Lovell man announces run for commission seat

Tim Beck’s name will appear on the Aug. 18 primary election ballot for Big Horn County commissioner. 

Beck grew up in Basin, graduated as a “Bobcat” in 1980 and currently lives in Lovell where he runs the family ranch. His parents and grandparents were in Basin. His great grandparents started in Otto and Grass Range. 

Beck went to Northwest College on a basketball scholarship, then Valley State in North Dakota to play basketball. He received a master’s degree in education at Wayne State College in Nebraska. He coached and realized he liked playing more than coaching.  He came back to Wyoming to raise his family and worked as a mason, something his dad had done as well. 

“I had the opportunity 20 years ago to take on the family ranch. None of the siblings wanted it. I said it looks like a great opportunity for a town kid to be ranching. I’ve spent 20 years learning to do agriculture.” He still does some masonry work. 

When asked why he wants to be a commissioner, Beck cited several reasons. One, he loves this county and everything about it thrills him.  Including hunting experiences with his dad and brothers, Paintrock Lake, the W at Shell, catching brown trout in Shell Canyon, chasing chukars. etc. “I love looking at the face of the mountain. Where I live now outside of Lovell, I can turn around to look at the Big Horn Mountains, Highway 14A, the Pryor Mountains, the Beartooth Mountains and Carter Mountain. If I go to the right spot on the ranch I can see the Owl Mountains in Thermopolis. I’m amazed to how fortunate I am to live here.” 

Another reason is he wants to serve is gratitude.

 “Third of all, I believe we have an obligation to participate. That is my personal quest … to encourage people to participate. In our cynicism sometimes we just want to make accusations. The reality is in a democratic republic citizen participation is essential.” 

He continued that in the last 20 years with his participation with Farm Bureau Federation he has learned that if you don’t like something, you go to a meeting. You stand up, speak up, shut up, then sit down and listen. Typically, you can influence the conversation if you are willing to show up and speak up. He showed up to a Farm Bureau meeting 20 years ago because he looked at it as an opportunity to be engaged in the dialogue. At the time Waters of the U.S. and the Endangered Species Act were hot topics on the political front. As a new ag producer, those two items impacted him. He has grown into a leadership role from the person that showed up to be a part of the dialog. He currently serves as the county and Northwest District chair. He is actively engaged in promoting agriculture. 

Beck wants to be a commissioner who listens and engages in dialog. “I am personally tired of the factional dissertations. I don’t think we get anywhere name calling and pointing fingers. I go back to my personal crusade … come to a meeting and participate.   

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

 Beck provided statistics on the economic impact of agriculture in all the counties in Wyoming. The report was done in 2021 by the University of Wyoming. “When we take the economic impact from agriculture in Big Horn County … it is the largest driver we have. The dollar starts with agriculture.” 

He continued that those dollars then circle back into hospitals, schools, fire districts, etc. The county no longer has timber as an industry. Beck noted that there are efforts to bring more outdoor rec dollars into the county, but the dollars aren’t here yet. “We must start with what we have, which is ag, and that voice needs to be a part of the county commission deliberations.” Beck believes that is a strength he will bring to seat. 

FEDERAL LANDS 

Beck believes a strength is his knowledge of federal lands. Big Horn County is 67% federally owned. He has a federal lands grazing permit with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).   “The people I associate with from Farm Bureau have Forest Service permits, Bureau of Reclamation permits and BLM permits. When we deal with federal land issues, having the knowledge or the exposure to how the system works is critical. Commissioner (Dave) Neves has filled this role in the past. With him not seeking reelection, I would like to step into that role in the future.” His Farm Bureau Federation association allows for him to have information that affects land management at the county level. That access allows for participation in the dialogue. “Ag people see the world through a different lens than almost everyone else. Ag believes in the concept always leave it better for the next generation. In order to do that we need to participate.” 

Beck has also served over 20 years on the County Weed & Pest board, experience he believes will bring knowledge to the commissioner role. “I’ve come to appreciate what the community does as far as government service.” 

BUDGET 

“We are faced with a budget issue right now. There are two ways to look at that. One way is woe is us we’re going to suffer. The other opportunist way is to say, we have to review what we are doing.” Beck said none of us like to review what has happened in the past; we are often forced into a review. 

“The budget scenario is forcing us to review if we are getting the quality dollar results from the money we spent. There is nothing wrong with having that review. At this point we have to. I know our current commissioners are smart people. They have experiences. They are going to do the best they can with the knowledge they have. 

As a board member on Weed & Pest, Beck said the members must review and approve the budget. Weed & Pest has a two-mill tax assessment. “We must make sure we spend it wisely. What we have shown in the last six years is where we are continually increasing the amount of land we are covering and we are doing it on or under budget. To me, that is a strength. With the way the property tax rolled out Teton takes in ½ of a mill. They work with a $4 million budget. This county takes in a full two mill, which by statute is allowed. We have a $200,000 budget.”

LEARNING FROM OTHER COMMISSIONERS 

Beck said he likes how Neves doesn’t say a lot but really listens before making a decision.  On the flip side, he appreciated how former county commissioner Felix Carrizales asked questions.  Beck said he has spoken to other former commissioners for their insights. He knows there are water issues and land issues. One former commissioner told him, “Don’t promise anything you can’t deliver and just remember God is in charge.” 

He has others he is planning to talk to  get more insight. He fondly remembers commissioners from decades ago. He looks at them as guiding mentors on how he would like to be in that seat. Those commissioners brought a lot of business sense to the seat. 

ELECTIONS HAVE RESULTS AND CONSEQUENCES” 

Beck asks people to get out and vote. He noted that in the last couple of Republican primaries in Wyoming less than one third of people in Wyoming voted.  “In the House Chamber there was a 26% turnover in the last two election cycles. Currently 50% of the House has less than one full term experience. That is good and bad. We need the new blood, but we lose continuity, tradition and knowledge. If you want it to be different, you have to show up. That includes voting.” 

In addition, he greatly appreciates the opportunity to serve.