JACKSON HOLE’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE | PLANETJH.COM | NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
An election issue for the people, by the people.
VOTE TREY
TETON COUNTY COMMISSIONER I PLEDGE TO THE RESIDENTS OF TETON COUNTY: •
I will commit whatever time it takes to get things done.
•
I will find a balance between preserving the “Last of the Wild West” that values “community first” with the need for economic development and sustainability.
•
I will collaborate with environmental and non-profit groups to assist in decision making and balance interests while preserving and protecting the area’s ecosystem.
•
I will work to improve transportation options for outlying areas of Jackson and support transit infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders.
•
I will encourage the County to look at private/public partnerships on county owned land for affordable, short term workforce housing rentals.
•
I will apply reliable business principles to county expenditures and recommend accountable use of our resources and solid management of our revenue.
•
I will support and implement the ITP and Comp Plan when fiscally responsible.
DAVIS CAN GET IT DONE !! treydavisfortetoncounty.com | facebook.com/DavisForTeton
2 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
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JACKSON HOLE'S ALTERNATIVE VOICE
VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 43 | NOVEMBER 2-8, 2016
9 COVER STORY WE THE PEOPLE An election issue for the people, by the people.
Cover photos by Megan Peterson Cover design by Cait Lee
4 LETTERS
44 WELL, THAT...
6 GUEST OPINION
46 MUSIC BOX
9-36 ELECTIONS
48 GET OUT
42 CULTURE KLASH
54 SATIRE
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STAFF REPORTERS
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SALES DIRECTOR
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Craig Benjamin, Mike Bressler, Rob Brezsny, Aaron Davis, Elizabeth Koutrelakos, Andrew Munz, Jake Nichols, Sarah Ross, Chuck Shepherd, Tom Tomorrow, Jim Woodmencey
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November 2-8, 2016 By Meteorologist Jim Woodmencey
Jim has been forecasting the weather here for more than 20 years. You can find more Jackson Hole Weather information at www.mountainweather.com SPONSORED BY GRAND TETON FLOOR & WINDOW COVERINGS
This week’s average low temperatures are about a degree cooler than last week’s, near 20 degrees. However, the record low temperatures in Jackson during this week are all below zero, each day. The coldest of those was a minus-12 degrees recorded on the morning of November 7, 1990. That is not all that common. Although, all it takes is a little fresh snow on the ground, a clear night, and light winds to get the thermometer into the negative numbers this time of year.
Average high temperatures this week are now creeping down into the mid-40 degree range. Quite a bit cooler than last week’s average highs that were still in the lower 50’s. Record high temperatures each day this week are all in the 60s, with the hottest of those being 66 degrees from November 7, 1999. By the way, that’s the same date that the record low was established for this first week of November, nine years earlier.
NORMAL HIGH NORMAL LOW RECORD HIGH IN 2003 RECORD LOW IN 1990
46 19 66 -12
THIS MONTH AVERAGE PRECIPITATION: 1.3 inches RECORD PRECIPITATION: 4.2 inches (1988) AVERAGE SNOWFALL: 9 inches RECORD SNOWFALL: 40 inches
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NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 3
Typically, November is a much cooler and snowier month than October. However, there have been those exceptional years when it has been been dry as a bone and relatively warm, right up until Thanksgiving, like the late-late Indian Summer we had in 1999. There have also been those exceptional years when it felt and looked a lot more like mid-winter. November 1985 was like that, with 40 inches of snowfall recorded in town that month. The average is around nine inches.
WHAT’S COOL WHAT’S HOT
THIS WEEK
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
JH ALMANAC
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
4 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
FROM OUR READERS Macker and Epstein Have the Right Stuff
Having attended almost all of the candidate forums, as well as having more than 40 years of local and state public service, I urge you to vote for Natalia Macker and native Greg Epstein for Teton County Commissioner. They have experience working on the hot button issues of affordable workforce housing and transportation. Macker is a bright, dedicated incumbent seeking election after being appointed by the current board. Epstein works as a nonprofit volunteer and business manager. Both have ties to younger, working class families. They have the drive to serve the community and support our Comp Plan. Their opponents, Trey Davis and Nikki Gill, are also good citizens, but lack government or public service experience by their own accounts. Davis’ advertised platform includes “less meetings,” which I can promise him will not happen, due to my 12-year tenure as an Independent County Commissioner serving with many boards. Davis has often stated his current job takes from 60-100 hours a week leaving no room for responsibly tending to county business and ‘homework.’ In addition, the town and county often work very closely together. His wife is town attorney, creating potential conflict of interest for him. Gill holds promise but lacks experience outside of her position in her family’s management of large land holdings in South Park, a situation that easily could cause her conflict of interest and the need to recuse herself from important decision-making. This would not forward the efficiency or representation many seek for our public boards. Macker and Epstein are the best qualified to serve us.
- Sandy Shuptrine Jackson, WY
The Case for Halverson
It is disturbing to hear there are some very nasty fliers circulating from Marti Halverson’s opponent claiming she is opposed to multiple-public-use of our land. This is a fear tactic, a preposterous and desperate lie. This is what Democrats do when they have no platform to run on or solutions. Problem solving and consensus building should come with a higher price. Marylee White could have confronted Halverson with these false accusations in an open and transparent debate. The voters deserve better. Unfortunately, it is typical of the shenanigans being played out by Democrats all across Wyoming this year. (For which they are now being investigated by the Attorney General’s office.) Halverson lives in a valley dominated by outdoorsmen. Her neighbor, mentor and former state senator Delaine Roberts was recently inducted into the Outdoor Hall of Fame. She is a member of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. She is trustworthy, honest and respected. Opponents of transfer have much to lose if public lands are transferred to the state—after all, Wyoming has no Equal Access to Justice Act money pot, through which anti-hunting, anti-ranching radical environmentalists launder your tax dollars to spend on attack mailers such as these.
The general sales tax should be rejected because it takes away the most democratic, accountable tax and spending we have in our community, the Special Purpose Excise Tax. SPET and the projects funded with SPET money are the closest our local government comes to the old town hall meetings where the community voted and decided how its money would be spent. The new general sales tax is in place of SPET. A vote for the new tax is also a vote for never again voting on specific community projects, such as improvements to our hospital, library, recreation center, pathways, and all of the other projects that are a vital part of our community. I favor more affordable housing. Indeed, if instead of proposing a tax that takes away our vote on specific projects, our elected officials had proposed an additional one cent SPET dedicated to specific affordable housing and transportation projects, I would strongly support it. The argument that affordable housing and transportation require a steady stream of revenue is bogus. Affordable housing is necessarily capital projects. SPET is to fund capital projects. If SPET can be used on affordable housing projects, indeed all SPET can be spent on affordable housing, then why have our elected officials proposed to substitute a general tax for SPET? The difference is who decides on the specific projects to be built. With SPET, we the citizens of Teton County make that decision. If the general sales tax is passed, we will never again vote on projects to be funded. - Armando Menocal
Jackson, WY
The transfer of federal public lands to the State of Wyoming seems so unlikely that it has taken Wyomingites some time to take it seriously. A number of candidates have entered this election primarily to raise awareness and voters need to pay attention. The notion is that the State of Wyoming should sue the federal government for control of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. National Forest lands. In 2015, the Wyoming House of Representatives passed a bill co-sponsored by Rep. Marti Halverson, Dist. 22, to initiate a transfer. The bill passed the house but failed in the senate. Halverson is not going to give up this misguided plan. Marylee White, Halverson’s opponent, entered the race to stop Halverson and to educate the electorate in House District 22 about what a transfer really entails. She believes it has little to no legal grounds and if pursued will be a waste of time and money. The Wyoming constitution states: “The people inhabiting this state do agree and declare that they forever disclaim all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within the boundaries thereof.” The Wyoming attorney general’s office told the legislature that if they sue the federal government they will likely lose. If the state did take over federal lands and the cost of managing the lands exceeds their income, the state will have no choice but to lease or sell them for the highest possible return. Private interests will take away our public lands. To enjoy the outdoors defines who we are as Wyomingites. The open lands, mountains and rivers of Wyoming are why we live here and why we have visitors from around the world that help provide us a sustainable economy. If you value our public lands cast your vote for Marylee White in House District 22.
“To enjoy the outdoors defines who we are as Wyomingites.”
- Aaron & Tamsen Pruzan
- Valerie Music Jackson, WY
Setting Record Straight on HD 22 Race
One Percent vs. SPET
For the Love of Public Lands
Marylee White, candidate for HD 22, supports keeping our public lands in public hands. Her opponent, Marti Halverson is a leader among those who want to transfer ownership to the state. Halverson has voted for transfer and voted to waste $75,000 on a study of transferring ownership and/or management. She will keep fighting to do away with our rights to own our public lands. Halverson runs ads about self-reliance as a “core value” and says that the neither the state or federal government should ever interfere with an individual’s right to manage their own private affairs. Yet she has voted three times to constrain a woman’s right to choose and is described by Wyoming NARAL as one who would overturn Roe v. Wade. Halverson’s Facebook page describes a vote for White as a vote against gun rights and the Second Amendment. However, White, a fourth generation Wyomingite, has grown up with guns, hunting and fishing, and got a B from the NRA only because she was opposed to concealed carry of weapons for college students. These are big differences between the two candidates and voters need to know that Halverson is one of only seven legislators who voted 100 percent with the Tea Party since she was elected, according to Conservative Republicans of Wyoming. White is a problem solver and consensus builder who will represent our shared Wyoming values.
- Hank Phibbs & Leslie Petersen Wilson, WY
- Aaron & Tamsen Pruzan Wilson, WY
Be Leary of Special Interests
I’m disappointed to see Jackson consider re-electing a lobbyist as mayor. The revolving door of lobbyists and insiders who move in and out of government exists to perpetuate the status quo. The cozy relationships stifle real debate and prevent real change. I think that, at this point, Jackson needs some new ideas, especially to deal with the housing crisis. So many people I know have had to leave the valley—from young professionals to those in the service industry—all of whom are essential for Jackson’s future. The incumbent has not adequately addressed this issue and change is needed. I no longer live in Jackson, but it will always be a special place to me. Please choose wisely.
- Dr. Kristen Garner Amanti Carlisle, MA Submit your comments to editor@planetjh.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters are subject to editing for length, content and clarity.
GOT SOME GRIPE-WORTHY ISSUES, OR EVEN… SOMEONE TO PRAISE?
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 5
EMAIL EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM WITH “LETTER TO THE EDITOR” IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH A LETTER TO THE EDITOR.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
6 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
GUEST OPINION We Forgot About Karyn Why you should vote for the 1 percent local option sales tax. BY CRAIG BENJAMIN
I
MEGAN PETERSON
’m often asked why the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance has endorsed the 1 percent local option sales tax on the November ballot. The tax—found at the end of your ballot as the “General Revenue Sales and Use Tax”—will support investments in reducing congestion and creating affordable housing for our middle class. It’s not complicated. Skyrocketing housing costs and gridlock on our roads are threatening our quality of life, community character and wildlife. So it’s up to us to make sure Jackson Hole remains a place where middle class families can afford to live and work. And if we don’t act, our traffic problems will only get worse. We simply can’t afford to kick the can down the road any longer. We need to come together and act now to responBy pure coincidence, Karyn Greenwood (and Eric and Zoë) also happens to be featured in the “People” section of this election issue. sibly address two of Jackson Hole’s highest priorities: Read Karyn’s thoughts on page 16. creating affordable housing options and reducing traffic congestion. It will also support responsible investments in transThis fall, our community can invest in a better future to place and trying to raise their newborn daughter Zoe for Jackson Hole by voting for the 1 percent local option out of their camper trailer broke them. Next month they’re portation choices that will take cars off our roads and sales tax. By supporting this option, you can address the leaving our community and moving to Burlington, VT. I’d reduce traffic congestion. Fifty percent of the funds generated by this measure need for affordable housing, create transportation choices bet you’ve had many friends like Karyn who, despite their will go towards making the START bus more convenient grit and determination, just couldn’t make it work here. that will reduce traffic congestion, and better connect the Look, I get it. It’s hard to live here. It always has been by improving commuter services over the pass and down places where we work, live, and play. Even better, since funds from this measure will focus and always will be, and those of us who have struggled to the canyon while increasing routes to and from Teton on building housing in town and other complete neighbor- make it work in this incredible place are damn proud of it. Village, South Park, and Wilson; and making it safer to Here’s the thing, over the past few years it’s gone from walk and bike through more sidewalks and bike lanes. hoods, it will help protect against development spreading into our open spaces and wildlife habitat. In addition, by hard to nearly impossible. It’s wonderful that many of you The money raised will support only approved affordable giving commuters the choice to take convenient transit to reading this moved here in the 70s and 80s and found housing and transportation projects through a public get to work, it will take cars off our roads and help reduce a way to make this special place home, but it’s been 30 and transparent budget process. It does not raise taxes. years since someone earning the area You’ll pay the same tax rate you are used to paying, since wildlife-vehicle collisions. median income could afford the medi- an existing 1 percent local option sales tax expires next But really, it’s about people like “It’s been 30 years an priced home. This means if you’re a spring. And voters will control its renewal after four years. Karyn. You might remember her from Since tourists spend so much money here, two-thirds since someone earning teacher, policeman, nurse, or firefightthe PJH piece I wrote last June (Guest er, good luck living in the community of the sales tax will end up being paid by visitors rather Opinion: “Don’t Forget About Karyn,” the area median income you serve. than those of us who live here year-round. June 3, 2015). All of this is why a broad and diverse coalition includIf the people who work here can’t Three weeks before I wrote about could afford the median afford to live here, we lose our middle ing Friends of Pathways, the Jackson Hole Chamber of her last summer, Karyn had told priced home.” class. While we have taken constructive Commerce, the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, The me that she and her husband were steps toward addressing our housing Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust, One22, ShelterJH, exhausted from the continual stress of trying to find an affordable place to call home and had challenge in recent years, we have not done enough. We Teton Gravity Research, the Teton Village Association, Valley Advocates for Responsible Development, Wyoming decided to leave Jackson Hole. With a degree in wildlife forgot about Karyn. Pathways, and many other organizations and hundreds of It doesn’t have to be this way. biology, years of experience working in conservation, and The 1 percent local option sales tax will generate $40 your friends and neighbors have come together as part of a husband who is a successful chef, middle class people like Karyn should be planting roots in our community, to 48 million over four years, with the proceeds directed the Community Priorities Coalition to support voting for toward a Special Revenue Fund created by the town and the 1 percent local option sales tax. not moving away. Please join us in voting for the 1 percent local option Nearly all of us know people like Karyn who have trou- county and split equally between investments in affordsales tax to protect our middle class and our quality of life. ble finding an affordable place to live in Jackson Hole. Most able housing and transportation choices. It will support investments in affordable housing so Let’s remember Karyn. of us have friends who commute up the canyon or over the Visit cpcjh.org for more info about the 1 percent local hardworking middle class families like Karyn’s can afford pass but would love to live here if they could afford it. And option sales tax. PJH most of us couldn’t afford to buy a house if we moved here to live in our community. Fifty percent of the funds generated by this measure today. It’s hard for our community to have character when Craig Benjamin is the executive director of the Jackson will be leveraged to preserve existing housing stock, the characters that define it pack up and leave. Well, over the past year Karyn and her husband cow- purchase land, and partner with the public and private Hole Conservation Alliance. boyed up and found a way to hang on just a little longer. sectors. Our community and small local businesses will Finally, the stress and challenge of bouncing from place benefit by keeping long-term neighbors and employees SEND COMMENTS TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM here in Jackson Hole.
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VOTE Absentee Voting is Underway ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 8 www.mackerforwyo.com | Facebook.com/mackerforwyo
Invested in Jackson’s Past, Dedicated to Jackson’s Future.
VOTE HAILEY
AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! General Election November 8
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NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 7
It has been a true honor serving our community as your town councilor and one that I would like to continue.This is a service I take to heart, take seriously, and I am proud to do. Providing opportunities for working families, small businesses, environmental stewardship and ensuring our quality of life are paramount to the future of Jackson, our home.These are the values that guide my decisions and these are the values I will continue to work for as your town councilor.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Paid for by Macker for Wyoming
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
8 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
REPORTER
KEEPING PUBLIC LANDS IN PUBLIC HANDS IS NOT A PARTISAN ISSUE IN WYOMING
WANTED THE QUALIFIED APPLICANT:
• IS PASSIONATE ABOUT NEWS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, LONG-FORM NARRATIVES, AND COMMENTARY • DISTILLS COMPLICATED ISSUES FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION • WRITES WITH CLARITY AND CONTEXT • OBSERVES, LISTENS, AND ASKS THE RIGHT QUESTIONS • DIGS DEEPER TO FIND THE UNTOLD STORY AND THE ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE
“If you get this stuff into state hands, it is not going to be available because the state would have the power to dispose of it, and when they get in a crunch – like all of them are – they are going to peddle it off and put it into the coffer, not thinking of what that does to the guys like you and me who know where this trail is into the fishing hole, hunting spot, or backpacking area... forget it.” Quote from Al Simpson to Wyoming Wildlife Federation
EMAIL WRITING SAMPLES AND RESUME TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM. Former Republican Senator, Al Simpson
THE INCUMBENT IN HD 22 HAS GOT IT WRONG ON THIS ISSUE. SHE IS OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE MAJORITY OF WYOMINGITES. I WILL WORK HARD TO PREVENT THE TRANSFER OF FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS TO THE STATE OF WYOMING.
www.white4wy.com
White for Wyoming on Facebook
marylee@white4wy.com
Paid for by the committee, White for Wyoming
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ELECTION ISSUE
An election issue for the people, by the people. Photos by Megan Peterson
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
T
— Robyn Vincent
Be ‘bowled’ with all the candidates 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 2 at Hole Bowl during the valley’s inaugural candidate speed dating forum. Bring your friends and enjoy five minutes grilling each candidate on the issues that matter to you. Booze, food and bowling are encouraged accoutrements to this special event brought to you by The Planet and Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 9
he Planet has always given candidates the floor in its election issues. But this year, as we face the most important election in the valley’s history, we also wanted to hear from you. So we sat down with folks across the spectrum of age, profession and background, and asked them two things: What issues matter to you most this election and what personal experiences have shaped your perspective? Among those who agreed to be in this issue—and the ones who participated but do not appear only because we ran out of space—one concern repeatedly surfaced. Unsurprisingly, it is this community’s overarching desperation for housing. The folks we interviewed lamented an increasing litany of friends and family who have left the valley— people who actively and meaningfully contributed to the community. People who reluctantly surrendered to the housing crisis once and for all and will not return. Locals are also leaving, we were told, because their salaries are not keeping pace with soaring rents. All of this after Jackson Hole received its least glorious honor to date. In June, a report from the Economic Policy Institute designated Jackson Hole the most economically unequal
place in America. Here, the top 1 percent earns more than 68 percent of the valley’s income. What does this tell us? That what we’re doing is not enough. We know it’s going to take “bold” moves, as councilman Jim Stanford espoused at a July 2015 town council meeting, to address the housing crisis; to create a climate where the middle class backbone can plant roots here. Stanford’s bold moves, The Planet reported (The Buzz: “Silently Opposed,” July 7, 2015), included ideas to rezone areas at the base of Snow King—currently slated for commercial development—for residential, along with neighborhoods near the Brewpub and north of Miller Park. “We can be bold and zone [for downtown residential],” Stanford said. “This is what the community is asking for and we have the opportunity to do it … we are not causing economic hardship, we would be creating opportunity all around while nurturing the heart of our community.” During that same meeting, with help from the JH Conservation Alliance, 40 some residents became housing activists, appearing in town chambers holding signs that read “Housing not Hotels” and “Middle Class not Marriotts.” But even as audience members raised their signs in support of Stanford’s suggestions, the council did not budge. Then, a year later, after the housing crisis had claimed more victims, tightening its stranglehold on the valley, about 100 housing advocates and residents joined the housing advocacy group Shelter JH at a town council meeting this summer. Both children and adults stepped
up to the podium during public comment. Bleary-eyed and hunched over the microphone, faces crumpled in despair, they told their stories of working three jobs to pay rent, of living in their cars, of losing exemplary employees who had no place to live. They pleaded with the council to enact emergency housing solutions. But the council has yet to implement any of the proposals (or shall we call them bold moves) that Shelter JH brought before them that day. If there was ever a time to be bold it is now. We have the opportunity to decide the future of Jackson Hole with our vote, to ensure this is a place for middle and working class people for years to come, not just a capacious playground for second and third homeowners and outof-state developers. In a place like Jackson Hole, where there is a tendency to misread healthy political discourse concerning candidates’ positions and actions as personal attacks, I hope you find the candid perspectives from your friends and neighbors on the following pages refreshing, even if they are different than your own. Because a great community is nurtured by its appetite for differing views, and the courage of its leaders to digest and respond to those viewpoints. After all, our local leaders and those who aspire to lead us have one duty that eclipses everything else: to make decisions in the best interest of the public. We just hope they’re listening, because the people have spoken and they need something bold.
