Dear Editor:

In response to the “County GOP accuses lawmaker of vaccine mandate conflict” story in the Dec 23 issue of the Tribune, two things come to mind.

First, it certainly took the GOP long enough to determine R.J. Kost’s potential conflict of interest. Can’t imagine that this has been the only controversial issue that has come up since his election.

The other point that came from the article was a quote from Sen. Kost: “… I’m just here to keep doing what I think is right for the people.” This really should be more philosophically stated as “doing what best represents the views of my constituents.”

Too often we voters hear things like, “I vote my conscience” and similar statements from politicians. We do not elect them to “vote their conscience,” we elect them to faithfully represent the constituents of their district in the Legislature. Does the GOP (or Democratic Party) expect an elected representative to unquestioningly vote the “party line”? We are conservative people, but don’t necessarily agree 100% of the time with 100% of the “party line.”

Understand that this is not an indictment of Sen. Kost per se, but points out the fine line that an elected representative faces when voting on proposed legislation — particularly controversial legislation. As voters, though, how do we suss out candidates who talk one way to get elected, but vote the opposite once in office, especially since Wyoming people have no ability to recall a rogue politician?

Bob and Linda Graff

Powell