Ron Micheli, a Fort Bridger rancher, officially announced his candidacy for the office of governor Tuesday night at the Lyman High School. HERALD PHOTO/Virginia Giorgis

Ron Micheli, a fourth-generation rancher of Fort Bridger, officially announced his candidacy for the office of governor Tuesday.

A large, boisterous crowd responded with whistles, claps and cheers at Micheli’s announcement at the Lyman High School Commons Area. Micheli said he wanted his official announcement to be made in Bridger Valley, the Wyoming valley he calls home, because of the love and respect he has for the valley and its residents.

Micheli’s speech noted his family’s humble beginnings by saying his “great-grandfather came to Wyoming to work in the coal mines. He came to Wyoming looking for a better way of life. Through hard work, honesty, integrity and self-reliance, Wyoming gave him that opportunity.”

Wyoming, Micheli said, has also given him “tremendous opportunities.” And, Micheli said he also wants to be able to pass the opportunities to Wyoming’s children and grandchildren.

Emotional and sometimes with his voice breaking, Micheli praised Wyoming, the United States, freedoms Americans enjoy and the quality of life in Wyoming and the United States.

He said the decision to run for governor had been a family decision with his wife, Patty, and their children. Micheli also said when he first started serving in the legislature he was 28. He said his service included 16 years in the legislature, eight years as the director of the Department of Agriculture and 40 years in the private sector as a small businessman. He recognized his parents, Joe and Rebecca Micheli and his brother Dale of Fort Bridger, for handling the day-to-day operations while he was in Cheyenne fulfilling his commitment to the state.

“Today, I count myself as the most optimistic man in Wyoming. I believe that by doing just a few things — by making state government more efficient so that it works better and is more responsive to the people, by making it easier to do business in Wyoming and by defending our constitutional rights, we can build a Wyoming where our children and grandchildren are bequeathed the same blessing of this great state. We can continue the great legacy that we call Wyoming,” he said.

For the complete article see the 01-29-2010 issue.

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