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
10 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Housing and transportation are two issues important to me in the local election. However, these issues are intermingled with two other concerns. I love Jackson Hole for the quality and diversity of our human population but also for our wildlife, which always needs protection. I hope our elected officials will think creatively about ways to create more housing for local residents. Helping people live closer to work could ease traffic congestion and reduce our carbon footprint. We should also consider strategically designating wildlife crossings around the valley. I am fortunate to teach swimming at the Rec Center where I interact daily with children, parents, grandparents, caregivers and staff. It is a diverse group but I hear many of the same things from all. People like Jackson Hole’s lifestyle and natural beauty. They participate in community events. They enjoy having nice public facilities such as the Rec Center. They enjoy the national parks nearby. They have some economic opportunities. They want their children to grow up and continue to be able to enjoy these same things.
However, I hear concerns as well. People are not certain they, or their friends or co-workers, will be able to afford to stay here. They say rents are going up, the number of rentals is shrinking and home buying is out of reach for most. Lack of housing security keeps many from being able to put down roots. I raised my family here and appreciate that many local young people want to live and raise their families here too. I hope we elect officials who bring new and creative thinking about housing. I encourage electeds to scrutinize each proposal through the lens of benefitting local residents, and try to balance the needs of people with business development. I hope we elect people who are willing to say “no” to projects that are not in the public interest.
— Mary Pat Walker
IT IS A SHAME TO KNOW SO MANY PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THEIR CARS OR BOUNCE AROUND FROM COUCH TO COUCH.
In this election, I am most concerned with housing and the zoning that goes with it. I understand both sides of the issue, but if we don’t start putting an emphasis on housing and the people that work in this town, the town will lose its heart. As more and more hotels, and second and third homes are built here, the more people who put their hearts into this place are being pushed out. We need candidates that are focused on the people of Jackson, not just the businesses that have moved in. Unless something drastic is done, Jackson will lose the people that have made it such a great place to live. I have lived in Jackson for more than 10 years now and feel like I have found my home. What drew me to this place are the mountains and all of the outdoor activities that come with them; but what has made me stay is the people that live here. Over the years, some of these friends have been priced out of town. One friend in particular had a job that paid well, but when he decided to start a family with his wife they quickly realized it was too much of a financial strain on them to stay. They loved this place, and the town is definitely worse off without them. It is also a shame to know so many people who live in their cars or bounce around from couch to couch. It is one thing if someone lives this way to save money, but it is very different when they are in their car because their landlord raised rent 30 percent. With the lack of affordable housing and affordable rentals, good people continue to leave. Greed has ruined many great places. Unless something is done, Jackson is next.
— Oliver Tripp
ELECTION ISSUE
Whether it’s people worried about rising rents or people who don’t have a place to live, housing is the biggest issue here. As a caseworker for One 22, I see this problem every day. Next year my rent will go up 20 percent. That means moving out of Jackson. Yes, we have the option to move to Victor, Driggs, or Alpine, but for me that is not an option—I am too involved in the Jackson community. But if I have a long commute to work every day, I will not be able to volunteer here; my extra time would go to driving. I am also concerned with my kids’ education and I think they have more opportunity in Teton County than surrounding areas. Some people have said, “If you cannot afford to live in Jackson you should leave.” But I grew up here. I love this community. I want my kids to grow up here, and I am going to fight until the last moment, until I have to leave. One of the things we also have to look at is the cost of living. We were rated No. 1 in income equality in the country. That means the 1 percent makes about 225 times more money than the 99 percent. But some of the people making the lowest incomes in Jackson are making that small amount of money from two or three jobs, and then 90 percent of that goes to rent. I think elected officials are finally hearing the Latino voice in this town. There are a lot of youth and Latinos who are now eligible to vote. One thing shocked me recently. I was talking to some seemingly wealthy people. I told them Jackson’s Latino population fluctuates between 20 and 30 percent. They said, “Really? Where are they? We never seem them.” For me, it was an eye opener; I realized some people don’t see the people, or issues, in their backyard.
— Jorge Moreno
I AM GOING TO FIGHT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT, UNTIL I HAVE TO LEAVE.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 11
— Alexander Lopez-Wilson
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Local politics is where change begins. At no time has this statement been of more veracity than this year. Teton County is facing an election that will shape the next decade of growth in our valley. Perhaps the most important vote is the 1 percent sales tax for housing and transportation. The idea of comprehensive housing and transportation funding is a keystone to developing a sustainable valley. To create a viable economy in Teton County, a burgeoning middle class needs to be encouraged. Making a middle class that can thrive in Jackson requires funding transportation services and creating housing for the valley’s employees. If police, firemen, EMTs, and teachers can’t find adequate housing in our valley, how can we expect to advance as a community? With a new housing plan approved, the next step is providing the necessary funding. Our elected representatives have laid out the plans to begin finding solutions to our housing crisis. But without a revenue stream how can we accomplish the goals we’ve entrusted our representatives with? Developing a valley that can provide for the entire population is the most important part of a functioning economy. The simplest argument for voting “yes” on the 1 percent general revenue tax is that we keep our promises. The county and town have supported the Integrated Housing and Transportation plans. Leaving a plan without funding is the equivalent of not having passed the plan at all. Without money, we are just participating in a theoretical exercise. My views are shaped from having grown up in this valley—I’ve watched the growth of Jackson. When I was growing up, the valley was made up of a mix of working, middle and upper class families. At one time, believe it or not, home ownership was attainable to a majority of the valley population.
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
12 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
I’ve lived in Jackson for 12 years. I have two kids—a 6th grader at JHMS and a 5th grader in Colter. My husband, Jeff, runs his own marketing business. My background is in graphic design and baking. I wish there was a sexier way of saying “stay-at-home mom,” but today, that is what I am and I love it. Lack of affordable housing is a real problem that affects our whole community, not just those who can’t afford to live here. I have been in many businesses around town and have waited a long time to be helped, or received substandard service because there are not enough employees. The cost of buying a home is out of reach for most people. The wealth in this town is not trickling down. It is unfortunate to see people’s homes torn down for more hotels or expensive condos. Traffic downtown is a nightmare. Having to travel through town several times a day is frustrating. Every summer, the traffic seems to get worse. We need to figure out a way to divert some of that traffic. I hate to say it, but one way is to expand our roadways. It is the cost of promoting tourism in this area and to deal with the growth we are experiencing. If new roads are built, it has to be done with the least amount of impact to the environment and wildlife possible. START Bus should also expand service to neighborhoods south of town. Education is always on my mind because I have kids. Overall, the public schools in Teton County are good, but I do worry about overcrowding and kids falling through the cracks. My 10-year-old son, who sometimes struggles in school, has noted that oftentimes the children who excel in academics are transfers from other states. I’m glad the school district is building a new elementary school, but I wonder how all those kids are going to fit into the middle school and high school down the road.
— Barbara Wogoman
I DO WORRY ABOUT OVERCROWDING AND KIDS FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS.
It is difficult to see past the housing crisis and all the collateral issues that arise from it. Over the past year, I watched two world-class professional service industry colleagues deal with the lack of housing—both in different ways. One slept in his truck all summer, showering at the gym. The other simply packed up his family and left for a cottage on a lake in New England. Rent: $350 per month. So we bring in the J-1ers. They will live fourto-a-room at the Gables or the Western. For the most part, they are good kids who want to do a great job. But just about the time they develop the flair and confidence needed to provide a genuinely hospitable experience to guests, their four-month stay is over. A short while ago I was talking with a much esteemed and well-respected colleague of a more mature vintage. His wife is a thoughtful, graceful and compassionate woman who volunteers at a local nonprofit dealing with demographic-specific populations struggling to adjust. They are both longtime valley residents, engaged and savvy. The housing subject came up in the conversation, as well as the proposition for more commercial zoning. “Fine with me,” I replied, “but who’s gonna work there, and where are they going to live? While it might not be a perfectly accurate number, I have heard the Marriott is going to employ 300 people when it opens.” “Oh, but they have promised to also build more suitable housing for those additional employees required to run those businesses,” the gentleman replied. “Promised? What does that mean? Who promised?” “The politicians.” There was a brief pause. We all took a good look at each other. Then we burst out in a chorus of laughter.
— John-Mark Roufs
“Like most of you I don’t vote for a party, I vote for the candidate that I believe is the best for all of us. That’s why I’m voting for Nikki Gill for Teton County Commissioner.” — MIKE KEEGAN “I have first handedly witnessed the hard work, the dedication, and the love that Nikki Gill has for this beautiful valley we get to call home...and the valley I get to raise my boys in. That is why I am voting for Nikki Gill.” — AMY FLORES RENOVA WITH SONS JUAN, ADAN AND ABRAHAM “My family came to Jackson in 1916, I was born here and I raised my family here. We have known the Gills all our lives. They love to fly-fish and have helped save some of the Snake River’s prime spawning areas through their stewardship. A vote for Nikki is a vote for cutthroat trout!” — JACK DENNIS “I’m so excited that Nikki is running for Teton County Commissioner because she has deep roots in this valley and cares so much about it. Please vote for Nikki Gill.” — JANE CARTER-GETZ
“We’re voting for Nikki Gill because she gives our family a voice in local politics.” — ANNE, CLAY, CHARLIE AND STUART BRADLEY
“Im voting for Nikki Gill because I think she represents my values, the local values that I grew up with and she comes from a long history and a family that protects the land” — BOB LUCAS
— RENE WOODMENCEY
“Nikki’s sense of community, attention to the issues and appreciation for the needs of our generation has gained our vote. We’re voting for Nikki”
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
“Im voting for Nikki Gill because I think it’s important to have a young perspective on the Board of County Commissioners.”
— PATRICK AND JESSICA SHEEHY
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 13
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
14 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
I think Jackson’s most pressing issue is housing—how to finance affordable housing and where that housing should be located. I am watching the departure of my extended family members, and I’m losing new friends. The housing crisis is causing a fracture in our community fabric. I think town and county leaders need to make difficult decisions with the intent of serving not the most recent non-familial arrivals but rather the seventh generation, as the Lakota Sioux do. Another key issue is continuing the sense of community, generationally. My great-grandparents had a homestead at Porcupine Creek. My grandmother remembers bringing the chickens in at night to share the cabin’s dirt floor cabin. Eventually the family moved into town where my greatgrandmother decorated coffins, worked as a postmistress, and staffed the town switchboard when telephones arrived. Living in Jackson has traditionally been a trial by survivor. We arrive, fight to stay, and when we do, the kindness flows. Better leadership is needed, generally, in all areas. Leadership is not a single topic issue. It is a leveling and rising of the community all the time at all levels. Jackson is a hard place to make a living. But hard work and helping your neighbors are two underlying values that are admired, respected, and rewarded by the community.
— Mark Nowlin
I AM WATCHING THE DEPARTURE OF MY EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS, AND I’M LOSING NEW FRIENDS.
I was born at St. John’s Hospital and have lived in Jackson most of my life. My dad built the house I grew up in with his own two hands, a tiny cabin in the woods. Today, after much hard work, I am a college-educated woman, married to my husband (also a Jackson native), and we both operate our own small businesses here. We rent our residence, and would someday like to expand our family. We have become very realistic, and we will work as hard as we can to maintain our lives in Jackson, but someday my hard work may not be enough to keep us here. Our main concern is that there are not enough places to live. Also, as a renter, I strongly wish that rental properties were regulated by how much of a rental increase renters can annually incur. Commercial property is my second largest concern about Jackson, but maybe not in the way most people think about it. I DO want to see commercial growth. I want small, homegrown businesses to have a chance. I am the sole proprietor of my business. I do not have any employees, and I work out of a space that is less than 600 square feet. I know plenty of other local entrepreneurs who would fit that same category. They just need a small space to house their ideas. They have no employees, just a dream to have their own successful business, and that is not an easy feat in Jackson. I would like to see Jackson as a place that my family can grow and my business can continue to thrive; a place where the community isn’t in constant fear of ending up without somewhere to live, or losing their uniqueness in an ocean of corporate capitalism.
— Amy Dowell
ELECTION ISSUE
Our family’s insulation business is one of many in town being affected by the shortage of housing. We could always use more help, and we pay really well for good work. But it’s hard to travel long distances to get to work. We have actually purchased some affordable housing in Victor, and are building more units as we speak for our employees and others in need. I believe change starts with each individual. Setting examples of living a life of kindness, love, and compassion can create a trickle down effect and become a standard for us all, like paying it forward. I like to share the love of nature through my peony garden. It’s a small thing, but I see people enjoying
the beauty of the flowers and that makes me happy. I am also involved with the Oneness meditation group locally and internationally. Their goal is to help move the planet into higher states of consciousness to create more peace, love and joy in one’s life. I personally have had amazing experiences with this meditation. I believe any form of meditation is good for the soul. We can talk forever about politics, and what changes need to happen locally and nationally. But for me, I like to see the bigger picture and find peace within that vision, and pass it on as best I can.
— Kathy Bressler
I AM CONCERNED BY THE LACK OF LOGIC, CRITICAL THINKING, INTEREST IN MACROECONOMICS, AND PHILOSOPHY THAT MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS DISPLAY.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 15
— Shepard Humphries
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
I am concerned by the lack of logic, critical thinking, interest in macroeconomics, and philosophy that many of my friends and neighbors display. Our lives would be much better if most of us were well-versed in reason and required scientific evidence, and recognized mainstream media, governments, and crony-capitalism for what they are. If only my friends and neighbors understood that local, state and national politicians don’t really get to make choices different than what their ultimate boss “recommends.” I do not desire to have rulers or to rule others. To vote for a ruler would legitimize the superstitious concept of authority, and even though I know that “someone” will seek to rule my fellows and me, I cannot vote for bad things and then claim to have integrity when I call those things bad. There is not really any material difference in the principles of any candidates, only in their preferences. All agree that landowners ought to have money stolen from them each year simply because they own land. All agree that a person may not build on their property without a government permission slip. All join the hysteria that Mother Earth is on her last legs and that controlled burns are OK, but that the wealthy may not build as many fireplaces as they choose. They view people not as individuals, but as the ridiculous abstraction they call “community.” Thus it is in Jackson Hole, and every other place in the world. I might be wrong in my perceptions. However, my study and observations have led me to think that the emperor is naked, and I will not degrade myself by entering into a discussion about the appearance of his new robe, or in other words, voting. I respect myself, and I respect my neighbors, too much to participate.
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
16 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
My earliest political memory is of my mom taking me on a drive from Huntsville to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to a Jimmy Carter re-election campaign event in 1979. The route took us through the town of Athens, where a man dressed in Ku Klux Klan regalia stood in the center of an intersection handing out hate riddled flyers to everyone passing through. My mom rolled down the window, accepted the flyer, and said “thank you” as we continued on our way. I saw my mother’s dignity stripped away as she thanked him for his hatred. I was shocked and befuddled. It was the most disturbing thing I had seen in my 11-year-old life. We made our way to the Carter event, but not before driving past a crowd dressed in white robes waving Confederate flags, spewing racial epithets, and promoting the Grand Ole Party. My shock turned to trauma. This was the point my young mind made a correlation: he/she who flies the Confederate flag is probably a Republican, and could be a racist. Thirty-seven years later, has much changed within the GOP? From racial demagoguery and authoritarian dictatorship promoted by George C. Wallace, to acceptance of alt-right philosophies and stop-n-frisk police tactics being endorsed by their current presidential candidate. When it comes to local politics, I am admittedly pessimistic in Jackson’s collective ability to develop affordable housing solutions given the range of issues. This includes the lack of available land, height restrictions, median home prices, low-wages, and the inability of working class people IT HAS BROUGHT to make a 20-percent down payment, ME TO TEARS FEELING which all make homeownership difficult to attain. We’re beyond the AS THOUGH I AM NOT point of conventional solutions, and PROVIDING FOR MY indeed, we’re in the Hail Mary stage of the housing game. My fingers are DAUGHTER, EVEN crossed, but I’m not holding my breath.
— Stacy Noland
WHILE MY HUSBAND AND I ARE WORKING AS HARD AS WE CAN.
Between my husband and I, we hold four jobs, working far more than 60 hours a week, each. We have struggled to balance work, family, and housing over the past few years. Although we enjoy the quality of life that this valley provides, we have made some difficult sacrifices, including staying in a trailer with unreliable heat and no hot water with our three-month-old daughter. It has brought me to tears feeling as though I am not providing for my daughter, even while my husband and I are working as hard as we possibly can. Our community is facing a housing crisis. Over the years I’ve watched talented, educated, and hardworking friends and co-workers leave this valley, unable to make ends meet even when they work two or three jobs. The disregard this community has had toward those who serve it has to stop. This election is about showing our middle class families that they matter to us and to this community. I am hopeful that the 1 percent local option sales tax will address the most important issues facing families like mine: affordable housing and transportation choices. I will be voting yes for the 1 percent (and those candidates who also support it, such as Natalia Macker and Greg Epstein) because real funds for real solutions is the only way to move forward. The candidates who oppose this measure have no plan and offer no solutions for the issues that matter most to our community. If we don’t come together now to pass the 1 percent, skyrocketing housing prices and traffic congestion will continue to get worse, and that is unacceptable. I will be using my vote to make sure that people who work hard and serve our community can afford to stay here.
— Karyn Greenwood
SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM
RE-ELECT Councilman Jim Stanford
SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO SHARE YOUR PASSION ABOUT ALL THINGS JACKSON HOLE.
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SUPPORT THE PLANET.
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NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 17
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Please join me in voting FOR the 1% general sales tax.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
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ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
18 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Mayor (NONPARTISAN)
Candidates: Mayor Sara Flitner and Pete Muldoon
Sara Flitner Q: In what ways is our quality of life being eroded and/or enhanced? Flitner: There are more people here and more visitors, too, which means more pressure on our roads, trails, pathways, classrooms and waiting rooms. A lot of people feel the impact of these changes and struggle with the feeling they are losing something. Helping people get through complex issues and difficult discussions is the highest service our local elected officials can provide, and I am committed to doing that. It’s a challenging time for Jackson, but when I go for a walk up Cache Creek or look down on our town from the top of Josie’s Ridge, I know we are really lucky.
