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Buffalo's own seeks U.S. House seat
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| Mark Gordon, second from right, listens to Patty Reid, at left, during a reception at DeerField Boutique & Espresso Cafe in Buffalo Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27. With them are Gordon's daughter, Anne, and Casey Reid, at far right. Gordon is running for the U.S. House of Representatives seat currently held by Republican Barbara Cubin, who is not seeking re-election. |
Mark Gordon wants to succeed Cubin
By Steve Rzasa
A long-time Buffalo resident and former Wyoming Environmental Quality Council chairman has put his hat in the ring for the state's sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2008 election.
Mark Gordon announced this week his intention to run for the Republican nomination to succeed Barbara Cubin. Cubin said in the fall of 2007 that she will not seek re-election.
In an interview with the Bulletin Jan. 25, Gordon said. "I think the main thing is, it's time to get something done."
He referenced the political infighting on Capitol Hill, saying, "About the only thing Congress seems to be able to get done is spend money."
He sees Washington, D.C., as having become very politicized and encumbered by partisanship, and said that one of his primary goals would be to bring together coalitions in the House to make good changes for the nation.
He also expressed a desire to see more people run for public office, noting that, "There's a certain amount of professionalism in politics these days and that's a little scary."
"The Republican party I grew up with was a party about small government, individual opportunity and prudent government that wasn't too invasive," Gordon said. "I was hoping that since some of those things have gone out of the Republican lexicon, I can get them back in."
When asked why the residents of Johnson County should vote for him, Gordon replied that, "First off, because most of them know me" and they known him as a father, a coach, a businessman and the other roles he has fulfilled in the community.
"They all know my phone number and they can all give me a call," Gordon said. "And you can talk to anyone, they'll tell you I listen." "This is the community that caused me to think independently," he said.
"When you decide to become a candidate, you quickly learn you don't know everything," Gordon continued, and he added with a grin, "And you quickly learn that people in Wyoming are willing to tell you what you should know."
HIS BACKGROUND
A businessman who had three businesses in Sheridan and some in Buffalo, Gordon's civic experience is also considerable, most noticeably and recently as a member of the state's Environmental Quality Council for four years. He served as chairman twice.
He pointed out that it was during those years that energy development "really ramped up" in Wyoming.
"It is probably one of the most powerful and influential boards in the state," he said, explaining that it has the power to both make rules and hear complaints related to impacts on the environment.
"So it's a serious government position with real implications for rules and citizens lives," Gordon said. "You have to do that role with a great deal of balance."
He sees his time on the council as formative to his current political bid.
"It takes a lot of concentration on how you best balance the needs of citizens involved, the economy and protect what's left," he said.
MAJOR ISSUES
"One of the most important things we can work on is a carbon policy for the country," Gordon said.
He noted that Wyoming has done some great things in that regard, and wants more investment in research and development into objectives such as carbon sequestration and cleaner-burning coal.
To diversify Wyoming's economy, Gordon advocates building and strengthening the university system in the state, including through stepping up the flow of federal research grants.
Gordon spoke of the need for country-of-origin labeling on meat products as "critical," and also commented that "In the rush to do things for alternative sources of energy, we need to be mindful that we do not destroy the livestock industry."
What he is concerned about is finding the best way to promote using corn for ethanol fuel without creating undue competition for ranchers trying to buy feed for their livestock.
On the matter of healthcare, Gordon said that costs must be brought down and there needs to be more portability – that is, the ability of workers to take their healthcare coverage from one job to the next, according to Gordon.
"You also need to focus a lot on preventative care," he said.
The nations' healthcare policies also need to focus more on small states, and find ways to entice more doctors and nurses to come to rural areas.
When it comes to immigration, Gordon said "We need to make sure we secure our borders" using the best available technology. He also said the country needs to make sure that legal immigrants can make it through our system while illegal immigrants are kept out.
THE WAR
"It seems to me the Iraq war fits into the context of the larger Middle East problems," Gordon said. "I don't think it makes sense to withdraw without a plan in place."
He said that to the extent possible, American troops should be deployed there out of harm's way but still be most effective.
"But we have issues with Iran, Afghanistan is unresolved, we've got Pakistan looming," Gordon added. "We have to think forward to how we use our diplomacy, how we use our military and what we'd see the Middle East become."
