PIONEER PHOTOS/Virginia Giorgis First photo: Republican candidate Ron Micheli greets supporters in Lyman prior to his official announcement Tuesday evening. Second photo: Republican candidate Ron Micheli, right, confers with State Legislator Allen Jaggi prior to Micheli’s official announcement for Governor last Tuesday evening at the Lyman High School.

Ron Micheli, a fourth-generation rancher of Fort Bridger, officially announced his candidacy for the office of Governor Tuesday.

A large, boisterous crowd responded with whistles, claps and cheers at the Micheli’s announcement at the Lyman High School Commons Area. Micheli said he wanted his official announcement to be made in Bridger Valley, the Wyoming valley he calls home, because of his love and respect he has for the valley and its residents.

Micheli’s speech noted his family’s humble beginnings by saying his “great-grandfather came to Wyoming to work in the coal mines. He came to Wyoming looking for a better life way of life. Through hard work, honesty, integrity and self-reliance, Wyoming gave him that opportunity.”

Wyoming, Micheli said, has also given him “tremendous opportunities.” And, Micheli said he also wants to be able to pass the opportunities to Wyoming’s children and grandchildren.

Emotional and sometimes with his voice cracking, Micheli praised Wyoming, the United States, freedoms Americans enjoy and the quality of life in Wyoming and the United States.

He said the decision to run for governor had been a family decision with his wife, Patty, and their children. Micheli also said when he first started serving in the legislature he was 28. He said his service included 16 years in the legislature, eight years as the director of the Department of Agriculture and 40 years in the private sector as a small businessman. He recognized his parents, Joe and Rebecca Micheli and his brother Dale of Fort Bridger, for handling the day-to-day operations while he was in Cheyenne fulfilling his commitment to the state.

He said, “Today, I count myself as the most optimistic man in Wyoming. I believe that by doing just a few things--by making state government more efficient so that it works better and is more responsive to the people, by making it easier to do business in Wyoming and by defending our constitutional rights, we can build a Wyoming where our children and grandchildren are bequeathed the same blessing of this great state. We can continue the great legacy that we call Wyoming.”

Micheli pledged his love and support for Wyoming and for the United States. He said he “loved Wyoming and believed in Wyoming” and felt the need to protect state’s rights and to work to protect the Constitution of the United States.

He said, “My number one priority is to create an environment that will invite businesses into Wyoming to create jobs to provide economic growth, to keep taxes low and free businesses from unnecessary regulations.”

“Wyoming,” Micheli said, “faces many challenges.” He noted the state’s revenue is down, the economy is sluggish and unemployment is up. He also said the state’s “budget had nearly tripled in the last seven years,” but the towns and cities are feeling an economic downturn because of the falling state and national economy.

For the complete article see the 01-29-2010 issue.

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