Q: What do you say to the critique that Jackson’s housing crisis is deepening because of inaction? Flitner: The housing crisis has been deepening, but I don’t accept that it’s due to inaction. According to one of the community’s leading housing nonprofits, we have seen more action on housing in the last six to 12 months than in the last 15 years. It’s hard because a lot of people are affected by housing insecurity, but I know we are taking significant steps to change that. To build a single house, you have to save, pay for, plan, sketch, design and permit. We have set the table to do that on a larger scale, and I think people recognize that doesn’t happen overnight.
Q: What are the biggest health concerns facing this community and how will you address them? Flitner: I am most concerned about our adolescent population right now. Our addiction and suicide rates are much too high. I am working with a group of social service leaders to ensure we have a response ready for the state budget cuts, because their services are the reason we don’t have greater problems. When Teton Youth and Family Services had to cease services for a few months last summer, over a dozen kids were admitted to St. John’s for attempted suicide. I am thrilled to be partnering with the school district and St. John’s Wellness Department on mindfulness in the schools program designed to help kids.
“The housing crisis has been deepening but I don’t accept that it’s due to inaction.” - Mayor sara flitner
Q: Do you support implementing rent control measures in town? Flitner: As we move forward with the Housing Action Plan, which essentially prioritizes rental housing, we have the ability as a municipality to keep rent affordable for apartments we build or buy. As far as rent control for the whole town goes, it’s something that has to be addressed first at the state level. I just got excellent input from people interested in helping me from a Latino policy council, and they had great ideas for tenant protections. Making sure people are safe, warm and living in humane conditions is a place to start.
Q: Tell us about your leadership style. How do you run a meeting? Flitner: I am fair, efficient and open. I have the trust of the council and people who come before us because they know I lead in the open. I am decisive,
but collaborative and inclusive. We have a talented council, and not using that resource to the maximum level would be a disservice to our community. Plus, I am the mayor, not the queen. I am one of five votes, and though we use the “strong mayor” structure, everything goes better when we respect each other, work together, and have fun together.
Q: Where will we house Jackson residents who are currently without homes this winter? Flitner: In speaking with business owners, I support their efforts to take an active role in pairing housing with their employees. Local government is way less effective in dealing with the immediate problems, which is where our nonprofits and businesses have been working. I am going to continue to focus on long-term solutions and balance for our community with policy and strategy. Q: How important is the presidential race to you? Who will you vote for? What do you think are the most important national issues? Flitner: It’s the leader of our country. I can’t imagine how it’s not critically important to everyone. As an Independent, I don’t think it’s that helpful to alienate people by touting candidates, so I don’t spend a lot of time touting my candidates. However, I will never vote for a candidate who bullies, assaults, and discriminates. I am comfortable with people who have different views and priorities; it makes me a better thinker and strengthens my ideas. The most important national issue is the same as the local: trustworthiness, civility, skills to bring people together and get things done.
Pete Muldoon
Q: In what ways is our quality of life being eroded and/or enhanced? Muldoon: It depends who you are. If you’re wealthy, your quality of life is likely being enhanced with
ELECTION ISSUE
more restaurants, amenities, and an ever-growing number of shops and services that cater to you. But if you’re not, you probably feel you’re being squeezed out of the valley to make room for the ‘haves.’ You’re working longer hours to make ends meet, and watching your small town and caring community slowly disappear. And for people who’ve lived here a long time, the option to pick up and leave just doesn’t exist. Studies have shown inequality is bad for everyone, not just those without means.
“solving the housing crisis is the key to our community’s survival.” - Pete Muldoon
Q: Tell me about your leadership style. How do you run a meeting? Muldoon: I think being prepared is the most important thing. I’m fascinated by policy and how things work and don’t work. I don’t plan on a career in politics or lobbying; I just want to get things done. I’ve been an activist and have written about politics and economics for years because I have a passion for it, not because I’ve been paid to. I don’t take things personally. I’ll compromise on details, but not on principles. And unlike our current mayor, I won’t be negotiating with former or future lobbying clients. I’ll be able to base my decisions on what’s best for the community.
Q: How important is the presidential race to you? Who will you vote for? What do you think are the most important national issues? Muldoon: The presidential race is extremely important to all of us. I voted for Bernie in the primary; he’s not perfect, but he was the best option we had. And I’ve already voted for Hillary Clinton. Yes, she represents the establishment politician, but her opponent is an open racist, sexist, xenophobe and fraud who is an absolute embarrassment to our country. Climate change is an existential threat. Wealth inequality, structural racism, sexism, civil rights, the drug war, war in general, money in politics, elite domination of public policy, political corruption, mass incarceration, homelessness—these are all issues we have to confront as a nation. PJH
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 19
Q: What do you say to the critique that Jackson’s housing crisis is deepening because of inaction? Muldoon: I think it’s true. It’s the main reason I’m running for office. Our current mayor believes that collaboration is the answer to everything, but collaboration only works when people are on the same page. Getting them on the same page is what leadership is all about, not waiting around for everyone to agree and to be happy with every decision. Our housing crisis is an existential threat to our community. Solving it is the key to our community’s survival. We need a mayor who will use
Q: What are the biggest health concerns facing this community and how will you address them? Muldoon: I think the lack of stable, secure housing is perhaps the biggest health concern facing us today. Health outcomes for homeless people or people with substandard or insecure housing are significantly worse. Stress, depression and higher substance abuse rates result from this as well. To solve our housing crisis, we’re going to need to make significant investments in community rental stock, deed restrictions, increased mitigation rates, and rental subsidy programs. The good news is that we can do these things if we choose to.
Q: Where will we house Jackson residents who are currently without homes this winter? Muldoon: There aren’t a lot of options for emergency winter housing. New housing takes time to develop, and that’s why it’s unacceptable that we haven’t moved more decisively to put shovels in the ground when we’ve had the opportunity to do so. I would support the town playing an active role in working with local motels that are closed in the winter to secure housing for our workforce. But the summer season is just around the corner, and we have a huge new Marriott opening with even more workers. I’ll lead the discussion about emergency housing solutions that Mayor Flitner refused to have.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: Do you support implementing rent control measures in town? Muldoon: I don’t. Solving our housing crisis is a community responsibility, and I think that rent control unfairly burdens landlords, many of whom are doing the right thing. I also don’t see a way to implement it effectively, and we might end up worsening our housing shortage by incentivizing people to take homes out of the rental pool. I’d prefer to see a subsidy from the town to landlords who agree to rent at a discount to workers. The Housing Department could qualify tenants and administer the program. And we need some basic tenant rights to go with this.
political capital and the powers of public persuasion to actually lead instead of worrying about being criticized.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
20 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Bill Scarlett
TETON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE Student Success
Community Engagement
Academic Excellence
Fiscal Responsibility
PAID BY SCARLETT FOR SCHOOLS
LESSONS LEARNED FROM LIVING WITH CANCER AND CHEMOTHERAPY – CONVENIENCE COMES WITH A PRICE MAINTAINING PERSPECTIVE St. John’s is a SMALL, RURAL hospital. It is NOT a regional medical center. It is NOT a cancer center. Good intentions aren’t enough. You need people who have good EXPERIENCE. That means LOTS OF IT. Cancer is complicated, but it is also survivable. The current desire to be all things to all people is unrealistic. The characterization of incompetent care as “acceptable” is a slap in the face to all the truly dedicated and competent hospital staff who work every day to provide professional care. Find a good oncologist who will supervise your care. Then ask if you can have the infusion orders delivered to St. John’s. Find the appropriate specialist FIRST. Only an oncologist with the appropriate experience can truly supervise your care, whether at the hospital or at their cancer center. This is essential. Just because my cancer had spread DID NOT mean my life was ruined, but local “care” has certainly made every day more difficult than it needed to be. Don’t add to your burden by trading supervised and experienced care from a qualified cancer center for convenience. Susan Crosser, Stage IV breast cancer Candidate for St. John’s Board of Trustees
( NONPARTISAN; TWO OPEN SEATS )
Candidates: Jessica Sell Chambers, Judd Grossman, Hailey Morton Levinson, Jim Stanford
Jessica Sell Chambers
“what it boils down to is ineffective and overcommitted leadership, and lack of courageous political will.” - jessica sell chambers
Q: Has the town done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the town do better?
Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Chambers: Things are far too complex for the average person to keep up with (short of having a full-time job or staff to do so) as far as town matters. Many signed the D2 petition simply because they couldn’t understand the ordinances. I met with councilwoman Levinson the other day, and then with planning director Tyler Sinclair. We separately discussed the shortcomings of the current organization for public involvement. I have some ideas, which I discussed with Tyler, about streamlining the process to involve more people and to eliminate the rush of objections at the final hour. The process we have now is ineffective and timeconsuming, and wasteful of resources with regard to staff and council obligations. Even adding a regular town hall-type meeting could be helpful to keep the council in contact with the public and vice-versa.
Judd Grossman
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Grossman: I’ve proposed a Workforce Housing Overlay in the walkable commercial urban core that will provide significant density bonuses exclusively
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 21
Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Chambers: I am 100 percent for the 1 percent sales tax option on the November ballot. For the moment, a 5050 split between housing and transportation works for our current community needs, and so does the fund. If we don’t like what the electeds decide to do with money in the future—that’s why we have elections. Given the guaranteed budget cuts statewide, we absolutely need to have some conversations about alternative sources of revenue. As I’ve said before: we do not utilize our full tax options, then we reach out our hand to the state. Additionally, we need to keep pushing for a real estate transfer tax at the state level (especially in Teton County where many property owners in the hills are getting off scotfree). They expend little to no sales tax for 49 weeks of the year as their property sits vacant but generates jobs. These properties are not taxed to the fullest. A real estate transfer tax could be profound.
Chambers: Leadership could do a better job of prioritizing and tackling the growing list of issues we have in order to address those affecting our natural resources and wildlife. What it boils down to is ineffective and overcommitted leadership, and lack of courageous political will. One of the most alarming things I learned about our current mayor is that when asked about keeping public lands in public hands she was quoted saying, “Never say never,” which reveals a total disconnect with our community’s objectives and economy. That comment is incomprehensible when it’s pretty well documented that the pristine ecosystem we have is likely due to the immensity of public lands surrounding us. If current leadership doesn’t get it, how can we expect her to steer the ship—especially with the urgency of our environmental issues mounting?
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Chambers: Depends on who you ask, but I’d say housing and conservation issues are tied for first, and are inextricably linked. We need people/workers who are truly invested in our community full time, which involves being able to live here, which in turn results in knowledgeable residents who care for and protect our ecosystem and home. The “turnover” economy/community doesn’t serve the community, our beloved valley, or us. I’m actually looking at “old” ideas. Most recently, I’ve begun looking into building cooperatives, such as were used in Nova Scotia in the 1930-40s. (Coincidentally apropos: Gov. Mead declared October “Cooperative Month.”) Apparently, there was some movement in this direction in the 90s in Jackson. I’d like to know what stalled it, and what we can do to encourage and support local workers and families to embark on this process. Everyone says housing is a problem we’ve had forever, which should tell us what we keep trying doesn’t work. Incentivizing the private sector to build affordable housing is akin to full-throttling the gentrification we’re already experiencing; essentially it disproportionately adds even more wealthy inhabitants to an uneven housing market, which in it of itself dismantles the community as we know it.
Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Chambers: Hire a transportation director and then let this person work with the planning department to move us forward; don’t micromanage him/her. Also, let’s keep the focus on the greater good of what future changes will bring with regard to protecting our environment and ensuring we maintain a sense of community. Changes are scary but they are a constant. We need to adapt to survive as a community and to simultaneously protect our delicate ecosystem.
ELECTION ISSUE
Jackson town council
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
22 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
for deed-restricted workforce housing, so that employers and employees can take care of their own housing needs without massive taxpayer subsidies. I support using SPET initiatives to fund workforce housing for public sector workers (first responders, teachers, etc.) on land the government already owns.
Q: Transportation goes handin-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Grossman: Jackson is maxed out with people and cars. We need to refrain from expanding development rights except for deed-restricted housing and incentives for open space. We need to focus new development into the walkable commercial urban core where people can live a less carcentric lifestyle with easy access to work, shopping, entertainment, transit and pathways. We need to remove the parking requirement from deed-restricted housing in the Workforce Housing Overlay to make the housing more affordable and to reduce the impact of the added density on our traffic problem. The Workforce Housing Overlay will create more demand for START, pathways, ride-sharing and zip cars. START should expand in response to increased demand with funding from SPET for additional buses. We need to let the traffic engineering studies guide us on how best to get traffic flowing properly. All options to optimize, expand, and connect our roads should be on the table; prioritized by return on investment with attention to the concerns of affected neighborhoods
this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Grossman: I oppose the general excise tax increase. The hundreds of millions of dollars it will raise over the next 20 years will largely be used for expensive lip service. Using public money to subsidize housing for private sector employees is corporate welfare. Using public money to buy land for housing at free market rates is a huge rip-off to the taxpayers, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars in subsidies per unit allow only a handful of units to be built each year. We are being sold a bill of goods when local government tells us that pouring over 100 million dollars of blank check money into START over the next 20 years will solve our traffic problems. Right now START handles 1 percent of our traffic. In 20 years the best-case scenario is that it will handle 3 percent of our traffic. START is important, but it’s not a game changer. The council is playing a shell game with SPET by letting it expire after the Budge slide is paid off so that it can claim the general excise tax increase is tax rate neutral. The council knows full well that SPET is coming back at the first opportunity, and our tax rate will rise to 7 percent.
“we need to refrain from expanding development rights except for deedrestricted housing and incentives for open space.” - judd grossman
Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for
Q: Has the town done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the town do better? Grossman: My conservation priorities are to protect open space, wildlife habitat and stable neighborhoods. Overpopulation is putting tremendous pressure on our resources. By halting the expansion of development rights except for deed-restricted housing and incentives for open space, and by focusing development into the walkable commercial urban core and leaving the county as rural as possible, we will
avoid increasing the pressure on our natural resources any more than is necessary. Other town specific conservation issues include: looking for ways to rehabilitate Cache Creek as it runs through town, revitalizing Flat Creek as a greenway, making sure that our new LDRs transition properly from the urban core to the wildlands that border town, and preventing Snow King from expanding its footprint in a way that scars and industrializes adjacent wildlands. Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Grossman: The Integrated Transportation Plan and the Workforce Housing Action Plan passed without proper examination. I will be the watchdog on the council to make sure the tough questions are asked and answered. The council has a habit of moving into spin mode too quickly and not deliberating properly. I will make sure that the town shows its work, like on a math test, so that the public can be truly informed and not just manipulated by slogans and pandering. The revision of the District 2 ordinances should wait until after the November 8 election and the new council is seated. The current council was rebuked by the voters in the referendum, and they should not rush to push through a half-baked revision before the election to be able to say they got “something” done. We need to get it right this time. In addition to the 100,000 square feet of short-term rental potential, the District 2 bonus tool also contains a little discussed 1,200 units of unrestricted free market residential. That’s over twice as many units as contained in Rafter J. The traffic and housing implications of those unrestricted units has received almost no attention in this process.
Hailey Morton Levinson
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Levinson: A community is made up of people.
ELECTION ISSUE
We need people living and working here to be a community. Looking to keep working families living and working in Jackson, I support a multi-faceted approach to promote workforce housing. This includes land development regulation revisions and rezoning of areas consistent with the 2012 Comprehensive Plan focused on community character. Housing constructed with public subsidies will be deedrestricted to ensure affordability for the workforce, prioritizing rentals, and targeting those earning less than 120 percent of area median income. I support partnering with the private sector to construct deed-restricted workforce housing on purchased sites or on land currently owned by the town or county so that they stay affordable.
“looking to keep working families living and working in jackson, i support a multi-faceted approach to promote workforce housing.” - hailey morton levinson
Q: Has the town done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the town do better? Levinson: Town and county have a role of protecting wildlife through our built environment and through land use policies. For example, integrating wildlifefriendly zoning laws such as permeable fences, landscape spacing, concentrating density, etc., are ways we can protect wildlife. It is important to me to look at our transportation plan and how things such as wildlife crossings or improved alternative transportation will save wildlife and improve our ecosystem stewardship. Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Levinson: Addressing our residential LDRs is
Jim Stanford
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Housing is the No. 1 issue. While finding housing always has been a challenge, in the last few years the problem has become much worse. There simply aren’t any places to rent at times, and rents have skyrocketed. Commuting from neighboring states and counties is only part of the solution—our roads can’t handle the traffic, and those commuters wind up planting roots in their home communities, not in Jackson Hole. Who’s going to volunteer for search and rescue, the fire department, to coach youth sports, or serve on the planning commission in coming years? Investments in affordable housing help retain that community. We need to continue building deed-restricted affordable housing, and increasing our supply of housing overall. We need to fund and build the Housing Trust project at Redmond and Hall, and finish the third phase of The Grove. That’s a total of 52 affordable rental and ownership homes, fully approved and ready to go. We need to zone for more housing in the residential areas of town: allowing for duplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts and apartments—thoughtfully designed to blend into single-family neighborhoods. The commercial strip along south Highway 89 (between the “Y” and Smith’s) is ripe for redesign into a mixed-use neighborhood of commercial and residential. It’s time to look at northern South Park, too, as envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan. Finally, we have to continue cracking down on illegal short-term rentals, which are reducing the supply of housing that should be available to people working here.
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Q: Transportation goes handin-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Levinson: For a small town, we have made some significant strides in our transportation system. It’s impressive that our START ridership is close to one million per year. Demand on the roads between Teton Village and town has increased only slightly if at all during the winter. That’s great transportation demand management. We recently modified our town shuttle to make it more convenient to use for commuting. As a one-car household, my family uses the bus to commute to work and run errands. Walking and biking are part of our transportation system too. Increased safety, signage, sidewalks, and routes have made these modes of transportation easier for locals and visitors alike. While we have made great strides, we know there are still ways we can improve. Looking at how to be more efficient with our resources is always a consideration I think about.
a high priority. Continuing to work on housing and transportation is always a priority. Housing mitigation and a parking study on this coming year’s work program play into that.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Levinson: Our community has set priorities through the Comprehensive Plan. When we look at funding housing and transportation, we know a dedicated funding source that can be applied to all aspects of our needs (i.e. maintenance, operations and capital) is necessary. With a general tax, we are able to address those needs. SPET is restricted towards capital needs, which allows great projects to be built but doesn’t provide a plan for maintenance and operations. That’s where the general tax gives our community the reliability we need to make progress and a lasting effort on our priorities.
ELECTION ISSUE
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Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Stanford: It’s bewildering how many residents oppose upgrades to our road network yet continue to drive everywhere. The Integrated Transportation Plan lays out choices: We can reduce our vehicle trips by taking transit or pathways, but if we cross thresholds of traffic and congestion, then it’s time to consider capital projects. I support improving connectivity of our road network, relying on good design and traffic modeling. We need to continue investing in transit, particularly commuter routes and summer service to Teton Village. We need to better integrate bicycling with transit, and we need to continue building sidewalks and improving cross-town bike routes.
way of funding town and county government. The overall tax rate stays the same at 6 percent, but the town is better positioned to budget for staffing, fuel, insurance and other ongoing operational costs. We cannot make significant investments in transportation and housing without it. The town levies no property tax and receives no property tax revenue from Teton County. The town budget is tight, and we have been relying on state grants to bridge the gap between the rising cost of services and sales tax collections. Those grants have been cut sharply, and the state budget predicament is grim. It would be foolish for the town not to utilize all of our local funding options and instead slash services that residents depend on. The Community Priorities Fund is a way to dedicate sales tax revenue from the general penny toward housing and transportation. It allows our engineers, public works team, and planning and housing staff to budget strategically, with a recurring stream of revenue. It also provides transparency for the voters who will approve the tax or call for its repeal in future years. The 50-50 split can be adjusted as needs dictate.
