Wyoming: The Paradox of Plenty

"Our children and grandchildren leave to find a job and build their future elsewhere." In commodity dependent regions of the United States, it's a common complaint. Whether the commodity is agricultural or mineral, the complaint is eventually voiced by the residents who remain when the economy no longer attaches value to the region's production. Similar voices have been heard in areas dependent on a manufacturing economy, such as textiles or furniture. Common to all these is a deep, often historical, over dependence on a single industry or industrial sector for jobs, economic activity, and tax revenues to support public services. Wyoming's economy is consistently ranked among the least diversified in the United States. Originally based on agriculture, the state soon transformed into a minerals-based economy, largely energy minerals. Buffeted by the ups and downs of commodity markets, citizens either leave or adopt a stoic attitude. Rethinking Wyoming's future means those of us enjoying today's low tax-high service reality will need to carry more of our own weight. This book examines the political history of Wyoming with an emphasis on the period between 1966 and 1986. During these 20 years, underlying historical trends were accelerated by American energy, economic, and environmental policies that define much of Wyoming's economic predicament today.

About the Author :
David Freudenthal is a former Wyoming governor (2002-2010). Born and raised in Thermopolis, Wyoming he received his bachelor's degree in economics from Amherst College. He began his professional career as Staff Economist at the Wyoming Department of Economic Development and Planning. After obtaining a law degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1980, he began the practice of law in Cheyenne, focused on energy and natural resources. Freudenthal served as State Planning Coordinator for Governor Ed Herschler during his first term. In 1994, Freudenthal was appointed United States Attorney for District of Wyoming (1994-2001). Freudenthal was elected Governor of Wyoming in 2002 and served for 8 years. He continues to practice law in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Review :
This book is both historical and contemporary to an understanding of Wyoming's political pathway from statehood to the 1980s. It examines policy, politics, power and influence. Dave Freudenthal, former Governor and lifetime student of Wyoming politics and economic policy uses his vast knowledge, painstaking research, 48 years of intimate association with Wyoming's politics, politicians, policy, policymakers and his characteristically irreverent approach to provide a very interesting and readable experience. In the process, Freudenthal reflects that Wyoming's challenges, founded on a "paradox of plenty," have not significantly changed in the 132 years since statehood. It is the evidence supporting this conclusion that recommends the book for those interested in Wyoming's past and future. Mike Sullivan Governor of Wyoming 1987-95 Ambassador to Ireland 1999-2001