He also pointed out that, in his opinion, "We shouldn't be the policemen there."
He said that in terms of national defense, our military needs to be as well equipped as it can and needs to be deployed and used in ways that "make sense for our national interest."
Mark Gordon announced this week his intention to run for the Republican nomination to succeed Barbara Cubin. Cubin said in the fall of 2007 that she will not seek re-election.
In an interview with the Bulletin Jan. 25, Gordon said. "I think the main thing is, it's time to get something done."
He referenced the political infighting on Capitol Hill, saying, "About the only thing Congress seems to be able to get done is spend money."
He sees Washington, D.C., as having become very politicized and encumbered by partisanship, and said that one of his primary goals would be to bring together coalitions in the House to make good changes for the nation.
He also expressed a desire to see more people run for public office, noting that, "There's a certain amount of professionalism in politics these days and that's a little scary."
"The Republican party I grew up with was a party about small government, individual opportunity and prudent government that wasn't too invasive," Gordon said. "I was hoping that since some of those things have gone out of the Republican lexicon, I can get them back in."
When asked why the residents of Johnson County should vote for him, Gordon replied that, "First off, because most of them know me" and they known him as a father, a coach, a businessman and the other roles he has fulfilled in the community.
"They all know my phone number and they can all give me a call," Gordon said. "And you can talk to anyone, they'll tell you I listen." "This is the community that caused me to think independently," he said.
"When you decide to become a candidate, you quickly learn you don't know everything," Gordon continued, and he added with a grin, "And you quickly learn that people in Wyoming are willing to tell you what you should know."
HIS BACKGROUND
A businessman who had three businesses in Sheridan and some in Buffalo, Gordon's civic experience is also considerable, most noticeably and recently as a member of the state's Environmental Quality Council for four years. He served as chairman twice.
He pointed out that it was during those years that energy development "really ramped up" in Wyoming.
"It is probably one of the most powerful and influential boards in the state," he said, explaining that it has the power to both make rules and hear complaints related to impacts on the environment.
"So it's a serious government position with real implications for rules and citizens lives," Gordon said. "You have to do that role with a great deal of balance."
He sees his time on the council as formative to his current political bid.
"It takes a lot of concentration on how you best balance the needs of citizens involved, the economy and protect what's left," he said.
MAJOR ISSUES
"One of the most important things we can work on is a carbon policy for the country," Gordon said.
He noted that Wyoming has done some great things in that regard, and wants more investment in research and development into objectives such as carbon sequestration and cleaner-burning coal.
To diversify Wyoming's economy, Gordon advocates building and strengthening the university system in the state, including through stepping up the flow of federal research grants.
Gordon spoke of the need for country-of-origin labeling on meat products as "critical," and also commented that "In the rush to do things for alternative sources of energy, we need to be mindful that we do not destroy the livestock industry."
What he is concerned about is finding the best way to promote using corn for ethanol fuel without creating undue competition for ranchers trying to buy feed for their livestock.
On the matter of healthcare, Gordon said that costs must be brought down and there needs to be more portability – that is, the ability of workers to take their healthcare coverage from one job to the next, according to Gordon.
"You also need to focus a lot on preventative care," he said.
The nations' healthcare policies also need to focus more on small states, and find ways to entice more doctors and nurses to come to rural areas.
When it comes to immigration, Gordon said "We need to make sure we secure our borders" using the best available technology. He also said the country needs to make sure that legal immigrants can make it through our system while illegal immigrants are kept out.
THE WAR
"It seems to me the Iraq war fits into the context of the larger Middle East problems," Gordon said. "I don't think it makes sense to withdraw without a plan in place."
He said that to the extent possible, American troops should be deployed there out of harm's way but still be most effective.
"But we have issues with Iran, Afghanistan is unresolved, we've got Pakistan looming," Gordon added. "We have to think forward to how we use our diplomacy, how we use our military and what we'd see the Middle East become."
He also pointed out that, in his opinion, "We shouldn't be the policemen there."
He said that in terms of national defense, our military needs to be as well equipped as it can and needs to be deployed and used in ways that "make sense for our national interest."
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| Dangers in the bottle |
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of buffalobulletin.com.
What businesses? wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:30 PM:
" Does anyone know what businesses he owns????