“another priority for me is the future of snow king. do we want the town hill to be a community ski area, or a commercial resort with amusement park attractions?” - Jim stanford
Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Stanford: I have been a strong supporter of the 1 percent general revenue tax. It’s a more effective
Q: Has the town done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the town do better?
Stanford: I just watched a mother and baby moose browse on shrubs beside St. John’s Episcopal Church; so it’s reassuring to know wildlife is still welcome downtown. The town has a great opportunity to enhance natural resources along the Flat Creek corridor. We have begun discussing the concept of a Flat Creek “blueway,” where habitat could be restored, setbacks widened and pedestrian/bike access improved in return for redevelopment incentives. We’re also embarking on a major infrastructure project involving stormwater drainage and the Cache Creek “tubes,”—the ad hoc network of culverts and pipes through which Cache Creek flows underground. This has the potential to improve the health of Flat Creek. Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Stanford: Another priority for me is the future of Snow King. Do we want the Town Hill to be a community ski area, or a commercial resort like Teton Village with amusement park attractions? Is the plan for the resort district, drafted from 1998 to 2000, still what the community desires or needs? Would we rather have high-end condos at the base or housing? My goals are preserving public access for hiking, biking and skiing; being a good steward of the mountain and having a thorough, public process to decide its future. Nearly all of the ski area is on public land—town or national forest. We should decide how it will be managed. PJH
ELECTION ISSUE
teton county Commissioner
(TWO OPEN SEATS) Candidates:
Trey Davis-R, Greg Epstein-D, Nikki Gill-R, Natalia D. Macker-D (incumbent) Trey Davis-R
Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore?
Q: Has the county done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the county do better? Davis: The county can always improve the protection of natural resources, including wildlife. There are always answers to getting better, we just need to find them. I support funding for wildlife underpasses and overpasses that are part of the ITP. A wildlife crossing study is set for completion next year, and I look forward to considering some areas identified for such crossings. Additionally, the study of the effects of septic tanks on our water system is another example of information that might be useful to improve the water in our streams and our fisheries. Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Davis: Collaborating and working on housing solutions immediately so that workforce rentals can get on the ground. I will support rental housing projects that are shovel-ready and will support public-private partnerships to get housing built sooner versus later. I would also like to get our local resident Latinos more involved in our community.
Greg Epstein-D
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing?
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Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Davis: My ideas include modular homes in the shortterm to afford rental options in the town and county. [I would look at] START Bus land, fairgrounds, possibly Virginian trailer park (public-private partnership) or the Stilson lot. I will also promote co-op and rental projects in the long-term and public-private partnerships to get them built. For example, a large rental project in Hog Island makes sense with the new school being built, as does adequate transportation options such as the START Bus to and from town. I support START Bus options to and from Rafter J, Melody Ranch, Hog Island, Game Creek, and Hoback, which will promote alternative transportation for our workforce within Teton County.
Davis: I would like to see SPET explored to contribute to a funding source for housing and transportation. SPET funds can be earmarked by voters and utilized for a specific purpose. As of now, three votes of an elected body can change a general sales tax designation, as can a vote of three at a regular budget meeting. This makes me nervous with the potential of budget cuts from the state, along with any county emergency that could arise and require monies from the general fund.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Davis: The county and town can take opportunities to negotiate public-private partnerships by purchasing units or providing monies so more income-restricted units can be offered to the public. Other immediate solutions could be similar public-private partnerships such as the West View Town Homes Development being proposed on Highway 22, the Virginian RV Campground for immediate options during the winter months, and the Redmond-Hall rental project, which is shovel-ready.
Longer-term solutions can include the five acres of property owned by the Teton County Housing Authority on Kennel Lane by the Aspens. These are all at different locations to fit the different needs of our Teton County communities. Housing is one of the highest issues facing the valley. I believe that it is most important for the community that the location of projects allow for the highest number of rental units possible, that there be a mix of unit types (one-, two- and three-bedroom rentals or ownership), and that construction projects be managed well with strict oversight to keep the cost as minimal as possible, and that the timeframe for getting units on the ground be as quick as possible.
ELECTION ISSUE
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at possible overpass/underpass solutions, and educate the public to be on the lookout for animals on the roads. Highway 390 is a good example of some of these solutions in action by reducing driving speeds at night.
Epstein: We must utilize all of our resources to address the lack of stable housing options. We need to pass the Community Priorities 1 percent sales tax to help fund housing solutions. We also need to change our land development regulations to make it easier for private developers and new businesses to create affordable and employee housing requirements. In addition, the town and county housing departments must work with housing organizations, developers, and employers to increase our stock of deed-restricted rental housing.
Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Epstein: I support “Town as Heart” and complete neighborhoods with smart alternative transportation connections that encourage residents to reduce singleoccupancy vehicle trips and the total number of vehicles on the road. Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Epstein: I support the Community Priorities 1 percent sales tax. We as a community cannot afford to let this opportunity slip by. With budget cuts coming from the state of Wyoming, and having our own set of community issues, we need to control our own fiscal future. This means we must leverage the four million annual Jackson Hole visitors who pay nearly two-thirds of our yearly general fund revenue. Our time is now to ensure government confidence within the community, and solidify an opportunity to create solutions for our housing and transportation needs. Otherwise we will have to use more inefficient measures like SPET, and keep the lodging tax intact in 2018 to support our community’s ongoing needs.
Q: Has the county done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the county do better? Epstein: Protecting our wildlife and natural resources is a high priority for future development and transportation planning within the county. As Teton County moves forward with our long-term transit and housing plans, interactions with wildlife will become even more common if we do not take the necessary steps. By considering complete neighborhoods and “Town As Heart,” we can reduce sprawl into natural habitat and migration corridors. In addition, we must reduce unnecessary vehicles on the road, slow traffic down, look
Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Epstein: In addition to our workforce housing and transportation issues, I intend to highlight the overall wellbeing of our community. This includes focusing on the necessary funding and support for various social services/agencies. For example: mental health care, counseling, elderly care, childcare, literacy and the needs of the underserved. Regarding transportation, Teton County is not on WYDOT’s highway improvement schedule until 2022. In the meantime, I support a cultural shift away from our over-reliance of single-occupancy motor vehicles. As stated in the Teton County Integrated Transportation Plan, creating a transportation authority will help centralize our community’s transit needs and solutions. Other solutions include expanding START Bus schedules and service county-wide and regionally—make it easy, convenient and efficient. I also support commuting by bicycle on our pathway system, funding a Town of Jackson bike share program, and prioritizing complete streets. Finally, we need to establish a plan with WYDOT that takes into consideration our future community vision by looking at innovative traffic mitigation solutions such as roundabouts and HOV lanes to keep traffic moving before building wider roads in Teton County.
Nikki Gill-R Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Gill: Keeping our workforce local is my number one priority. It’s of the utmost importance for the overall health of our community. There are solutions and they can only be achieved with swift action and cooperation. If you take a look at the metrics to date, the private sector has built over 90 percent of the existing workforce housing. Given that, I will work to help the private sector continue to build the lion’s share of new workforce housing. There isn’t one silver bullet that will solve all of our housing troubles. It’s going to take the efforts of the Housing Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and the private sector working in concert with one another. Time is money, so why not fast-track quality—private sector proposals that create workforce housing without the use of taxpayer dollars. If our goal is to build housing, we should enable internal staff reviews to be
faster in order to get more private sector workforce housing projects done. It’s going to take all different types of housing to help with the housing crisis. Market rate and affordable rentals, deed-restricted housing, employment based housing, caretaker apartments, and accessory units will all help in keeping our workforce local.
Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Gill: The frustrating traffic we’ve experienced these last couple of years doesn’t have to be the new normal. The county needs to stop kicking the can down the road on decisions that could take hundreds of vehicles off the road every day. People want solutions. Safety requires it. Wildlife needs it. The winter park-and-ride program at Stilson is the only one of its kind in Teton County, and it has proven success. Why not continue this program into the summer? Right now, during the summer months, a START bus only stops at Stilson if a rider calls and waits. Implementing this program during peak summer traffic months has the potential to take hundreds of cars off the road. Doing nothing at Stilson in the summer is unacceptable. I will help with common sense action so that summers to come are much different for people and for wildlife. Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Gill: The current proposal lacks definition. We need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a more defined, concrete proposal that’s project-specific before we implement a general tax increase. I want housing. I want traffic reduction. I support funding housing and transportation projects in our community through the use of SPET. That way the entire community gets a voice in which projects to support. The role of government is to be honest, use common sense, and safeguard the public’s trust. I think SPET is a good tool to ensure that happens. The money collected through SPET is legally bound to each specific project. In contrast, no future commission can be legally bound to spend general sales tax dollars on transportation and housing. In the end, I support transparent, focused, and competitively bid projects.
Q: Has the county done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the county do better? Gill: Stewardship is more than just a word for me; it’s something I practice daily. It’s an ethic. Our ranch is home to elk, bald eagles, moose, deer, fish, and the list goes on. My family has been stewards of this land for five generations. I’m proud of that and I want to be able to pass it on to the next generation of my family. Wildlife deaths on our roadways are a top concern of mine. We need to reduce speeds. We need to educate drivers. And we need to work with landowners before we turn to regulation. I support widening shoulders on select roads in order to provide more space for animals and emergency vehicles. We can look at areas where there is dense vegetation next to high mortality points and address that so our valley’s beautiful wildlife has a better chance of survival as they cross our roads. Q: What are some of your highest priorities?
Natalia D. Macker-D Q: Housing, housing, housing. Is it the number one issue facing the valley? What specific ideas do you have, or are you willing to explore, to create affordable workforce housing? Macker: Generating more diversity in housing options in Teton County is one of our community priorities because our middle class and working families are core to our community. My focus for housing is on preserving existing stock, purchasing land and partnering with the private sector, and increasing options for rentals.
Q: Transportation goes hand-in-hand with housing. We’re experiencing very congested roads in the summer, and beyond. Ideas? Macker: Transportation priorities include improved bus service in Teton County to accommodate underserved areas of the valley as well as expanded commuter service to accommodate workers beyond traditional 9to-5 jobs. We need to work with WYDOT to address our intersections—including considering a roundabout at Highways 390/22—and I would support partnering with Grand Teton National Park to pilot a transit system in the park. If we want to reduce traffic, we need to get visitors and residents on buses, bikes, and on foot; and it needs to be convenient to do so. Q: General sales tax. Are you for or against a Community Priorities Fund for housing and transportation? What about its 50-50 split between housing and transportation? Are you for or against using one penny of general sales for this fund? Are there other revenue streams you want to explore? Macker: I support the Community Priorities Fund
because we need dedicated revenue to make real progress on the goals of our Housing Action Plan and Integrated Transportation Plan, both of which are extensions of our Comprehensive Plan. We’ve done the planning and if we want to see them implemented we need committed funds. The general revenue penny is the most effective tool we have available to us at this time, and I prefer it because our visitors pay around 60 percent of it. I would be interested in other revenue streams, but they will take longer to get in place.
Q: Has the county done enough to protect natural resources, especially wildlife? How can the county do better? Macker: Conservation is our most shared community value. I am proud of the efforts in our community—by the government, the private sector, nonprofits, and private landowners—to conserve open space and protect wildlife habitat. I supported funding for our focal species habitat study—a groundbreaking effort which will enable us to effectively update our natural resource protections. I also supported funding for our wildlife crossings master plans. We do need to look at the impacts we are having on our waterways and groundwater, including continuing to pursue mapping of septic systems across the county.
ELECTION ISSUE
Gill: My first priority is to work efficiently and productively with all my fellow commissioners. In order to do my job well it’s critical that I understand the issues facing our community from all different perspectives so I can make decisions after taking all points of views into consideration. I want to address daycare in this community; nearly every provider has a yearlong waitlist. I have friends that sign up for daycare before they even announce their pregnancy to family and friends. It’s something that needed to be addressed yesterday. I’m also focused on something practical and real: tone and character. The edgy, hostile tones of some public dialogue should go. Give “nice” a try. Civil, nice, responsible, honest, common sense, solve the problem and move on—that’s what I’m about. Work hard. Do good work. Period.
Q: What are some of your highest priorities? Macker: My priorities are aligned with what I consistently hear from my constituents: wildlife habitat connectivity, affordable housing, effective transit, and accessible health and social services. PJH
VOTE FOR MARTI HALVERSON, WYOMING HOUSE DISTRICT 22
P.O. BOX 5009, ETNA, 83118 MARTIHALVERSON.COM PAID FOR BY THE CANDIDATE
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 27
I am a Common Sense, ConservativeLibertarian and I ask for your vote.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
• Four years on the House Judiciary Committee • Eight years elected Trustee, Star Valley Medical Center • Six years Director, Lincoln Self Reliance. Chairman of Board. • Ten years, volunteer staff American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program • Animal Humane Association of Star Valley, member and past president • Recognition and awards for Constitutional Voting Excellence • Friend of 4-H / FFA and Friend of Scouting
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
28 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
teton county School District
NO. 1 BOARD (FOUR OPEN SEATS) Candidates:
Annie Band, Curt Behle, Betsy Carlin, Emily Flanagan, Nick Grenoble, Carlyn Hunter, Kate Mead (incumbent), Patricia Russell (incumbent), Bill Scarlett Annie Band Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Band: Our community is currently divided. However, the deal is done, and I support a new school at
Munger. I wonder why the board has not used the conflict in the community as an opportunity to revise processes for the future? Discussing solid options, such as downsizing Munger to a smaller school, could build consensus. That’s a powerful argument to the state legislature to provide funding for the project. Overcrowded classrooms in TCSD are considered by most to be a serious problem. Our modular units are temporary but functional, if a compromise on school size were reached that better serves our long-term community vision.
Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Band: My background is science, and I believe our public schools are obligated to teach all science subjects with the highest degree of academic rigor possible. According
to NASA: “Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 percent or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree: Climatewarming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.” This should be represented in our science curriculum, but I believe our teachers should have autonomy in the classroom as to how that content is delivered.
Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Band: Sexual education is one component of a comprehensive health curriculum. I believe that cutting the full health curriculum in TCSD was a mistake. Comprehensive sex education programs, which stress abstinence, have been rigorously evaluated and shown to help youth delay onset of sexual activity, reduce frequency of sex, reduce number of sex partners,
Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Band: Despite what I believe are good intentions, in the last year-and-a-half morale appears to be declining throughout the district. Superintendent of schools is a hard job, and the board must provide strong guidance and support to the administration so that teacher productivity and student achievement are the highest goals. The board and administration together must ensure teachers are receiving professional development and support, eliminate isolation among teachers, and create incentives for teachers to excel. The board and administrators must give teachers a stronger voice in the decision making process. This can change the climate of our schools to foster trust.
Curt Behle
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Behle: I am impartial to the location, as I trust that it was a well thought out consideration as to what was best for all families and children. We do know that we need another school, and there are more concerns about dealing with the growth and placement of future needs. Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Behle: Through research and data we can ask our kids to find the answers to this. Finding the delta between what is natural and what may be human created can be quantified. They will be the hope for change so let’s teach them how to think through it and discover the answers themselves, not through us.
Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Behle: I feel that basic human biology is important to teach, as it is science based and good for all to know. I feel that this is enough, and that parents can base their level of education beyond this to their own children catering to their family needs.
Betsy Carlin
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Carlin: I support the location of Munger Mountain Elementary for several reasons. A significant amount of money has already been spent on the Munger project and it would be fiscally irresponsible to make changes. Many of our elementary school children are going to school in modular classrooms designed to be a temporary solution for over-crowding and it is commonly known modulars are not an optimal environment for learning. Munger will allow all children to have an equitable environment in which to learn. Research indicates student achievement rises as class size drops. Munger will lower student-teacher ratios across all our community elementary schools. Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Carlin: Climate change is taught as part of science curriculum and classes. I believe all scientific content, including climate change, should be taught using scientific evidence and facts. I also recognize this is an unsettled issue for some people and would support classroom discussions acknowledging that there are various points of view as students begin to learn the facts behind the science.
Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Carlin: Sex education should be comprehensive and science based. It should never marginalize any of our students for their beliefs, but present all evidence and alternatives based on fact. Facts, not personal perspectives, should be presented to the children of our schools. Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Carlin: To answer this question I would be using second-hand information, gossip, and information I have gathered through the media. Until I am an elected Teton County School Board member I do not believe I am in a position to—nor do I feel comfortable with— publicly evaluate Dr. Chapman’s performance.
Emily
Flanagan
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Flanagan: Whether it was funding inspired, location driven, or availability—the general public, including myself, does not have all the information. The location is not ideal but I do think we need to keep moving forward. It will continue to be more about the teachers inside the building who are making the difference in education as opposed to the location.
Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Flanagan: In almost all subject matter there is a way of teaching that gives the child the information but allows that child to make his or her own judgments regarding the information. Science is about data, there are ways to teach the science and yet keep opinions out of the standards. Inform children that some people believe that climate change is happening due to human involvement. Others believe it’s a natural process. And then there’s a sect that believes that it is happening because of both. Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Flanagan: I believe any program should be developed in cooperation with members of the community (public health, pediatricians, gynecologists). Provide information about both abstinence and contraception. Sexual activity has potential consequences including HIV, other STDs, and/or teen pregnancy. We need to help kids identify their individual, family, and community values, as well as develop their skills in how to handle situations. Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Flanagan: Dr. Chapman was not handed an ideal situation. Decisions had been kicked down the road for so many years that when she came in she had a very full plate. What seemed like hasty and rash decisions were years in the making, but we as the public didn’t know or realize it. I’m not happy with how the process went and there are things I would have fought hard to do differently. That’s one of the reasons I’m choosing to get involved in the board. The disconnect in the community is regretful and I’d like to see it changed.
Nick Grenoble
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location?
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent?
Behle: I believe in Gillian Chapman and feel that, like all of us, she is not perfect. She will make mistakes and she will learn from them. She is bright, considerate of others she works with, and loves what she does. Her ability to work with others and move with the best interests of the Teton County School District is where she is at.
ELECTION ISSUE
reduce sexually transmitted infections, and lower teen pregnancy rates. The evidence shows youth who receive comprehensive sex education are not more likely to become sexually active. Therefore I would fully support comprehensive sexual education as part of a complete health curriculum in TCSD.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 29
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
30 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Grenoble: The location of Munger Mountain Elementary is the only option we have to get a school built immediately; we must move forward with construction. We all want schools that are integrated into neighborhoods and convenient to walk or bike to, but we must consider the best interest of students and the reality of the situation when making these decisions. The data indicates that the Hog Island location will reduce transportation times for students over a location in town. We should celebrate the construction of a new school, funded by the state, which will allow for smaller class sizes and reduce the transportation burden for students.
Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Grenoble: Critical thinking and competency with data are perhaps the most important skills for success in the information age. I lament that, in a time when we have nearly ubiquitous access to the Internet, facts are often perceived as subjective. We must empower our students to thrive in school and as productive members of society by teaching them how to critically analyze arguments in order to formulate their own conclusions. If we were to shelter students from scientific evidence because we disagree with it, we would be indoctrinating them, not educating them. This would be unacceptable for a public education system. Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Grenoble: Awkwardly. It’s the only way. In all subjects, curriculum must be based on science and the best practices in the field. There is plenty of research revealing that abstinence-only education does not work. We need to defer to the experts in order to implement curriculum that empowers students and, in this realm, keeps them safe. Families can decide how they want to address this topic with their children, but public schools should base curriculum on what the research demonstrates is most impactful. Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Grenoble: Dr. Chapman has initiated many impressive changes since she assumed the role of TCSD superintendent. As with most complex projects, the art is in the implementation. TCSD administration must ensure that these changes are implemented responsibly and do not negatively impact the classroom experience or overburden staff. We must empower and support teachers so that they are able to meet the high expectations we have for them. We need to evaluate curricula and outcomes in order to make improvements
wherever possible. We should proactively involve community stakeholders to enhance our collaborative relationships in the best interests of our students.
Carlyn Hunter
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Hunter: A more transparent process could have avoided much of the frustration over the decision on where to locate the elementary school. The school board trustees were asked last spring for details of who made the decisions, how they were made, and who was in those committee meetings behind closed doors with no public input. So far the board has not answered these questions. Yes, we need new classroom space for our children who are overcrowded in modular classrooms. We must not lose the funding promised for the building. If I am elected, the process will always include all the stakeholders.
Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Hunter: Climate change is an issue that will affect young people’s lives profoundly. School science classes offer a unique and important opportunity to inform youth about this environmental problem. Accurate accounts of the sources and degree of uncertainty should be a part of all school topics, and data driven and informed discussion can help empower science students to take on the challenge of mitigating and adapting to their changing world. Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Hunter: We must ensure that sex education material is medically accurate. We must instigate more comprehensive health education in Jackson Hole High School where adolescent risk behaviors are a problem, and also in traditional health content areas. Numerous studies have demonstrated that sexuality education is an effective tool for reducing risky sexual behaviors and pregnancy in teens. Teens 15 to 19 years old who received comprehensive sex education were 50 percent less likely to experience pregnancy than those who received abstinence-only education. This current board eliminated its health class beginning the 2013-14 academic year. This paucity of education may be hurting our kids’ health. Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent?
Hunter: I believe her difficulty in feeling the mood of her many stakeholders in the community caused problems. We must create an environment of trust in the school community. If we all have the same goal, which is that the children are engaged and enjoying the process of learning, we will be able to trust our teachers and administration to achieve this goal, and the children will benefit. My view is that administrators should see staff members as capable content experts, and advocate for teachers’ freedom and autonomy in order to create more than the sum of our parts.
Kate Mead
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Mead: I support the new location whole-heartedly. There was a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees to place the school south for a number of reasons, many related to the inability to purchase property closer to town within the budget that we would receive from the School Facility Department. Also, we considered the real congestion that already exists on High School Road and near Jackson Elementary School. Finally, there are over 400 children in the area of the new school that will not need to be transported into town. Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Mead: Our goal is to develop critical thinkers. All information on climate change should be presented to students from those scientists that believe that climate change is manmade and those folks that don’t. If we are doing our job, kids will come to their own conclusions.
Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Mead: I believe that we need more sex education in the schools. Parents, in large part, leave it to the schools to teach about human health and sex education. I was surprised to learn this. Currently, we do a bit of sex education at various grade levels. I believe that we need to start earlier in our students’ lives and provide more detail in middle school and high school. Students have suggested more Q&A in sex education, which I think would be a great and necessary improvement. Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Mead: Dr. Chapman is doing a great job in her role. There have been some hiccups along the way but that is to be expected. I believe that a significant
factor in the success of Teton County schools was longevity by Pam Shea as superintendent. I am hopeful that we can keep Dr. Chapman here for many years so as to continue our record of blue ribbon schools, high achievement, and excellence.
Patricia Russell
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Russell: I absolutely support the location. We looked for land for over five years and this was the only location that the state agreed to buy for us. The new school allows us to take over 400 kids out of trailers, which is vital for them to have the best education. It’s exciting that we will benefit all elementary kids in the district because they will all have smaller class sizes. We tried to find land closer to other schools, but I’m not sure that would have been ideal given the traffic congestion that we currently grapple with on High School Road. Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Russell: We should continue to revamp our curriculum with the assistance of teachers to incorporate the state standards. We should have scientifically based curriculum, and that is the goal of the district. The trustees should lead with the goal of giving our staff the best available tools and resources to educate our kids; the board definitely should not be involved in how the teachers teach.
Q: Do you support the new elementary school’s location? Scarlett: While Munger Elementary’s location would not be my ideal choice, it would be irresponsible to step away from the state funding and approvals to not build this school at that location. The district needs to get students out of the temporary classrooms as soon as possible. I understand this as my daughter has attended class in those buildings two out of her five years in school. As a trustee, I will work hard to guarantee that the district provides permanent and safe learning environments for all students.
Q: It’s a contentious issue in the state of Wyoming: How should climate change be taught? Scarlett: Climate change is part of the new Wyoming science standards and will be taught as part of the science curriculum. It should be taught based on science and the scientific process. Students should be taught to challenge, gather data, and form a conclusion based on their findings. Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Scarlett: Age-appropriate, evidencebased sex education should be taught. Students need to be given factual information in order to make healthy decisions for themselves. Parents (or guardians) should be notified of this instruction, have the right to review the material, and be given the opportunity to opt their children out.
Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Scarlett: Dr. Chapman has performed well during her first year of service. Dr. Chapman has aligned our curriculum to state standards, identified a location and received state approval and state funding to build a new school in order to bring our classroom sizes within state requirements, and added a new strand of dual-immersion classrooms. Our students have achieved the highest ACT scores in the state, and our high schools continue to have some of the highest graduation rates in the state. There were some decisions that have brought negative attention to our schools. I do feel those issues have been sufficiently addressed. PJH
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NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 31
Q: How is Dr. Gillian Chapman doing as superintendent? Russell: I think Dr. Chapman is doing an outstanding job. She came into this district to find that we were behind in our curriculum, in that we were not teaching the standards set by the state. It was a tough decision to have all the elementary teachers adopt a new math curriculum at the beginning of the year, but I appreciate that she did not delay it further. She has made many critical and
Bill Scarlett
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: What is the best way to teach sex education? Russell: As a trustee, we delegate such responsibilities as “what” belongs in any specific class to our administration and teachers. We also expect our instruction to be in line with and follow state and federal guidelines. As with any content area, we should be teaching ageappropriate, research-based content. Trustees are not educators and should not engage in curriculum development, but we definitely should ensure that the staff is working to utilize current best practices in creating our curriculum. Our goal is to teach students “how to think” not “what to think.” We want to develop critical thinkers.
tough decisions, and it takes courage to do that. She bases every decision on how it affects kids. She is an outstanding superintendent.
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
32 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
US Congress
Candidates: Liz Cheney-R and Ryan Greene-D
[Editor’s note: Liz Cheney did not respond to multiple email requests for comment, so here is what we know about the candidate.]
Liz Cheney-R Q: Wyoming has one of the highest wind power potentials of any state in the U.S. As the Cowboy State’s gas and coal industries continue to flounder, how much emphasis would you like to place on wind and how else should we diversify our energy industry? “Oil, gas and coal provide the kind of affordable, reliable energy our country needs to run,” Cheney told the Saratoga Sun. She said a nine-year permitting process for oil and gas projects was stifling investment and described these industries as “handcuffed” by federal regulations. The only area in which Cheney said she could foresee working with Democrats was in reversing the Clean Power Act with the help of Democratic representatives from coal-producing states. “We cannot run the country on renewables, and we shouldn’t try to get there,” Cheney said during the October 24 general election debate.
Q: Tell me your thoughts on climate change. Do you join the majority of scientists who agree it is a manmade problem? What are the steps we should be taking now to mitigate its disastrous effects particularly in places like Jackson Hole, where the pristine environment is directly linked to the area’s economic vitality. “I think that [the federal government’s] assertions about climate change are based on junk science,” Cheney told Laramie radio station KOWB. “But even if you agree with what they are saying, the administration itself admits that the steps it’s taking to kill our coal industry will have little or no impact overall on global temperatures.” When asked in 2014 what the Republican Party should do to address climate change, she replied, “Nothing,” as reported in the Huffington Post. In the October 24 debate, Cheney said she would dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency.
Q: What role should the federal government play in Wyoming schools? What are Wyo. schools doing right and what do they need to improve? When interviewed recently on Wyoming Public Media, Cheney told Bob Beck that she thinks the federal government needs to get out of the way when it comes to education. “There is a negative correlation between the department of education at the federal level and how our kids are doing. Common Core has got to go; it needs to be repealed. Common Core curriculum is wrong and teaching our kids things they shouldn’t be taught. Q: What are your ties to Wyoming and why are you running? Cheney claims she went to elementary school and high school in Casper. She has been living in Wilson since 2012. The Washington Post has noted that most of Cheney’s donations have come from outside Wyoming. According to Fortune magazine, Cheney often describes herself as having the profile needed to change the federal policies she says cause big problems for Wyoming’s energy and agriculture industries.
Q: Have you been following the Dakota Access Pipeline construction and protests? If something similar to the Dakota Pipeline was proposed along, say, sacred land on the Wind River Reservation, how might you respond? Cheney shows no signs of being a friend to Native people or sacred lands or water. Her father’s company, Haliburton, made $39.5 billion on the Iraq War, according to the International Business Times. Newsweek noted that Halliburton was working on the Deepwater Horizon rig just before it blew up, opening the well and sending oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. The most she has said about the Wind River Reservation is that the situation there is “tragic,” in an interview with
Wyoming Public Media.
Q: What issues matter to you most in the presidential election and who do you want to see in the White House? Liz Cheney told the Associated Press in October that although Donald Trump’s remarks about women were appalling, she still supports him.
Ryan Greene-D Q: Wyoming has one of the highest wind power potentials of any state in the U.S. As the Cowboy State’s gas and coal industries continue to flounder, how much emphasis would you like to place on wind, and how else should we diversify our energy industry? Greene: I’ve worked in Wyoming’s energy industry for 18 years. At Greene’s Energy Services, we provide labor and construction to all of Wyoming’s energy producers—from the coal mines to the wind farms. I work hand-in-hand with all of Wyoming’s energy producers on a daily basis, and I will proudly support all of them in Congress. With less than one-tenth of one percent of our nation’s population, Wyoming doesn’t steer national energy demands—so we have to make sure we’re equipped to provide the market with what it wants. As demands for cleaner energy rise, I will aggressively pursue federal grants for energy research, production, and transmission. Q: Tell me your thoughts on climate change. Do you join the majority of scientists who agree it is a manmade problem? What are the steps we should be taking now to mitigate its disastrous effects
Why county residents can’t vote on town issues… and likely will never be able to.
By Jake Nichols Every year around this time a rising complaint mounts among voters. It is a beef that comes from county residents who feel frustrated they are not allowed to vote on town matters, like candidates for mayor and town council, or other issues pertaining to town stuff that may have direct or indirect bearing on them. How the town of Jackson is run matters to a great many voters who work in town, own property or businesses in town, or are otherwise affected by town decisions. In Teton County, the dilemma is more pronounced because the county has essentially only one municipality. Jackson is Jackson Hole and what happens in town doesn’t necessarily stay there. Over the years, the frustration of not being able to weigh in on a proposed ordinance (and its referendum vote, for example), or the right to choose government leadership whose decisions will have far-reaching implications beyond town borders, has reached the ears of state legislators. State statute would need to be changed. And that has been virtually impossible. Here’s why. First off, whenever Teton County brings a “Teton County problem” to the state capitol, it’s not exactly met with the red carpet roll out. But, in the case of voter jurisdictions, it is not Teton County alone with a dog in the fight. In fact, none of the three recent bills brought to Cheyenne in an effort to change who can vote where were sponsored by local electeds. They came from Sublette and Lincoln counties.
Challenging the system The bills highlighted the core issues many of the legislators’ constituents have. One argument is not allowing those who live outside municipal boundaries to vote on town or city tickets is not fair to those with a majority stake, or who own property or businesses, in that municipality. Rep. Albert Sommers, R-Pinedale, last month spearheaded an effort on behalf of his constituents by claiming not allowing Sublette County residents to weigh in on Pinedale elections was tantamount to “taxation without representation.” Teton County clerk Sherry Daigle attended committee meetings in Cheyenne at the last legislative session where she gave her input as a member of the state county clerks association. She said allowing someone to vote in town who didn’t live in town just because they ran a business there would get real messy, real fast. “How would we administer that?” Daigle asked. “You could have a person who owned a business in the town of Jackson who lives in, say, Rafter J. But what if that person has two businesses? Does he get two votes? What if he lives over the hill in Idaho? Now you are involving another state. I go at it from the standpoint of one man, one vote.” Occasionally, an argument is made to extend town or city limits a mile or so to allow those living so close to a municipality the right to vote since they are “practically” in town. Last month, proposed legislation came before the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Interim Committee that would allow residents in unincorporated areas near city or town limits the right to vote in city elections if they are affected by municipal ordinances or rules. It’s a play on extraterritorial jurisdiction—the same idea that allows town and county law enforcement to make arrests on each other’s turf. But how far to extend the buffer zone? And proving where you live could create an extra headache for the clerk’s office. “Wyoming also has no residency laws in regards to voter registration. You could live in town one day and in the county the next,” Daigle said. “Personally, look, I get it. But I also see the administrative implications it would bring with it.” PJH
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 33
Q: What issues matter to you most in the presidential election and who do you want to see in the White House? Greene: Growing our economy, shrinking our debt, defending Social Security, and strengthening women’s rights are among the many issues that matter to me in the presidential election. There are four former U.S. presidents living today, and not one of them is backing Trump. Who knows the job better than those that have done it? I will cast my vote for Clinton, because she is the only candidate that can do the job. PJH
Conundrum
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Q: What are your ties to Wyoming and why are you running? Greene: I’ve lived in Wyoming my entire life. I was born and raised in Rock Springs—where my wife and I have chosen to raise our family and operate a Wyoming small business. I’ve enjoyed exploring Wyoming’s public lands for decades, and I have a real stake in Wyoming’s future. I’m running for Congress because this is Wyoming’s fourth bust in 60 years, and we need to start taking a different approach with the folks we elect at every level. We need fewer party soldiers, and more working people that understand our economy and way of life.
County Voter
ELECTION ISSUE
particularly in places like Jackson Hole, where the pristine environment is directly linked to the area’s economic vitality. Greene: I stand with the majority of climatologists, 44 percent of congressional Republicans, and former U.S. President G.W. Bush in thinking that man has contributed to climate change. Here in Wyoming, environmental stewardship is tied to our quality of life, and our second largest economic driver: tourism. At the federal level, I’d work towards increasing commercial energy efficiency tax incentives. Helping Wyoming businesses utilize energy efficient industrial tools and equipment will help them save on utility bills, and minimize impacts on Wyoming’s great outdoors. Also, it would be a local decision, but Jackson Hole could always eliminate/charge for plastic bags like they do in Aspen, Colorado. Q: What role should the federal government play in Wyoming schools? What are Wyo. schools doing right and what do they need to improve on? Greene: My wife teaches in a Wyoming public school, and our two children attend a Wyoming public school. I believe that the federal government should scale back its involvement with public schools, but establish a national framework that will ensure our kids can compete with other countries. Wyoming schools are doing a lot right—from fantastic technological resources to great teacher-to-student ratios. Also, the State of Wyoming reimburses school districts for special education funds, and I believe that should continue. One thing Wyoming schools could improve on is communicating with state legislators—who have mandated many tests that educators don’t see a need for. Q: Have you been following the Dakota Access Pipeline construction and protests? If something similar to the Dakota Pipeline was proposed along, say, sacred land on the Wind River Reservation, how might you respond? Greene: I have been following the events surrounding the construction of the Dakota Pipeline. I believe that the route was ill-considered and the project planning was short-sighted. If something like this was proposed for Wyoming, I would ensure that Wind River leadership would be a consistent presence in each step of the process—starting with route research. Ultimately, I would support Wind River leadership in whatever stance they may take.
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
34 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
house district 22 Candidates: Marti Halverson-R (incumbent) and Marylee White-D
Marti Halverson-R Q: What is your stance on the transfer of public lands and why? Halverson: I support the transfer of public lands to the state of Wyoming. Short of transfer, I support management of our public lands. It is legal and Constitutional as evidenced by the transfer in 38 other states, including Hawaii as recently as 2009. Wyoming can afford it, as shown in a 2014 report by a UW economist, and PERC analyses for Montana, Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona. Wyoming does not need to sell the public lands, and no one wants to privatize them. The federal government has the only incentive to sell, not the state. The federal government is not honoring its bargain with the state under FLPMA. The condition of our forests and rangelands is deteriorating under federal management. Wyoming can do better.
Q: Wyoming is No. 50 when it comes to providing the uninsured the chance to obtain health insurance, including single mothers who are disproportionately affected. What is your view on expanding Medicaid? Halverson: I oppose Medicaid expansion in Wyoming. Expansion is busting budgets everywhere it has been implemented. Enrollee projections have gone from 16,000 to 28,000. Expansion comes at the expense of those for whom the program was intended in 1965—the disabled, poor, pregnant women and their children, and dual-eligible seniors on Medicare. Other states have seen able-bodied, childless, working-age adults drop their private coverage to take advantage of “free” Medicaid. President Obama twice proposed reductions in the federal government’s participation in state Medicaid programs. There is no legal obligation for Washington to keep its funding promise. Hospitals are losing money due to the inability of ACA enrollees to meet their huge co-pays and deductibles, not because Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid. Emergency room use is rising in expansion states because private healthcare providers refuse to accept below-cost reimbursements. Q: Wyoming has one of the highest wind power potentials of any state in the U.S. As the Cowboy State’s gas and coal industries continue to flounder, how much emphasis would you like to place on wind and how else should we diversify our energy industry? Halverson: Wyoming’s gas, oil and coal industries are not “floundering”—they are being killed. Even as
markets are coming back, the federal government is depriving Wyoming of our ability to build schools, pay teachers, and meet the public safety expectations of our residents. Wind has its place on the broad energy spectrum, but it will not replace traditional fuels for many years to come. The power derived from fossil fuels has lifted whole countries out of poverty and drives the technology on which we rely 24/7/365. Wind energy is still a heavily subsidized test. It’s still expensive and unreliable. Five hundred turbines in the dry sagebrush of southwestern Wyoming worry me—one failed brake on one turbine, and the plains will go up in flames. If the world is going to transition from clean Wyoming coal, oil and natural gas it cannot be at the expense of Wyoming’s prosperity and safety. Q: What Wyoming politico of the past or present do you admire most? Halverson: United States Representative Cynthia Lummis. She is a woman of strong principles who has served our state since she was 24 years old. Representative Lummis reformed our state’s investment strategies as Treasurer, and she has been invited to speak internationally on her successes in that office. In Washington she has stood strong for our Constitution, particularly on the Article I Project. I hope her service to Wyoming does not end in January. Q: Who are you voting for in the presidential election? Why? Halverson: I am Wyoming’s National Committeewoman to the Republican National Committee, so it is reasonable to assume that I will vote for my party’s nominee. The Democrat nominee’s vision for this country does not match mine, even if it only promises more of the past eight years.
