Students hold public forum with Wyoming leaders - KOTA Territory News

Students hold public forum with Wyoming leaders

Gillette was Wyoming's ‘Capitol for a Day' as it played host to Governor Matt Mead and other state leaders.

As part of the celebration, high school seniors had the opportunity to ask questions of Wyoming's leaders.

High school senior Abby Dommer has big plans to help local businesses and in turn boost the local economy.

"Promote them in a way so the community knows that the money we're spending at these locally owned businesses goes back to our own community," said Dommer.

While Dommer has a possible solution, but she wants to know what Wyoming's state leaders have in mind.

And in a public forum at City Hall on Tuesday, she got her answer.

"We encourage cities to use state and local monies to spruce up downtown, and draw more people downtown. That way their able to compete with box stores", said Max Maxfield, Wyoming Secretary of State.

Dommer and about 75 of her classmates had the opportunity to ask questions to Wyoming's Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"You have four of the top officials all in the same room and we had the opportunity to ask them questions you honestly want answers," said Jesse Ray a high school senior.

The Campbell County high schoolers prepared the questions in their government class; questions concerning questions concerning clean coal versus exporting and the state of Wyoming's economy.

Even though the forum lasted forty short minutes, Dommer says she was excited for the opportunity.

"My favorite part was being able to be in their vicinity, it's a big honor that not many high schoolers have. I'm just so thankful we were able to do this," said Dommer.

And if the student's drive to learn is any indication, Wyoming has a promising future.

This is the first time this type of 'Q and A' was held.

It was a small part of Governor Mead's 'Capitol for a Day' agenda; that also included a walking tour of downtown Gillette, a meeting with local leaders, and touring Campbell County industries.