In re: Laramie Boomerang article, "Resident of HD 45 or not? Decision would rest solely with House" on October 2, 2010

Dear Editor:

Questions regarding Matthias Greene's residency in House District 45 cannot be seriously entertained. The issue is whether Greene "habitated" in HD 45 and intended to return after deployment. Before deployment to Afghanistan, Greene moved all his worldly possessions to HD 45. Incredibly, Mr. Carson is implying Greene should have wastefully spent money to lease an apartment while leaving it unused during his deployment to prove he resided in the district. Greene’s placing his possessions in a storage unit was the same as if he had signed a lease. Either way, his property would have been in HD 45 while he was halfway around the world.

Mr. Carson is disingenuous when he says, "I can intend to move to Colorado and run for Governor tomorrow. But that doesn’t get me residency." Actually, intent is a major part of the definition. Greene must have intended to return to HD 45, and he did. Greene intentionally put all his property in HD 45. Moreover—and ironically—Greene’s campaign for election from House District is the best evidence of his original intention to live in HD 45.

Carson says, "I am not at all trying to disqualify him.” If Mr. Carson is not trying to disqualify Maj. Greene, then why does he bring this issue up? This is a weak way to run a campaign. Instead, he should be man enough to say, "I am trying to disqualify Greene.” That would be honest. Instead, Carson wants to have it both ways. He wants to rid himself of competition but come across as a good guy. I hope the residents of HD 45 see through Carson's veiled attempt to call a forfeit when he should simply play the game.

Regardless, as the article stated, it is the province of the House to determine whether one of its elected members has been properly elected. If Greene is elected, I implore the House to find Greene eligible. His election will mean the people of the district want Greene to represent them. Moreover, Matthias Greene has the character, intelligence, and foresight worthy of membership in the Wyoming Legislature.

O.Shane Balloun
Laramie