Marylee White-D
Q: What is your stance on the transfer of public lands and why? White: I oppose any efforts to transfer federal public lands to the State of Wyoming. I think this ill-conceived notion promoted by the incumbent is a waste of time and money. The Wyoming constitution does not support claims that the federal government has illegally taken these lands from the state. The Attorney General’s office told the legislature that if it passes legislation, and then sues the feds to enforce it, it will not likely win. Regardless, they allocated $75,000 to study the issue. If Wyoming ever got past the Constitutional hurdle, the Forest Service and BLM lands would likely be sold off and there goes our access, our way of life, our heritage.
Q: Wyoming is No. 50 when it comes to providing the uninsured the chance to obtain health insurance, including single mothers who are disproportionately
affected. What is your view on expanding Medicaid? White: Wyoming needs to expand Medicaid in the 2017 legislative session. It would provide access to health care for 20,000 Wyomingites. It would bring $134 million to Wyoming annually that would be spent in doctor offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health centers. This economic boost would stabilize services and inject tax dollars paid by us back into Wyoming communities. It could also bring down insurance costs for everyone by attracting more insurance providers to the state and increasing competition. Because lowerincome individuals, on average, have poorer health status, when they are removed from the risk pool, insurance companies will find the Wyoming market more attractive. Q: Wyoming has one of the highest wind power potentials of any state in the U.S. As the Cowboy State’s gas and coal industries continue to flounder, how much emphasis would you like to place on wind and how else should we diversify our energy industry? White: I wholeheartedly support wind development in Wyoming. A legislative joint revenue committee recently killed a proposal to increase the state’s tax on wind energy, which was good news for the $12 billion worth of wind projects ready to begin construction. These new projects will generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue for the state. I think there is also more potential for solar energy development in Wyoming. I’m skeptical that the carbon capture research, in which the state has invested heavily, will lead to diversification, but I hope I’m wrong.
Q: What Wyoming politico of the past or present do you admire most? White: Democrat Dave Freudenthal, our governor from 2003-2011, was a remarkable leader and an inspiration. He left office with an 80 percent approval rating. As a first-time candidate, he won an upset victory for his first term. He was re-elected in 2006 by the greatest percentage in the state’s history. By the end of his tenure, Wyoming was ranked as the “Best Run State in America” by 24/7 Wall St. Freudenthal’s approach to resource growth and management often put him in conflict with federal government regulation. Yet he worked effectively with the federal government to protect Wyoming’s interests such as getting protection for the Wyoming Range. Freudenthal focused on education, communitybuilding, and resource preservation. Q: Who are you voting for in the presidential election? Why? White: Hillary Clinton. I want to fix the many problems with the American Health Care Act rather than throw it out, and so does she. She has always been an advocate for children and families. She is the most qualified candidate. PJH
Fall Residential Yard Waste Collection 3 DAYS ONLY
NOVEMBER 4TH, 5TH, AND 6TH •
Drop-off event only – NO CURBSIDE PICKUP - Bring your leaves, grass and branches either loose (pickup truck) or in compostable paper bags to the Rodeo Grounds Parking Lot between 9am and 4pm.
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Free compostable yard waste bags available at Town Hall and the Recycling Center
•
Residential Yard Waste Only – No Trash, No Dog Poo!
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County Residents – the Trash Transfer Station will accept residential yard waste at no charge during regular business hours the week of October 31, Monday – Saturday. • Yard waste will be composted locally by Terra Firma Organics rather than trucked 100 miles to the landfill
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Drop off Halloween Jack-OLanterns for free so that they can be composted locally rather than entombed in the landfill
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH AT THE RODEO GROUNDS PARKING LOT FROM 9AM TO 4PM
Fire Engine Ladder Pumpkin Drop at High Noon, and on the hour until 4pm. Seasonal treats and hot apple cider provided.
CALL 733-7678 FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR VISIT WWW.TETONWYO.ORG/RECYCLE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Great Pumpkin Round-Up!
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 35
ELECTION ISSUE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
36 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
Penny Lane Talking the pros and cons of the general excise tax.
A
By Jake Nichols
round-robin panel of four debated the merits of a one percent local option sales tax at the League of Women Voters forum October 19. Proceeds from the tax would be dedicated for use on housing and transportation issues in the valley. A Community Priorities Fund has been established by both the town and county, but is awaiting an actual revenue stream. The backside of the November 8 general election ballot will include a general sales tax option, which, if it passes, is expected to generate about $12M a year, to be split 55-45 percent between the county and town, and used 50-50 for housing and transportation. Luther Propst and Mark Newcomb represented the pro tax side. Propst is the county Democratic Party chair and representative of the Community Priorities Coalition. Newcomb is a county commissioner.
Climate and Conservation
John “Tote” Turner and Bob Culver argued against the tax. Turner is the interim chair of the county Republican Party. Culver is a politically active private citizen. The big take-away from the debate is over the type of tax, and whether it is best suited to tackle ongoing housing and transportation problems the community faces. Though SPET was not up for debate, it is often mentioned when talking about a general excise tax. SPET offers accountability and specificity but cannot cover ongoing operational costs of maintaining whatever it is it builds. A general excise tax would be better suited to funding things like maintenance and salaries. “What good is a Rec Center without lifeguards? A library without librarians? Or buses with no drivers?” Propst pondered at the forum. “It is not fiscally responsible to allow us to depend on a funding source that allows us to build buildings without being able to operate them.” Turner said voters should hold out and bring SPET back in April. “As much as I trust the electeds in this room, true accountability comes from SPET. I would like to see the itemization it offers and it left to the voters to decide.” Most all the panelists agreed the valley is struggling to keep up with the things SPET has built over the past 10 or 15 years. The pro tax side argued it was an indication a general tax was now needed. Culver said it’s more of an indication Jackson Hole needs to go on a diet.
“We need to separate our needs from our wants,” Culver said. “We’ve been a little bit overzealous in wanting things we thought we needed. Perhaps we should think about whether we have an income problem or a spending problem.” Another main topic of conversation is whether or not the public has an appetite for the tax. Reductions in state revenue sharing have hit other counties hard but Teton remains somewhat immune from dwindling dole outs from Cheyenne. The invited four were split on just how important a new funding source is to the town and county. “We seem to be in a very good income position in the town and county. We had a good year. Income is trending upward. We don’t need to panic and pass a new tax that would be permanent,” Culver said, referring to the possibility that a general excise tax could, with an ordinance by elected officials, be taken off the ballot in four years and simply roll over into perpetuity unless five percent of registered voters petitioned to have it decided on again. Newcomb responded, “The county is an arm of the state. We don’t have a lot of control over our financial destiny other than sales tax. If indeed the state’s 30 percent cuts trickle down and impacts our local services here, we do have to look at sales tax.” PJH
wildlife, water resources, restoration, sustainability, mapping and GIS services, and interacting with county and land development regulations and planning groups. Combating climate change is not included in the conservation district’s priorities, though all three candidates named it as a pressing concern. “A lot of the natural resource issues we face ... are in some ways related to climate change,” Schreiber noted. Similarly Campbell believes each priority “has either a direct or indirect relationship to climate change.”
flooding, which decreases water quality and erodes soil. In addition, snowpack has drastically decreased in the past decade. This has an impact on many of the district’s priorities, including agriculture, water resources and restoration. Similarly, wildland fires pose an urgent threat to the region. According to a study from the University of Idaho and Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, in the last 30 years climate change has doubled the expansion of wildland fires in the Western United States. “Landowners need to selectively choose for healthier trees,” Ziehl said, “and remove deadstock.” Despite these concerns, however, state officials have denied climate change, attempting to disallow climate change from being taught in schools, and resisted regulations that would curb carbon emissions. Teton Conservation District officials have seen this resistance to naming and addressing climate change in their regional work. “It’s still a political risk to come out and even use ‘climate change’ language,” Ziehl said. Campbell says that Wyoming has not embraced climate change as a reality, though Teton County has. “These are things we should acknowledge and work to deal with on a local level as well as on a state level with other conservation districts.” However, TCD candidates do not necessarily see developing a climate change mitigation plan as their role. Schreiber said the district would probably support any county measures to create a plan, but that it would not likely take the lead. Ziehl suggested that the district’s role might be to leverage pre-existing structures to address the impacts of climate change by making recommendations to the Land Development Regulations. Addressing climate change will require collaboration across the region and state. But the district may be the only organization poised to do this work both regionally and locally. “You have to take care of the land to reap the benefits from it,” Ziehl said. PJH
TCD candidates discuss what role the district might play in developing No mode of attack Jackson Hole is one of the most resource rich areas in a climate change action the country, but it has not joined the 50 American cities plan. that have created a climate change adaptation plan.
By Sarah Ross
T
eton County faces unprecedented challenges balancing human impacts on the environment with conservation. A critical entity in the struggle to find this balance is the Teton Conservation District (TCD), a board that has two open seats. As this area continues to drag its feet in creating clear plans to address climate change, could the conservation district lead the charge? Travis Ziehl and Tom Campbell are running for the supervisor at large seat and Bailey Schreiber is running uncontested for urban supervisor. Originally from Casper, Ziehl moved to Jackson 12 years ago. He has worked for Teton County Weed and Pest. Campbell, who moved to the valley in the 70s and has worked for the environmental consulting business Biota, has been a supervisor on TCD for four years, and the treasurer for three. Schreiber is a Jackson native who was appointed to be a supervisor on TCD a year ago. She is running to serve a full term. The conservation district is one of 34 in Wyoming. It is a state entity that operates at a local level, and seeks to promote conservation and manage natural resources. TCD focuses on the following priorities: agriculture,
These plans identify threats posed by climate change to a particular area, and specify goals to address those concerns. Because of its structure and latitude, TCD may be uniquely positioned to take a lead in the state and region in climate change mitigation, though this has not been addressed this election season, or mentioned at candidate forums. The unique structure of the conservation district allows it to “seize opportunities” to work both locally and regionally in a way that other entities can’t, Schreiber said. “[TCD] can be a collaborator and bring a variety of different parties to the table to address natural resource issues,” she explained. The effects of climate change are already impacting ecosystems, and endanger people and infrastructure, Ziehl said. “Climate change doesn’t always mean hotter, drier, longer.” (A memo that Sen. Mike Enzi has apparently not received—in a 2014 NPR interview he denied the existence of climate change on the basis of a “May snowstorm in Wyoming” that dumped 18 inches.) But as Ziehl explained, climate change can mean “certain weather patterns that will create more intense storms” and create runoff and erosion issues. Increasing precipitation has already exacerbated
NOVEMBER
8
2016
GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS
RACES & CANDIDATES ORGANIZED BY PRECINCT | POLLS OPEN 7AM-7PM
The County Clerk’s office would like to remind you that the polling sites have changed this year. There will be six locations open on Election Day, and you may vote at ANY one of those locations, regardless of where you live in Teton County. All Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Vote Center locations: TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY, TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY, OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY, TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY, ALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 15 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY, MORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Moran Ct., Moran, WY. If these locations are not convenient, you may also vote at the absentee polling site in the County Administration Building, at 200 s. Willow St., Jackson, Wyoming, until 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 7th. You may also request that a ballot be sent to you, however, it must be received by 7:00 p.m. on November 8th in the Clerk’s office to be counted. The absentee polling site will not be open on Election Day for voting. Visit our website: tetonwyo.org/cc | Email us: elections@tetonwyo.org | Or call: 307.733.4430
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 37
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
38 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
NOVEMBER
8
2016
GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS
RACES & CANDIDATES ORGANIZED BY PRECINCT | POLLS OPEN 7AM-7PM
NAMES OF ALL CANDIDATES WILL BE ROTATED ON THE OFFICIAL BALLOTS AND WILL NOT ALWAYS APPEAR IN THE ORDER INDICATED BELOW:
FEDERAL: ALL BALLOTS UNITED STATES PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT
VOTE FOR ONE (1) - 4 YEAR TERM DE MO CR ATI C: HILLARY CLINTON / TIM KAINE
R EP UBL I CA N: DONALD J. TRUMP / MICHAEL R. PENCE
STATE: STATE SENATOR SENATE DISTRICT 16
Precincts: 1-10 South Hoback/4-1 Wilson South/4-3 Wilson North VOTE FOR ONE (1) - 4 YEAR TERM DEMOCRATIC: RICHARD KUSABA REPUBLICAN : DAN DOCKSTADER
L I BERTA R I A N: GARY JOHNSON / BILL WELD
STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 16
C O NS TI TU TI O N: DARRELL CASTLE / SCOTT BRADLEY
VOTE FOR ONE (1) - 2 YEAR TERM
I ND EP END ENT: “ROCKY” ROQUE DE LA FUENTE / MICHAEL STEINBERG JILL STEIN / AJAMU BARAKA
UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE VOTE FOR ONE (1) - 2 YEAR TERM DEMO CR ATI C: RYAN GREENE R E P U BL I CA N: LIZ CHENEY L I BERTA R I A N: LAWRENCE GERARD STRUEMPF C O NS TI TU TI O N: DANIEL CLYDE CUMMINGS
Precincts: 1-2 Mid East Jackson/1-5 Mid West Jackson/1-6 Cottonwood Park/1-8 East Jackson/1-9 West Jackson
DEMOCRATIC: MIKE GIERAU
STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 22
Precincts: 1-10 South Hoback/4-1 Wilson South/4-3 Wilson North DEMOCRATIC: MARYLEE WHITE REPUBLICAN : MARTI HALVERSON
STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 23
Precincts: 1-1 South of Jackson/1-3 Skyline/HC/GVB/ER/1-4 North Jackson/1-7 Rafter J/1-11 Indian Trails/ 2-1 Kelly/TVH/Moose/ AP/3-1 Moran/4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd West/4-4 TV/Moose Wilson Rd./5-1 Alta DEMOCRATIC: ANDY SCHWARTZ
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
NOVEMBER
8
2016
GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS
RACES & CANDIDATES ORGANIZED BY PRECINCT | POLLS OPEN 7AM-7PM COUNTY: ALL BALLOTS COUNTY COMMISSIONER
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN TWO (2) - 4 YEAR TERM
ALL BALLOTS WILL CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING RACES AND QUESTIONS: TETON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 TRUSTEE
N O N - PA R TI S A N:
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN FOUR (4) - 4 YEAR YERM ANNIE BAND CURT BEHLE BETSY CARLIN EMILY E. FLANAGAN A. NICK GRENOBLE CARLYN HUNTER KATE MEAD PATRICIA A. RUSSELL BILL SCARLETT
MAYOR TOWN OF JACKSON
ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL DISTRICT TRUSTEE
DE M O CR ATI C: GREG EPSTEIN NATALIA D. MACKER R E P U BL I CA N: MARVIN “TREY” DAVIS III NIKKI GILL
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE (1) 4 YEAR TERM SARA FLITNER PETE MULDOON Precincts: 1-2 Mid East Jackson/1-4 North Jackson/1-5 Mid West Jackson/1-6 Cottonwood Park/ 1-8 East Jackson/1-9 West Jackson/1-11 Indian Trails
TOWN COUNCIL TOWN OF JACKSON
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN TWO (2) - 4 YEAR TERM
Precincts: 1-2 Mid East Jackson/1-4 North Jackson/1-5 Mid West Jackson/1-6 Cottonwood Park/1-8 East Jackson/1-9 West Jackson/1-11 Indian Trails
SUSAN CROSSER JOYCE FRYE C. SCOTT GIBSON BRUCE HAYSE CYNTHIA HOGAN
TETON CONSERVATION DISTRICT
VOTE FOR ONE (1) SUPERVISOR AT LARGE - 4 YEAR TERM THOMAS M. CAMPBELL TRAVIS ZIEHL SUPERVISOR URBAN BAILEY K. SCHREIBER
FOR JUSTICE(S) OF THE SUPREME COURT A REGULAR TERM OF EIGHT (8) YEARS:
YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 39
Shall Justice Catherine M. Fox be retained in office? Shall Justice William U. Hill be retained in office? Shall Justice Keith G. Kautz be retained in office?
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
JESSICA SELL CHAMBERS JUDD GROSSMAN HAILEY MORTON LEVINSON JIM STANFORD HAILEY MORTON LEVINSON JIM STANFORD
VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN THREE (3) - 4 YEAR TERM
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
40 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
NOVEMBER
8
2016
GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS
RACES & CANDIDATES ORGANIZED BY PRECINCT | POLLS OPEN 7AM-7PM
FOR JUDGE A OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT,
TETON COUNTY GENERAL REVENUE SALES AND USE TAX:
Shall Judge Norman E. Young be retained in office?
Shall Teton County, Wyoming be authorized to impose an additional 1% of General Revenue Sales and Use Tax to be used for general revenue purposes? YES/NO
A REGULAR TERM OF SIX (6) YEARS:
YES/NO
FOR JUDGE C OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, A REGULAR TERM OF SIX (6) YEARS:
Shall Judge Marvin L. Tyler be retained in office?
YES/NO
FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, A REGULAR TERM OF FOUR (4 ) YEARS:
Shall Judge Robert B. Denhardt be retained in office? Shall Judge Curt Haws be retained in office? Shall Judge James L. Radda be retained in office?
