Tough to add referendum to Wyoming ballot

Sponsors of an effort to repeal a new state law say Wyoming's referendum process makes it too difficult to succeed in gaining access to the statewide ballot.

     Jennifer Young, of Torrington, was among those who submitted petition signatures this week in hopes of forcing a statewide vote on Wyoming's new law redefining the state superintendent of public instruction's powers and duties.

     Young says the state's referendum process is designed for such efforts to fail.

     Dan Neal of the Equality State Policy Center in Casper says Wyoming is one of the most difficult states for an initiative or referendum to succeed.

     State Republican Sen. Cale Case, of Lander, says Wyoming's process needs to be less restrictive but not too easy.

     He suggested allowing online signature gathering that can be verified.

Education Director Semifinalists Chosen

    The State Board of Education has identified six semifinalists for the position of director of the Wyoming Department of Education and plans to interview them in closed sessions Friday and Saturday.

     The board said Wednesday that the candidates' names won't be released until they have confirmed their availability for face-to-face interviews.

     The candidates each are being asked to also participate in 30-minute, public question-and-answer sessions Friday and Saturday.

     The board plans to recommend three candidates to Gov. Matt Mead, who will appoint the director.

     A statewide elected superintendent once led the Department of Education, but the Legislature and Mead changed that with a new law that says a director appointed by the governor will now lead it.

     The semifinalists were chosen from a pool of 84 applicants.

West Nile A Threat

West Nile virus (WNV) spread by mosquitoes remains a potential threat in Wyoming as warmer weather arrives across the state, says the Wyoming Department of Health.