of continuing education business units

Family: Married, three children, 10 grandchildren

Political experience: None

Amy Edmonds

Party: Republican

Age: 37

Home: Cheyenne

Occupation: Medical underwriter

Education: Bachelor's degree, social science, University of Wyoming

Family: Married

Political experience: Two years in Wyoming House

House District 12

covering Cheyenne south of Interstate 80 to the Colorado border and from west of the South Greeley Highway to the Albany County line

Katherine Van Dell

Party: Democrat

Age: 65

Home: Cheyenne

Occupation: Retired from the Wyoming Education Association, as Director of Support Services after 25 years of service

Education: Attended Central Wyoming College and Laramie County Community College, earning 60 college credits in business management and more than 200 hours of continuing education business units

Family: Married, three children, 10 grandchildren

Political experience: None

Amy Edmonds

Party: Republican

Age: 37

Home: Cheyenne

Occupation: Medical underwriter

Education: Bachelor's degree, social science, University of Wyoming

Family: Married

Political experience: Two years in Wyoming House

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