YES/NO YES/NO YES/NO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT A: Currently, the Wyoming Constitution allows the legislature to authorize the investment of public employee retirement systems funds and permanent state funds in equities, such as stock or shares in private or public companies. Permanent funds of the state include funds designated as permanent funds by the Constitution. The Wyoming Constitution does not allow the state to invest any other funds in equities. The adoption of this amendment would allow the legislature, by two-thirds vote of the members of both houses, to authorize the investment of additional specified state funds in equities YES/NO
QUESTIONS? CALL THE TETON COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT 733-4430
THIS WEEK: November 2-8, 2016
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
n Business Over Breakfast 7:30am, Wort Hotel, $16.00 $25.00, 307-201-2309 n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Yoga 9:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Storytime 10:30am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Teton Toastmasters 12:00pm, Teton County Commissioners Chambers, Free, n Spin 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Center Stage: Theater & Story-crafting (Afterschool) 3:45pm, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Dinner with a Doc: The Joys and Challenges of Running a Hospital 5:00pm, Senior Center of Jackson Hole, $0.00 - $8.00, 307-739-7380 n Teton Motors Chamber Mixer 5:00pm, Teton Motors Subaru Service Facility, Free, 307-2012309
n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307-690-6539 n Zumba 5:30pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Ski Fitness 5:30pm, Teton County/ Jackson Parks and Recreation, $8.00 $85.00, 307-732-5754 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307-734-1535 n Sculptural Flameworking: Bugs and Animals 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $110.00, 307733-6379 n Small Scale Savvy! Hand Printed Cards 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $125.00, 307733-6379 n Maximizing College Scholarships and Financial Aid 6:00pm, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n JH Community Band Rehearsal 7:00pm, Center for the Arts Performing Arts Wing, Free, 307-200-9463 n Auditions for Dogs in a Drift! 7:00pm, Off Square Theatre Company, Free, 307-733-3021 n Major Zepher 7:30pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-733-2190 n Aikido Classes 7:30pm, 290 N Millward, Free, 307-690-3941 n Salsa Night 9:00pm, The Rose, Free, 307733-1500 n The 2016 Women in Leadership Luncheon Jackson Hole Conferece Center, $40.00, 307-699-2110
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Toddler Gym 8:30am, Teton Recreation Center, $4.00, 307-739-9025 n Portrait Drawing Club 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307-7336379
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 41
SEE CALENDAR PAGE 45
n Introductory, Conversational Spanish 6:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $110.00, 307-733-7425 n Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group 6:00pm, Eagle classroom at St. John’s Medical Center, Free, 307-732-1161 n Young Professionals of The Tetons Fall Networking Event 6:00pm, Pinky G’s Pizzeria, Free, yptetons@gmail.com n Workshop: The Power of Facebook Ads 6:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $40.00, 307-733-7425 n Songwriter’s Alley Open Mic 8:00pm, Silver Dollar Showroom, Free, 307-732-3939 n KHOL Presents: Vinyl Night 8:00pm, Pink Garter Theatre, Free,
Compiled by Caroline LaRosa
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
n Yoga 7:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Toddler Gym 8:30am, Teton Recreation Center, $4.00, 307-739-9025 n Storytime 10:00am, Valley of the Tetons Library Victor, Free, 208-7872201 n Fables Feathers & Fur 10:30am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, 307-732-5435 n Lap Sit 11:00am, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-787-2201 n Art in Translation Gallery Talk 12:00pm, Art Association Gallery, Free, 307-733-6379 n Lunchtime Learning: Who Needs a Flu Shot - New Information 12:00pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-739-7244 n Total Fitness 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Open Build 1:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-354-5522 n Genealogy: Ancestry the Basics 2:00pm, Teton County Library Computer Lab, Free, 307-7332164 n Things That Go Boom: Science & Games (Afterschool) 3:45pm, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n One22’s Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration 5:00pm, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Free, 307-733-6379 n Barbara Trentham Life Drawing 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $10.00, 307-7336379 n Adult Writer’s Workshop 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library Victor, Free, 208-7872201 n Cribbage 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-787-2201
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
42 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
CULTURE KLASH Artsy Roundup From the Video Blitz to printmaking bliss, don’t miss these events. BY MEG DALY @MegDaly1
A Year in Print Join printmaker Walt Gerald for the opening of his solo show, “Forward Momentum,” at The Rose on Friday. Gerald has been busy in 2016 serving up his unique designs both commercially and in fine art realms. By day he is the graphic designer for Teton County Library. You’ve also likely seen his work on posters for the People’s Market, the Fireman’s Ball, and on the front cover of this newspaper’s primary election issue. Gerald’s work blends the old fashioned with the contemporary. Using bold geometric shapes along with motifs from more flowery and antiquated texts, his prints are often humorous and always eye-catching. Originally from the South, his work has changed since coming out West. “I think that the adventure of everyday life here keeps things interesting and that’s why so many people like to call this place home,” Gerald said. The artist likes hiding things in his compositions so that viewers can look at a piece many times and always find something new. His inspiration is the Teton ecosystem. “There is so much going on, you can walk the same trail every day and it can always look different.” The show features Gerald’s commercial work, concert and event posters. Framed and unframed editions will be available. With affordable prices, the exhibit is a great way to get the pulse of contemporary Jackson with a historical twist. Walt Gerald’s “Forward Momentum” opening reception, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, November 4 at The Rose. pinkgartertheatre.com
Blitz Out One Percent for the Tetons, the local chapter of One Percent for the Planet, hosts its Video Blitz Friday at the Center for the Arts. The tenth annual video competition matches upcoming filmmakers with local nonprofits funded by One Percent, and lets the audience decide which video wins. One Percent for the Tetons traces Yvon Chouinard’s One Percent for the Planet blueprint, asking businesses to donate one percent of their profits to grants for conservation and environmental efforts that protect the planet. Chouinard says that one percent can have rippling effects. “I could spend hours here talking about some of the results of those grants, how many dams have come down, how many rivers have been cleaned up … that one percent is one of the best things I’ve ever done,” Chouinard said in a video interview with Jonathan Schechter. This year the Video Blitz celebrates its past of great grant making, and also looks to the future. Previous winning videos will be featured, including a project to replace lead ammunition with copper bullets, the founding of Vertical Harvest, and the Teton Raptor Center’s Poo-Poo Project. The current crop of competitors will then premiere the films they’ve been laboring over for the last week. Films will be judged by all 10 candidates running for
Walt Gerald hangs his first solo show at The Rose (left). Team Britain (top right) was among the inspired filmmakers of last year’s Video Blitz, which celebrates 10 years Friday, and artist Delsa Smith Allen’s fall leaves can be found in Pinedale this weekend. local office—town, county and mayor—with the first place film receiving a $1,000 prize. Candidates also each donated a prize for the raffle. One Percent co-founder Jonathan Schechter explained: “The donation [will allow candidates] to highlight a side of themselves that might not come across in the course of the campaign—it’s a chance to humanize themselves a bit.” Schechter said the candidates embraced the opportunity, as evidenced in their donations, including a CajunCreole dinner by Trey Davis, a living room concert by Judd Grossman, wine tasting with Hailey Morton Levinson and more. The evening will also give candidates the opportunity to show the community that, win or lose, they are interested in working together to put the community’s interests above their own, Schechter noted. “Yes, judging Video Blitz films is trivial,” he said, “but ... as it is happening before the election, it would be a nice foreshadowing to how we can all transcend whatever happened during the campaign to focus on what really matters,” he said. Finally, One Percent looks to the future. They’ve invited several local eco visionaries—including Chris Agnew of Teton Science Schools, Shawn Hill of VARD, and Kathy Rinaldi of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition—to describe a project they want to successfully address by 2026. Following their presentations, the audience will vote on which vision they find most compelling. Based on that vote, One Percent for the Tetons will award a $6,000 grant to start turning that vision into reality. One Percent for the Tetons Video Blitz, 7 p.m. Friday, November 4 at the Center, $15. Enjoy free pizza, beer, plus a raffle and silent auction. jhcenterforthearts.org
Pinedale Art Walk See the vestiges of late fall distilled in Pinedale-born artist Delsa Smith Allen’s new mural installation in her hometown. Deceptively simple, the large-scale photograph of two decaying, fall-colored aspen leaves on a pure white background both heralds the season to come while bidding adieu to Wyoming’s brief autumn. Installed on the exterior of the Rocky Mountain Wash building, “Two Leaves” beckons viewers closer as if there was a secret message to be found in the leaves’ veins. What is found there depends on the viewer’s powers of imagination and metaphor—rivers, canyons, steep drop-offs, bloodlines,
seedlings, all might be contained in the aspens’ dropped treasures. Allen says she is passionate about the Wind River Mountain range and the flora, fauna, and humans who live there. Join a celebration of the new mural on Saturday, November 5 when Pinedale artists host a local art walk. Meet from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mystery Print Gallery and Frame to view Allen’s work as well as a new show by Casper College sculpture professor Linda Ryan. “Surface/Texture” is an exhibit of Ryan’s latest work, which evokes impressions of skin, tree bark, lava flow, and other compelling derma. From the contemplative to the playful, journey from Mystery Print over to Isabel Jewelry to see new work by Favian Hernandez. According to gallerist Isabel Rucker, “Hernandez takes the simple materials of paper mache and paint and turns them into something new and beautifully bizarre.” Think pronghorn wearing a straw hat, or a purple jackalope. Hernandez will be travelling from Laramie for the opening reception and his work will hang through the end of December. The Pinedale Art Walks begins 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, November 5 at Mystery Print Gallery and Frame. Walk continues 5 to 7 p.m. at Isabel Jewelry and Gallery.
Give Thanks
Penny Lane artists’ cooperative is hosting a “Thanks for Giving” event on Sunday. Shoppers are encouraged to bring canned food and toiletries to donate to the Jackson Cupboard. In exchange, get 15 percent off storewide. Plus, proprietor Andi Keenan will have festive treats and libations for adults and a craft area for kids. “The mission at Penny Lane Cooperative is to find unique ways in which to give back to our community, provide for those who are in need, and be a place synonymous with loving kindness,” Keenan said. “We hope our doors are flooded with generosity from the people of Jackson for the people of Jackson.” The clothing store-cum-art gallery just started showing work by Teton Valley artist Steven Glass. Glass recently had a solo show at the Center Theatre Gallery. His work was accepted in the Accessible Art Fair in New York City this fall. Thanks for Giving event, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, November 6 at Penny Lane Cooperative. PJH
THE JACKSON JEWISH COMMUNITY PRESENTS:
MIDEAST REPORTING: WHAT YOU’RE MISSING EGA’S D O B K F AT 1/2 OF OOD TRUC NEW F UNTIL T W O N ER 21S B M E NOV
TALK AND DISCUSSION WITH MIDEAST CORRESPONDENT MARK LAVIE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
W I K I CO M M O N S
Correspondent Mark Lavie has been covering the Mideast since 1972. He has watched the region change, for better and worse, and he has watched his profession change, mostly for the worse. The result is--you cannot get the full story from this vital region. That guarantees that US policy will be misdirected. Mark will explain why and answer your questions.
W I K I CO M M O N S
11:30AM-2:30PM
Shop open Monday - Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm. 3200 W MCCOLLISTER DRIVE, TETON VILLAGE
AT T H E J H J E W IS H C O M M U N IT Y CENTER 6 1 0 W. B R O A D WAY I N F O @ J H J E W IS H C O M M U N IT Y 307-734-1999
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 43
OPEN DAILY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 @ 7 P.M. FREE
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
44 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
WELL, THAT HAPPENED 10:30am - 3:00pm Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys $15
HAPPY HOUR
1/2 Off Drinks Daily 5-7pm
•••••••••••
Monday-Saturday 11am, Sunday 10:30am 832 W. Broadway (inside Plaza Liquors)•733-7901
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Part Two: Hearts and Horror The continued tale of two Austrian gumshoes and a hidden trove of Nazi gold.
PUBLIC DOMAIN; NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH
BY ANDREW MUNZ @AndrewMunz Previously on Well, That Happened— Andrew and Diana Edlinger, a bagel lady barista, endure horrific circumstances and discover that they are apfelstrudel siblings, two American-Austrians who were both born in upstate New York. Their conversation about heritage led to a discussion about a mysterious lake in Austria and a hidden treasure lost to the ages… e kept our voices low so as not to wake Diana’s roommate, but our excitement increased as the conversation continued. I told Diana everything I had learned about the history of Lake Toplitz, a quaint Alpine lake 60km southeast of Saltzburg, Austria, where, on the night of April 25, 1945, two German trucks carrying crates of unknown contraband rumbled up the dirt roads of a mountain pass with notorious intentions. The war was ending. All hopes for a victorious Third Reich were lost, and in two days Adolf Hitler would commit suicide in his Berlin bunker. Obeying orders set forth by Heinrich Himmler, Reichsführer of the Schutzstaffel (i.e. the SS), the trucks offloaded their crates and stashed them in the safest place they could devise—underwater. The number of chests and their specific contents remain a mystery, however, in 1959, 10 crates were fished out of Toplitz in an expedition organized by Stern, a West German magazine. Much to their dismay, the crates contained only counterfeited British fivepound notes. The notes were confiscated by the Austrian government and burned. Multiple dive attempts were carried out in spite of the government’s ban on unauthorized dives, and many people lost their lives within the lake’s depths. More rumors emerged regarding the contents of the crates, including the thought that they contained gold ingots branded with the Nazi swastika, as well as documents pertaining to meetings between Hitler’s inner circle. It was also rumored that the crates held a list of Swiss bank accounts containing the equivalent of $750 million (in 1945
W
Heinrich Himmler, Reichsfüher and leader of the SS, a few months before ordering the dumping of crates into Lake Toplitzsee. values) and aliases the Nazi leaders would be adopting when they went into hiding after the war. Word of the crates spread to a gentleman named Georg Freiberger, an ex-SS intelligence officer, and his associate, KarlHeinz Schmidt, an ophthalmologist from Bonn, Germany. Freiberger spent most of the war in prison after being captured during a sabotage operation in Switzerland and was not released until after Himmler ordered the contraband dump in Toplitz. But still, it seemed he had a vested interest in the crates; and in October 1963, he and Schmidt hired a 19-year-old frogman from Munich named Alfred Egner to dive down into the lake and retrieve the treasure. The details of that night are shoddy but one thing is certain: the boy drowned in the lake. His body was discovered later in a tangle of sunken tree roots. Freiberger and Schmidt were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to a mere five months in prison. Later evidence emerged that the rope connecting Egner to safety had not ripped, as the defendants claimed, but was cleanly cut. After that, Freiberger and Schmidt disappeared into history, never to be heard from again. As the years passed, more expeditions failed, but Egner’s mysterious drowning was the last confirmed death in the lake. A 2006 expedition led by an American treasure hunter named Norman Scott also ended in failure, as the murky lake made
visibility near impossible, and a spider web of fallen trees covering the bottom of the lake proved impassible. Yet, the crux mystery remains: what precisely was dumped into Lake Toplitz those 71 years ago? Since the discovery of the counterfeited notes, only rumors and bones have surfaced from the lake’s depths. After sharing what I knew, Diana looked at me wide-eyed and immediately texted her sister who is currently living in Germany, asking what she knew about the mystery as I tried to Google more information. What truly happened to Alfred Egner? Did he manage to find something he wasn’t supposed to see? What Nazi secrets and riches could be contained in those crates at the bottom of the lake? Diana and I came to a simple conclusion. We had to solve it. What were the odds that two New Yorkborn Jacksonites carrying Austrian passports would cross paths and both have such a curiosity for a lost sunken treasure? Our next steps: fund a trip to Austria, learn more about our heritage, and see what else we can uncover about the mystery. “We’ll be like Indiana Jones,” Diana said. “Yeah!” I replied. “Like Robert Langdon and the random chick who accompanies him.” Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Dibs on being Robert Langdon, then.” PJH
n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398
SEE CALENDAR PAGE 48
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
n First Sundays 9:00am, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Free, 307-743-5424 n NFL Sunday Football 11:00am, The Trap Bar & Grill, Free, 307.353.2300 n Quilting 12:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $100.00, 307-733-7425 n Sunday Silver 1:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $40.00, 307-7336379 n Stagecoach Band 6:00pm, Stagecoach, Free, 307-733-4407 n Writer’s Workshop Series 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-787-2201 n The Center Presents Doktor Kaboom: Look Out! Science is Coming! 6:00pm, The Center Theater, $17.00 - $29.00, 307-733-4900 n Aikido Classes 7:30pm, 290 N Millward, Free, 307-690-3941
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
n Yoga 7:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025
n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n Toddler Gym 8:30am, Teton Recreation Center, $4.00, 307-739-9025 n THE CLAY SURFACE: COLOR & PATTERN - DAYTIME 9:00am, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $110.00, 307733-6379 n Total Fitness 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Maker Monday’s 3:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library Victor, Free, 208-7872201 n After School Kidzart Club: Grade K-2 3:30pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $150.00, 307733-6379 n Movie Mondays: Films & Gaming (Afterschool) 3:45pm, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Lightroom Fundamentals 5:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $130.00, 307733-6379 n Etching - Evening 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $180.00, 307733-6379 n Kiln Formed Glass 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $210.00 $252.00, 307-733-6379 n Apple Technology Club 6:30pm, CWC-Jackson, $50.00 - $175.00, 307-734-7425
WITH A ONE YEAR COMMITMENT: • 1 SQUARE = $15 cash OR $30 trade per week PLUS you’ll receive a free Budget web ad (300 x 120) • 2 SQUARES = $29 cash OR $50 trade per week PLUS you’ll receive a free Skyline web ad (160 x 600)
AD RESERVATION DEADLINE: FRIDAYS BY 4PM CONTACT SALES@PLANETJH.COM OR 732.0299
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
n Dance & Fitness Classes All Day 8:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $16.00, 307-733-6398 n REFIT® 8:30am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $20.00, 307-733-6398 n Yoga 8:30am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Toddler Time 10:05am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164 n Tai Chi for Better Balance 10:30am, Senior Center of Jackson Hole, $3.00, 307-7337300 n Bubble Play 11:30am, Teton County Library Youth Auditorium, Free, 307733-2164
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 45
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
n REFIT® 9:00am, Dancers’ Workshop, $10.00 - $20.00, 307-733-6398 n Daylong Writers Workshop & Retreat 10:00am, Center for the Arts, $60.00, tina@tinawelling.com n Auditions for Dogs in a Drift! 10:00am, Off Square Theatre Company, Free, 307-733-3021 n Taller de Genealogía: Descubra su historia - Centro cómputo 1:00pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307-734-1535 n Wort Hotel and Rotary Club of Jackson Hole Host 75th Anniversary Gala & Casino Night 7:00pm, Wort Hotel, $75.00, 800-322-2727 n WYOBASS 10:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-733-3886 n Whiskey’s Alibi 9:00pm, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5.00, 307-733-2207
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
n Yoga 9:00am, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Workshop: The Power of Facebook Ads 9:00am, CWC-Jackson, $40.00, 307-733-7425 n Tai Chi for Better Balance 10:30am, Senior Center of Jackson Hole, $3.00, 307-7337300 n Zumba 12:00pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Total Fitness 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Electronics/Tech 3:30pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-787-2201 n Fun Fridays: Self-directed play (Afterschool) 3:45pm, Teton County Library Youth Auditoirum, Free, 307733-2164 n Friday Tastings 4:00pm, The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole, Free, 307-7334466 n The Wort Hotel Past & Present Employee Appreciation Party 4:00pm, The Wort Hotel, Free, 307-733-2190 n Whiskey Experience 6:00pm, VOM FASS Jackson Hole, Free, 307-734-1535 n JH Culinary Conference Community Dinner 6:00pm, Snow King Lodge, $80.00, 307-733-4211 n Pam Drews Phillips Plays Jazz 7:00pm, The Granary at Spring Creek Ranch, Free, 307-7338833 n Art Opening with Walt Gerald 7:00pm, Pink Garter Theatre, Free, 307-733-1500 n Video Blitz: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow 7:00pm, The Center Theater & Lobby, $15.00, 307-733-4900 n Free Public Stargazing 7:30pm, Center for the Arts, Free, 844-996-7827 n The Bo Show 9:00pm, Town Square Tavern, Free, 307-733-3886 n Whiskey’s Alibi 9:00pm, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, $5.00, 307-733-2207
WELLNESS COMMUNITY
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
46 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
MUSIC BOX For The Greater Good The Wort and Rotary party down for a cause on their 75th anniversaries. BY AARON DAVIS @ScreenDoorPorch
A
casual stroll through the hallway that parallels the remodeled Silver Dollar Bar and Showroom paints a vibrant gambling parlor atmosphere in the 1940s and 50s through a montage of black and white photos. Enter the barroom and you can’t help but notice the bar built by a German cabinetmaker using 2,032 uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollars from the Denver mint. Music became a stronghold as well, hosting bands of the day like Rusty Draper, Webb Pierce, Ray Weeps, Sons of the Golden West and later, Doc Watson and Willie Nelson. This weekend, the town’s historical hub will pay tribute to the glory days. “As a 20-year-old, I was enthralled with it,” said Bill Briggs, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of the Jackson Hole Hootenanny, in a 2006 PJH interview. Briggs began visiting the valley in the summer of 1952. “Countrywestern was played by all kinds of top-notch bands. I would go listen to the bands warming up in the afternoon.” Not just for those searching for a watering hole (though the bar did open at 9 a.m. in the old days), the Wort was truly the center of social activity in old-time Jackson. Nearly every group in town had their meetings and parties there. This included the Rotary Club of Jackson Hole, which, along with the Wort, is celebrating 75 years. To observe this landmark anniversary, the 55-room Wort Hotel is hosting two special event nights in the bar—a past and present employee appreciation party on Friday and a 75th anniversary gala and casino night on Saturday.
