Dear HCN,
I just got finished
reading the article on Wyoming in your July 6 edition. I would like
to point out that Paul Krza fails to mention an important fact
about economic development in Wyoming – many people really don’t
want it. Wyomingites hate the New West. They would rather have the
big empty prairie to themselves and just deal with low wages and
meager economic opportunities. While Colorado and Montana are
growing and experiencing rapid economic change, Wyoming doesn’t
want that. I’m not advocating either way, but I just spent two
years in grad school at the University of Wyoming and learned
pretty quickly that the state is distinctly different than its
neighbors – for better or for worse.
Mr. Krza can
list all the economic statistics he wants about how far Wyoming
lags behind, and they are probably valid. But people in Wyoming
expect and cope with that – just so long as the place doesn’t turn
into a giant Jackson. And yes, I had to leave to get a job in my
chosen field!!
Toby
Sprunk
Castle Rock,
Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Wyoming likes what it’s got.
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