I'm already sold on Cynthia Lummis. She's the most viable Republican candidate. "
I'm already sold on Cynthia Lummis. She's the most viable Republican candidate. "
Bill of Goods wrote on Jan 31, 2008 9:47 AM:
" If you are "sold" on Cynthia you may have bought a bill of goods. We need some fresh new faces and not more of the old party line. "
A "D" Who Likes Mark wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:02 AM:
" Minds function best when open -- before "What Businesses?" and other voters make up their minds, take a look at Mark, there is still a long campaign season ahead. "
cautious supporter wrote on Feb 1, 2008 11:13 AM:
" Good luck Mark! I don't know a lot of your ideas yet but am willing to listen. Make us proud!
"
"
Quality guy wrote on Feb 1, 2008 1:41 PM:
" Dont' know Mark all that well, but I do know that his a quality guy with a great sense of fairness and honesty. Now THAT would be something they could use in Washington!!! "
Main Street Business wrote on Feb 1, 2008 8:02 PM:
" Mark Gordon is one of the reasons the Bison Movie House on Main Street is still open. He coached my daughter in soccer and was a 4-H leader who always made sure the livestock sale went well for all of the hard working kids. Heck, he even helped build the set for the upcoming high school play. Thanks Mark and good luck! "
commenter wrote on Feb 2, 2008 10:56 AM:
" Just for the record:
The Bison Movie House is not currently open as a theater. The old Bison Theater building is now housing DeerField.
The theater on S. Main is called Buffalo Theater.
Common mistake. "
The Bison Movie House is not currently open as a theater. The old Bison Theater building is now housing DeerField.
The theater on S. Main is called Buffalo Theater.
Common mistake. "
commenter wrote on Feb 2, 2008 10:58 AM:
" One bad thing about Mark winning this election would be that he wouldn't be around here as much. Would be a loss to the community, in that sense.
;-) "
;-) "
Chrissy Montgomery wrote on Feb 4, 2008 11:57 AM:
" Congratulations Mark. We wish you all the best.
Chrissy and Gardner Montgomery "
Chrissy and Gardner Montgomery "
funny wrote on Mar 11, 2008 7:54 PM:
" There was a funny paper floating around the capitol building showing Mark Gordon as the winner of "Best Actor in his role as a Republican." Considering the political donations he's made in the past 14 years, he is deserving of the award. All you have to do is check out www.opensecrets.org .
In the past several elections, it's apparent by his donations that he supported Kerry, Gore, Trauner and Friedenthal, among others. If Trauner was worth voting for last time around, I have to wonder why Mark wants to run against him this time around, rather than support him. I happen to think that Mark is just a pawn, placed by the DNC, to split the Republican vote in the primary.
"
In the past several elections, it's apparent by his donations that he supported Kerry, Gore, Trauner and Friedenthal, among others. If Trauner was worth voting for last time around, I have to wonder why Mark wants to run against him this time around, rather than support him. I happen to think that Mark is just a pawn, placed by the DNC, to split the Republican vote in the primary.
"
bothered wrote on Apr 1, 2008 7:00 PM:
" Funny,
In case you didn't look at your site closely, Mark has donated to both parties in roughly equal amounts. I interpret that as someone who looks at issues with an open mind and supports the best candidate, not just the one with the right (or wrong?) letter behind their name. As far as him being a"pawn" for the DNC, he has put far too much time and energy into this campaign already to have it be for someone else's benefit. My guess is that Mark decided to run because he felt that he could make a difference to this state. PS: It's Freudenthal not Friedenthal...are you even from this state? "
In case you didn't look at your site closely, Mark has donated to both parties in roughly equal amounts. I interpret that as someone who looks at issues with an open mind and supports the best candidate, not just the one with the right (or wrong?) letter behind their name. As far as him being a"pawn" for the DNC, he has put far too much time and energy into this campaign already to have it be for someone else's benefit. My guess is that Mark decided to run because he felt that he could make a difference to this state. PS: It's Freudenthal not Friedenthal...are you even from this state? "
Cynthia and Lee wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:10 AM:
" I think Mr. Gordon needs to back off of his smear campaign against Cynthia Lummis, esp. since it shows no class, and Mrs. Lummis is a wonderful candidate in her own right. Stop the half truths and the political garbage, just run an honest campaign without tearing other people down. "
Go Get-em! wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:01 PM:
Go get 'em!!
"