In what started as an administrative rule discussion Wednesday in the State Building Commission, Secretary of State Chuck Gray reopened old criticisms against Gov. Mark Gordon – which Gordon rebutted – and State Treasurer Curt Meier announced that he’s sick of Gray consuming administrative work with “pontificating.”
The three men's voices elevated into something between a snap and a shout. Gray accused the governor and treasurer of lying, and the treasurer said Gray was using the committee's work as a political platform.
The initial discussion was on a rule change requiring Wyoming agencies to “endeavor” to negotiate concealed-carry permissions with private landlords whose buildings they lease.
Meeting Wednesday in Cheyenne, the board voted unanimously to advance that revision to the public comment phase for later review.
Gray touted the proposed rule change.
“This is really important to get in the rules,” said Gray. “This whole thing has had a really long history.”
Gray pointed to Gordon’s 2024 veto of a bill to repeal gun-free zones across Wyoming public buildings.
Gordon had vetoed the 2024 bill and let the 2025 version become law without his signature, voicing concerns with the legislation’s constitutionality and unintended consequences both times.
The bill would let legislature “micromanage” government facilities with their own unique situations, such as the Wyoming State Hospital, which houses people being evaluated for mental incompetency – many of whom are also charged with crimes.
He then directed the State Building Commission to allow more conceal-carry in “appropriate state facilities,” which his veto letter had posed as a more thoughtful avenue.
Again faced with the repeal bill in 2025, Gordon let it become law without his signature, despite his stated concerns about preserving “local self-government.”
Gov. Seemed Ready For That One
Gordon appeared prepared Wednesday for Gray to criticize his 2024 veto.
“Mr. Secretary, I want to say how much I appreciated you bringing up at every occasion the ’24 bill,” began Gordon at the meeting. Then, handing Gray a paper copy, Gordon said, “I thought you might appreciate the actual veto letter.”
There’s nothing in that letter, said Gordon, “that says we’re against gun-free zones.”
The issue was with the state Constitution and the separation of powers principle within it, the governor added.
Gray gave a sharp response to that.
“I remember this letter – it is a classic (example) of many of the tactics… insiders use to try to prevent bills from going through,” said Gray. “How on earth does getting rid of gun-free zones… impinge on the separation of powers?”
That’s because the legislature took unto itself the powers state law gives to the executive branch via the State Building Commission, and “obliterated” local school districts’ passage of their own conceal-carry permissions countered Gordon.
“What else would you like to argue about?” asked Gordon.
Gray cast Gordon’s points as disingenuous, saying the 2024 bill Gordon vetoed and the 2025 bill he allowed to become law were virtually identical.
‘This Forum Here Is About Doing Business’
Meier grew exasperated.
“This forum here is about doing business of this committee. It’s not to have a stage for the secretary every time this topic comes up – and every time there’s some bill you had vetoed and he had (supported) during the legislative session,” said Meier.
Gray uses these meetings “as a political platform to have a discussion that necessarily has absolutely nothing to do with the work this committee does,” said Meier. “And I’m tired of my time being wasted.”
Gordon brushed aside Gray’s next attempt to speak, recognizing instead Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, who moved to advance the rule change.
Gray raised his voice, saying he wanted to respond to Meier’s “false statements.”
Gordon also raised his voice.
“You will be respectful!” said the governor in an elevated tone.
More argument followed. Gray claimed Gordon had made “false statements” about his own decision letters, and that Gordon was trying to stifle him.
“We’re wasting time,” Gordon said.
Degenfelder interjected, asking if the board could vote on the issue.
Steve Bohnel can be reached at steve@cowboystatedaily.com and Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
