Donn Bruns, Lifestyle Photography
Donn Bruns, Lifestyle Photography
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Incumbent Republican Representative John Eklund (HD 10) has announced he will run for re-election this year.

He has largely focused on agriculture and water issues since being elected in 2010.

Eklund says the biggest issue facing the state in coming years is obviously the economy, which he says could be a problem "for decades" depending on what happens with the energy industry.

Eklund says with wise use of rainy day funds and a generally conservative approach to state spending Wyoming can weather the storm without imposing significant new taxes.

He says one key is to diversify the state economy, so that it isn't as dependent on the energy sector. Eklund says Laramie County may offer a good model for the state, with such enterprises as the Microsoft Data Center and the Magpul Industries manufacturing facility offering a cushion against the downturn in the energy industry.

Eklund adds that Wyoming, with its low tax burden and flexible regulatory policies offers a good climate for small business start-ups.

He says he had been considering a run for the state Senate seat being left open by Republican Wayne Johnson, but decided against it, adding "District 10 has been good to me."

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