Joseph Meyer (Wyoming politician) facts for kids

Joseph Brown Meyer (born April 22, 1941 – died October 6, 2012) was an important American politician from the state of Wyoming. He served his state in many top government jobs for a long time.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Meyer was born in 1941 in Casper, Wyoming. He went to Natrona County High School. After high school, he studied at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. There, he earned his first college degree and then a law degree, called a J.D. He started his career as a lawyer for Fremont County, Wyoming. Later, he worked as a private lawyer.

Public Service Career

In 1971, Meyer returned to working for the public. He became the first assistant director of the Legislative Service Office in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This was during the time Stanley K. Hathaway was the governor of Wyoming. Meyer helped lawmakers write many bills, which are ideas for new laws. Many of these bills became state laws and are still used today.

Meyer stayed with the legislative office until 1987. Then, Democratic Governor Mike Sullivan chose him to be the Attorney General of Wyoming. The Attorney General is the state's chief legal officer. Governor Sullivan was a Democrat, and Meyer was a Republican. Sullivan was unsure if Meyer would accept the job. But Meyer was brave and took on the challenge.

In Wyoming, the governor chooses the Attorney General; people do not vote for this position. As Attorney General, Meyer worked out an important agreement with ExxonMobil. This agreement was about how to value the company's natural gas facilities in Sublette County, Wyoming and Lincoln County, Wyoming. When gas production started in 1986, gas prices were low. This meant the state wasn't getting much tax money from it. Meyer worked hard to make sure Wyoming received more money from these natural resources.

After being Attorney General, Meyer worked for the University of Wyoming. He was a special assistant, helping with government relations and communications for the university president.

Secretary of State

In 1998, Meyer was elected Secretary of State. He won re-election in 2002. He served in this role from 1999 to 2007. In Wyoming, the Secretary of State also acts as the lieutenant governor. Meyer worked to create a statewide voter registration system. This system helps keep track of people's voting history, even if they move to a different part of the state.

State Treasurer

In 2006, Meyer was elected State Treasurer. He was re-elected in 2010. He held this position from 2007 until he passed away in 2012. The Wyoming State Treasurer manages the state's money, which is about $14 billion. The Treasurer is also a member of several important state boards. These include the Wyoming Retirement Board and the State Loan and Investment Board.

After Meyer's death, Mark Gordon became the new Treasurer. Governor Matt Mead appointed Gordon to the role.

Family Life and Passing

Joseph Meyer married Mary Orr on September 3, 1966. They had two sons, Vince and Warren Meyer. They also had two grandsons, Ethan and Devin Meyer, who all lived in Cheyenne.

Meyer was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009. In January 2012, he had successful brain surgery to remove cancer cells. However, he passed away from lung cancer on October 6, 2012. He was 71 years old and died at the Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.

Honoring His Legacy

Governor Mead said Meyer's death was a "tremendous loss" for Wyoming. He ordered that U.S. and Wyoming flags be flown at half-staff for two weeks to honor Meyer. Governor Mead said Meyer "cared deeply about his state and its people." He added that Meyer's "legacy of service is unmatched."

Former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney knew Meyer well. They went to Natrona County High School and the University of Wyoming together. Cheney even offered Meyer a job as his chief of staff when Cheney was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. But Meyer told him, "Dick, I'll never leave Wyoming." Meyer wanted to serve the people of Wyoming.

Former Governor Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, said Meyer had "the greatest public service record in recent history." He called Meyer a "lifelong friend of Wyoming." Former Governor Mike Sullivan called Meyer "a true son of Wyoming." He said Meyer served the people of Wyoming with "extraordinary confidence and judgment."

A service was held for Meyer at the state capitol rotunda in Cheyenne. His body lay in state for people to pay their respects. A memorial service followed at Cheyenne Hills Church. Governor Mead described Meyer's life as "a Wyoming story." He said Meyer worked to bring Wyoming "to a better place."