The Museum at the Bighorns recently hosted the second installment of the Voices and Votes Smithsonian Traveling exhibit, bringing together students from Sheridan High School and local officials for a night of civic engagement. The event, held on May 19, featured discussions on governance, community involvement, and the democratic process.

Engaging Local Leaders

Local representatives in attendance included Chris Schock, Mayor of Clearmont; Ranchester Mayor Peter Clark; Lonnie Wright, Sheridan County Commissioner; and Rich Bridger, Mayor of Sheridan. The program was introduced by Karen Wagner, a social studies teacher at Sheridan High School, who emphasized the importance of critical thinking and civil discussion in democracy.

The students, part of the We the People program, posed insightful questions to the panel. Topics ranged from local government structures to the intricacies of campaign funding. Ryder Charest, Gabe Perkins, and Leah Johnson inquired about the differences between local and national lobbying efforts, while Jack Hubert, Hannah Mowry, and Megan Romero explored the dynamics of campaign financing.

Understanding Local Governance

Discussions also touched on how towns, cities, and counties in Wyoming are funded, with panelists explaining the roles of taxes and user fees. Mayor Schock and other officials shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of local governance.

In a discussion led by Megan Romero, the panel addressed how messaging is balanced to appeal to both long-term residents and newcomers. Mayor Bridger and Mayor Clark shared insights from their respective communities, while Mayor Schock noted Clearmont’s unique situation with minimal new arrivals.

The event provided valuable insights into the workings of local government and the voting system in Wyoming. Museum Director Carrie Ida Edinger expressed gratitude to the students and officials for their participation, underscoring the program’s success in fostering community engagement.

Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.