#WHYoming: Governor Matt Mead

#WHYoming: Governor Matt Mead

Welcome to our series, #WHYoming, brought to you in partnership by Kaumo Law.

We are highlighting people from around our communities and asking them a few questions. We want to learn a little about them and see why they chose this great state to raise their families, start their businesses, or simply to ask — Why Wyoming?

This week, we had a chance to sit down with Wyoming’s 23rd Governor, Matt Mead. He took time out of his busy schedule to answer our #Whyoming questions.


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Governor Mead, how did you end up in Wyoming?

I was born and raised in Wyoming. I grew up on the family ranch in Teton County. I have lived and worked in Wyoming my whole life. My first job out of law school was as a county prosecutor in Gillette.

In the early 1990s, under President George H. W. Bush, I had the opportunity to become a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cheyenne and that job brought me to southeast Wyoming.

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What is something unique about you?

I have had a patch of white hair on the back of my scalp since I was 9 years old.

While helping out on the ranch (they started us pretty young back then), I had a tractor accident and cut my scalp deeply. My hair grew back white.

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What do you appreciate most about our community?

I appreciate that our population is small enough that we can get to know many of our fellow citizens.

I appreciate also that we live by the Code of the West and, among other things, treat one another civilly and with respect. We do this even when we hold different points of view.

 

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If you could give one brief piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice would be to get the best education possible – at UW, one of our community colleges, and/or through career training programs.


Education broadens horizons and opens doors.

People can pursue educational opportunities at any age.

Lifelong learning is important and valuable.​”

~ Gov. Matt Mead


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Where is your favorite place to hang out in Wyoming?

For many years, Carol and I have owned and operated a ranch in southeast Wyoming. It’s my favorite place.

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Would you rather walk, ride a bike, take a horse or drive a car?

I like to do all four of those things; however, since getting my driver’s license as a teenager and my free time has been limited, I especially enjoy driving.

Many years ago, I bought a ’67 Pontiac Firebird and I enjoy that car a lot. There is something special about a classic car.

 

What would you sing at karaoke night?

I would probably sing the UW fight song “Cowboy Joe” … but very softly, as I cannot sing.

 

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How would your friends describe you?

I think they would describe me as a loyal, hard-working rancher, family man and public servant.

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What is your proudest accomplishment?

The people of Wyoming have elected me twice – to serve two terms as Governor of Wyoming. That’s the greatest honor of my life.

My eight year tenure will end January 2019 – about 12 months from now. That’s my proudest accomplishment.

 

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Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

I am a big fan of the late John Wayne. I loved his westerns, True Grit being my favorite.

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Why do you continue to live in Wyoming?

Wyoming has always been and will always be my home.

There are so many things to love about Wyoming – for example, ranching and farming, beautiful parks and forests, wildlife, outdoor recreation, a great quality of life.

Since I was a youngster, I have enjoyed the outdoors – skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, climbing, and more. And, with high-speed broadband, the world is accessible. It’s at our finger tips.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Wyoming is not just a place to be, it is the place to live life to the fullest.

Follow Governor Matt Mead on Facebook.

Learn more about Governor Matt Mead HERE.

 

If you’d like us to interview yourself or someone you know for #WHYoming, please send us suggestions to Lillian@sweetwaternow.com