Why I Believe in Penny Power

By Jim Hastings, Campbell County Resident

Penny Power is the great bargain we look for when we “clip” coupons for groceries or make a great deal on a new TV, or when we look for just the right community in which to raise our kids – and finally find it!

For 50 years, Campbell County citizens have voted for the penny because it works, doing things we want -- on the survey we can fill out in 5 minutes tops.  I take the time to fill out that survey, because I want to be part of a process that truly works.

And this year, I will vote for the Penny again, not just for me, but so my kids and grandkids can have the same great community I’ve had for 42 years. I’ve enjoyed the benefits of Penny Power since my wife and I moved to Gillette in 1984.  Now that I am retired and sort of have what I need personally, should I say we don’t need the Penny any more?  No! That would be ludicrous!  Because I still want all the things my SMALL contribution to the Penny sales tax provides, AND I want those same things for my kids.

Why would people vote to keep paying an extra penny sales tax every four years for 50 years if it wasn’t a bargain? 

You know as well as I do, as costs go up for me, they also go up for my city, my county and my great State of Wyoming.  People who think they are the only ones feeling the effects of inflation are living in some kind of dream world that isn’t real.  People who advocate dropping the tax because they are “taxed to death” are living in a world I don’t know, because if you go to any other state in these great United States, you will pay more taxes, have fewer real amenities and have less money to keep for yourselves.

If you look at the list of repairs, replacements, and absolute necessities Penny Power covers, you will know the value of the Penny.

Why maintain the streets?  Geez!  Why paint your house or change the oil in your car?  The penny does that for our community – replacing deteriorating water and sewer lines, repairing streets, paying for police and fire services…and so much more. 

But the penny has to be a whole community effort, where everyone pitches in to make sure the streets are fixed, the fire department is properly equipped, and all those other things. 

No, not every tax is good.  Not every tax is fair.  Not every tax is right.  But this one works, and we need to say yes AGAIN when we vote for the Penny on November 3.