My, how the dresscode has changed at the Wort... Both nights will feature country-soul and folk-rock band Bootleg Flyer. The Miller Sisters, Justin Smith, and Dave McCann are true veterans of the Silver Dollar and have played the mainstay venue hundreds of times over the years. The band spans a range of musical territory, covering Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Etta James, Pharrell Williams, Wilco, and Otis Redding along with some fiery originals. A spirited group, it’s a good bet that the quintet will be dressed in their best 40s garb. For Friday’s employee appreciation, the bar will be serving Silver Dollar classic cocktails with complementary beer, wine and food as well as offering raffle prizes and giveaways. If you stick around, consider grabbing a room at the throwback rate of $75, good for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As for Saturday’s 75th anniversary gala and casino
night, a $75 ticket will include dining, drinks and dancing plus “funny money” for gambling. All proceeds to benefit the Rotary Foundation’s scholarship program. Other activities include a live auction for paintings by Amy Ringholz and Nancy Cawdrey, raffles for Aulani Disney Resort Trip for four and a Ray McCarty painting, and a contest for Best Dressed 1940s gambler. Wyoming’s gambling history as it relates to Jackson is a fascinating dig. One choice factoid is from 1899, when anti-gambling interests finally succeeded in passing a law in Wyoming that enabled any married woman whose husband spent his earnings on games of chance or intoxicating drinks to give the owner of the business that served him a written notice saying the establishment was no longer allowed to let her husband drink or play. If the establishment did so anyway, she could sue.
FRIDAY Bo Elledge (Town Square Tavern), Bootleg Flyer (Silver Dollar) SATURDAY Bootleg Flyer (Silver Dollar), Whiskey’s Alibi (Million Dollar Cowboy) SUNDAY Stagecoach Band (Stagecoach), WYOBASS (Town Square Tavern)
The Wort celebrates its 75-year legacy this weekend. Though it states on the Wort’s website that “gambling has always been unlawful in Wyoming,” it was actually outlawed by the state’s 1901 legislature with the McGill Act. In 1904, Sheridan began licensing gambling establishments in blatant disregard of the statute and by 1905, the law was enforced in only five out of Wyoming’s 13 counties. In many places gambling tables were simply moved into the backrooms where it was said that crooked gamblers replaced the honest ones. Gambling was almost legalized again in 1935, around the same time Nevada legalized gambling in Las Vegas, but then-governor Leslie Miller vetoed the bill. These days, the only forms of legal gambling in the Cowboy State are pari-mutuel wagering, which is what you’ll find at Wyoming Downs horse racing track and the two tribal casinos, which offer limited types of casino
TUESDAY Open Mic (Virginian Saloon)
Aaron Davis is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, studio engineer, member of Screen Door Porch and Boondocks, founder/host of Songwriter’s Alley, and co-founder of The WYOmericana Caravan Tour.
PLANET JH NEEDS A DELIVERY DRIVER FOR NOV, DEC & JAN.
Call 307.732.0299
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 47
Wednesday mornings Must have own vehicle Clean driving record Hourly wage + mileage
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Early Riser?
gambling. Charitable games of bingo and raffles are also on the menu, along with what the state defines as “social gambling,” which you’ll see at the Wort this weekend if you attend. Past and present employee appreciation party, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, November 4, free, and the 75th anniversary gala and casino night, 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, November 5 at the Wort. Music by Bootleg Flyer both nights.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
48 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
n Ski Fitness 5:30pm, Teton County/ Jackson Parks and Recreation, $8.00 $85.00, 307-732-5754 n Tuesday Trivia Night 6:00pm, Q Roadhouse, Free, 307-739-0700 n Cribbage 6:00pm, Valley of the Tetons Library, Free, 208-354-5522 n Art N Soul 6:00pm, Art Association of Jackson Hole, $105.00 $126.00, 307-733-6379 n Basic Excel 6:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $40.00, 307-734-7425
n American Red Cross First Aid 6:00pm, CWC-Jackson, $65.00, 307-733-7425 n bootybarre® en Espanõl Workshop 7:00pm, Dancers’ Workshop, $56.00, 307-733-6398 n Aikido Classes 7:30pm, 290 N Millward, Free, 307-690-3941
FOR COMPLETE EVENT DETAILS VISIT PJHCALENDAR.COM
STORM SHOW
n Spin 12:10pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n Make It & Take It: Themed Crafts (Afterschool) 3:45pm, Teton County Library, Free, 307-733-2164 n Zumba 4:30pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025 n REFIT® 5:15pm, First Baptist Church, Free, 307-690-6539 n Total Fitness 5:30pm, Teton Recreation Center, $8.00, 307-739-9025
GET OUT
Soul Riding Homegrown snow flick captures the meaning of mountain life. BY ELIZABETH KOUTRELAKOS @ekoutrelakos
S
torm Show Studios and Full Room Productions will screen the world premiere of Zero 2 Hero, showcasing local riders in the Jackson Hole backcountry, Japan, and Alaska, on Saturday. Two seasoned cinematographers with 27 years of combined filmmaking experience teamed up to document big lines and the joys of the winter season. Longtime local Darrell Miller combines forces with Wisconsin born, Colorado bred, Jackson settler Ryan Halverson to create a ski film that embodies this area’s local heart and soul. Film highlights include segments deep in the Jackson Hole backcountry, an airplane drop on an Alaska Range glacier, and a trip to Japan. Storm Show’s 16th film features a unique opening segment with professional rocket biker, Xan Grayson of Ducati Bike commercials. “Motorbikes relate to skiing in that you start at zero and go to hero,” Miller explained. Indeed, riding the fluffy white stuff in the mountains typically starts at a slow pace before big lines can be conquered. Local riders and skiers include Jess McMillan, Halina Boyd, Dave Van Ham, Ryan Halverson, Owen Leeper, Forrest Jillson, Jeff Leger, Darrell Miller, Rob Kingwill, with special guest appearances by Mike Basich and Shin Bayajima (recently featured in Travis Rice’s film The Fourth Phase). This music-driven ski film boasts a custom soundtrack from Kool Karlo, Eric Blaze, Evan Gamble Lewis, Queen of Noise, Shneal, Sid Fly and Six O’clock. So if you like music and snow, it’s likely you will leave this film thoroughly satisfied. While Zero 2 Hero could not be created without the riders, a small filming and editing crew injects meaning into the film. Humans without fancy helicopters travel by foot or via a famous red box to capture
All hail the white room.
storm Show Studio’s homegrown video footage from the trenches. This enables real and honest footage that sets the film apart from other ski movies. While Zero 2 Hero may be low budget, the stakes are high in this adrenaline-tinged project. Film highlights happen in a variety of settings including when Halverson takes a three-week winter camping trip with Van Ham and Josh Mandel. The crew managed to survive the burliness of winter camping, conquering massive Alaskan spines. Then Miller climbs the steepest line of his life when he ventures up the Pinocchio Couloir on the Middle Teton. “Once I was trying to top out, it was full on and steeper than it looked from afar but it was perfect snow,” Miller recalled. GoPro Bomb Squad crew features worldclass ski-base jumpers Marshall Miller and Jesse Hall throwing 700-foot jumps off snowy terrain. Ryan Van Lanen (RV3) treks to Japan with Jacksonite Shane Rothman and Japanese mountain maven Shin Biyajima to choke on powder and bask in horse sashimi. Van Lanen recalled, “Having the privilege of a Japanese shred legend to host you on his home turf is above and beyond what you call a dream trip. That dude is truly a great friend and the true ohmatenashi (hospitality) of Japan.” The film screening also serves as a way to give back to the local community where the movie’s athletes reside and thrive. The premiere doubles as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. About a thousand locals are expected to turn out and support the cause. Since 2000, more than $45,000 has been raised for the JH Ski and Snowboard Club. Silent auction and raffle proceeds benefit this organization and the Brent-Newton Memorial Ski Foundation. Silent auction and raffle items include a 10-day ski-pass to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a Snow King season pass, along with gear from Stio, Mountain Khakis, Faction Skis and Give’r. Zero 2 Hero screens at 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday, November 5 at Snow King Resort. Advance $12 tickets available at The Liquor Store and Stio Mountain Studio, $15 tickets day of show. Free after party at Haydens Post featuring Sid Fly and Six O’clock. PJH
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ••••••••• Open daily at 8am serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.
BYOB
145 N. Glenwood • (307) 734-0882 WWW.TETONLOTUSCAFE.COM
Featuring dining destinations from buffets and rooms with a view to mom and pop joints, chic cuisine and some of our dining critic’s faves!
ASIAN & CHINESE TETON THAI Serving the world’s most exciting cuisine. Teton Thai offers a splendid array of flavors: sweet, hot, sour, salt and bitter. All balanced and blended perfectly, satisfying the most discriminating palate. Open daily. 7432 Granite Loop Road in Teton Village, (307) 7330022 and in Driggs, (208) 787-8424, tetonthai. com.
THAI ME UP ®
Large Specialty Pizza ADD: Wings (8 pc)
$ 13 99
Medium Pizza (1 topping) Stuffed Cheesy Bread
for an extra $5.99/each
(307) 733-0330 520 S. Hwy. 89 • Jackson, WY
APRÈS–SKI THANKSGIVING
BUFFET
NOVEMBER 24, 3 TO 6 PM RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
CONTINENTAL ALPENHOF Serving authentic Swiss cuisine, the Alpenhof features European style breakfast entrées and alpine lunch fare. Dine in the Bistro for a casual meal or join us in the Alpenrose dining room for a relaxed dinner experience. Breakfast 7:30am-10am. Coffee & pastry 10am-11:30am. Lunch 11:30am-3pm. Aprés 3pm-5:30pm. Dinner 6pm-9pm. For reservations at the Bistro or Alpenrose, call 307-733-3242.
cool ways
to PERK
UP
THE BLUE LION A Jackson Hole favorite for 38 years. Join us in the charming atmosphere of a historic home. Ask a local about our rack of lamb. Serving fresh fish, elk, poultry, steaks, and vegetarian entrées. Live acoustic guitar music most nights. Early Bird Special: 20% off entire bill between 5:30-6:0pm, Open nightly at 5:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays until ski season. Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. 160 N. Millward, (307) 733-3912, bluelionrestaurant.com.
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
307.733.3242 | TETON VILLAGE
Home of Melvin Brewing Co. Freshly remodeled offering modern Thai cuisine in a relaxed setting. New tap system with 20 craft beers. New $8 wine list and extensive bottled beer menu. Open daily for dinner at 5pm. Downtown at 75 East Pearl Street. View our tap list at thaijh.com/brews. 307-733-0005.
CAFE GENEVIEVE Serving inspired home cooked classics in a historic log cabin. Enjoy brunch daily at 8 a.m., Dinner Tues-Sat 5 p.m. and Happy Hour Tues-Sat 3-5:30 p.m. featuring $5 glasses of wine, $5 specialty drinks, $3 bottled beer. 135 E. Broadway, (307) 732-1910, genevievejh. com.
OFF SEASON SPECIAL
ENTREES
Good all night • Open nightly at 5:30pm Closed Tuesdays until ski season
733-3912
160 N. Millward • Reservations recommended Reserve online at bluelionrestaurant.com
Enjoy all the perks of fine dining, minus the dress code at Eleanor’s, serving rich, saucy dishes in a warm and friendly setting. Eleanor’s is a primo brunch spot on Sunday afternoons. Its bar alone is an attraction, thanks to reasonably priced drinks and a loyal crowd. Come get a belly-full of our two-time gold medal wings. Open at 11 a.m. daily. 832 W. Broadway, (307) 733-7901.
1110 W. Broadway • Jackson, WY Open daily 5:00am to midnight • Free Wi-Fi
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 49
2FOR1
ELEANOR’S
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
50 | NOVEMBER 2, 2016
FULL STEAM SUBS
Mangy Moose Restaurant, with locally sourced, seasonally FRESH FOOD at reasonable prices, is a always a FUN PLACE to go with family or friends for a unique dining experience. The personable staff will make you feel RIGHT AT HOME and the funky western decor will keep you entertained throughout your entire visit. Reservations at (307) 733-4913 3295 Village Drive • Teton Village, WY
www.mangymoose.com
The deli that’ll rock your belly. Jackson’s newest sub shop serves steamed subs, reubens, gyros, delicious all beef hot dogs, soups and salads. We offer Chicago style hot dogs done just the way they do in the windy city. Open daily11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Located just a short block north of the Town Square at 180 N. Center Street, (307) 733-3448.
LOCAL Local, a modern American steakhouse and bar, is located on Jackson’s historic town square. Our menu features both classic and specialty cuts of locally-ranched meats and wild game alongside fresh seafood, shellfish, house-ground burgers, and seasonally-inspired food. We offer an extensive wine list and an abundance of locallysourced products. Offering a casual and vibrant bar atmosphere with 12 beers on tap as well as a relaxed dining room, Local is the perfect spot to grab a burger for lunch or to have drinks and dinner with friends. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am. Dinner Nightly 5:30pm. 55 North Cache, (307) 201-1717, localjh.com.
LOTUS CAFE Serving organic, freshly-made world cuisine while catering to all eating styles. Endless organic and natural meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. Offering super smoothies, fresh extracted juices, espresso and tea. Full bar and house-infused botanical spirits. Open daily 8am for breakfast lunch and dinner. 145 N. Glenwood St., (307) 734-0882, tetonlotuscafe. com.
MANGY MOOSE THE LOCALS
FAVORITE PIZZA 2012, 2013 & 2014
Two- fer Tuesday is back !
Two-for-one 12” pies all day. Dine-in or Carry-out. (LIMIT 6 PIES PER CARRYOUT ORDER, PLEASE.)
•••••••••
$7
$4 Well Drink Specials
LUNCH
SPECIAL
SNAKE RIVER BREWERY & RESTAURANT
Slice, salad & soda
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••
TV Sports Packages and 7 Screens
Under the Pink Garter Theatre (307) 734-PINK • www.pinkygs.com
Mangy Moose Restaurant, with locally sourced, seasonally fresh food at reasonable prices, is a always a fun place to go with family or friends for a unique dining experience. The personable staff will make you feel right at home and the funky western decor will keep you entertained throughout your entire visit. Teton Village, (307) 733-4913, mangymoose.com.
11am - 9:30pm daily 20 W. Broadway 307.201.1472
PizzeriaCaldera.com
America’s most award-winning microbrewery is serving lunch and dinner. Take in the atmosphere while enjoying wood-fired pizzas, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. $9 lunch menu. Happy hour 4 to 6 p.m., including tasty hot wings. The freshest beer in the valley, right from the source! Free WiFi. Open 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 265 S. Millward. (307) 739-2337, snakeriverbrewing.com.
TRIO
FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT PIZZAS, PASTAS & MORE HOUSEMADE BREAD & DESSERTS FRESH, LOCALLY SOURCED OFFERINGS TAKE OUT AVAILABLE Dining room and bar open nightly at 5:00pm (307) 733-2460 • 2560 Moose Wilson Road • Wilson, WY
A Jackson Hole favorite since 1965
Owned and operated by Chefs with a passion for good food, Trio is located right off the Town square in downtown Jackson. Featuring a variety of cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere, Trio is famous for its wood-oven pizzas, specialty cocktails and waffle fries with bleu cheese fondue. Dinner nightly at 5:30 p.m. Reservations. (307) 734-8038 or bistrotrio.com.
ITALIAN CALICO A Jackson Hole favorite since 1965, the Calico continues to be one of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. The Calico offers the
right combination of really good food, (much of which is grown in our own gardens in the summer), friendly staff; a reasonably priced menu and a large selection of wine. Our bar scene is eclectic with a welcoming vibe. Open nightly at 5 p.m. 2560 Moose Wilson Rd., (307) 733-2460.
MEXICAN EL ABUELITO Serving authentic Mexican cuisine and appetizers in a unique Mexican atmosphere. Home of the original Jumbo Margarita. Featuring a full bar with a large selection of authentic Mexican beers. Lunch served weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nightly dinner specials. Open seven days, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 385 W. Broadway, (307) 733-1207.
PIZZA DOMINO’S PIZZA Hot and delicious delivered to your door. Handtossed, deep dish, crunchy thin, Brooklyn style and artisan pizzas; bread bowl pastas, and oven baked sandwiches; chicken wings, cheesy breads and desserts. Delivery. 520 S. Hwy. 89 in Kmart Plaza, (307) 733-0330.
PINKY G’S The locals favorite! Voted Best Pizza in Jackson Hole 2012, 2013 and 2014. Seek out this hidden gem under the Pink Garter Theatre for NY pizza by the slice, salads, stromboli’s, calzones and many appetizers to choose from. Try the $7 ‘Triple S’ lunch special.Happy hours 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. Sun.- Thu. Text PINK to 71441 for discounts. Delivery and take-out. Open daily 11a.m. to 2 a.m. 50 W. Broadway, (307) 734-PINK.
PIZZERIA CALDERA Jackson Hole’s only dedicated stone-hearth oven pizzeria, serving Napolitana-style pies using the freshest ingredients in traditional and creative combinations. Five local micro-brews on tap, a great selection of red and white wines by the glass and bottle, and one of the best views of the Town Square from our upstairs deck. Daily lunch special includes slice, salad or soup, any two for $8. Happy hour: half off drinks by the glass from 4 - 6 daily. Dine in or carry out. Or order online at PizzeriaCaldera.com, or download our app for iOS or Android. Open from 11am - 9:30pm daily at 20 West Broadway. 307-201-1472.
SWEETS MEETEETSE CHOCOLATIER Meeteetse Chocolatier brings their unique blend of European style chocolates paired with “Wyomingesque” flavors. Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit, Sage, Huckleberry and Sarsaparilla lead off a decadent collection of truffles, Belgian chocolates and hand made caramel. Sample Single Origin and Organic chocolates at our Tasting Station. Open Weekends, 265 W. Broadway. 307-413-8296. meeteetsechocolatier. com
SCOOP UP THESE SAVINGS
1/16TH COLOR AD Trio is located just off the town square in downtown Jackson, and is owned & operated by local chefs with a passion for good food. Our menu features contemporary American dishes inspired by classic bistro cuisine. Daily specials feature wild game, fish and meats. Enjoy a glass of wine at the bar in front of the wood-burning oven and watch the chefs perform in the open kitchen.
Dinner Nightly at 5:30pm
Local is a modern American steakhouse and bar located on Jackson’s historic town square. Serving locally raised beef and, regional game, fresh seafood and seasonally inspired food, Local offers the perfect setting for lunch, drinks or dinner.
HAPPY HOUR Daily 4-6:00pm
Available for private events & catering
307.201.1717 | LOCALJH.COM ON THE TOWN SQUARE
• 6 MONTH MINIMUM COMMITMENT • $25 A WEEK CASH OR $40 A WEEK TRADE ON HALF OFF JH
CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE TODAY TO LEARN MORE
SALES@PLANETJH.COM OR 307.732.0299
Food,
glorious food!
Yes,we Planetoids live to eat. Look for our next foodie issue coming December 21st
| PLANET JACKSON HOLE |
Are you a discerning drinker who knows her scotch from her whiskey? When you’re talking bouquets, are flowers the last thing on your mind? Then we want YOU. The Planet is looking for a drink columnist who likes to imbibe and write about it with authority.
• FREE ONLINE LISTING ON PLANETJH.COM
Lunch 11:30am Monday-Saturday Dinner 5:30pm Nightly
45 S. Glenwood
For reservations please call 734-8038
• FREE PRINT LISTING (50-75 WORDS)
Book now
EMAIL WRITING SAMPLES TO EDITOR@PLANETJH.COM.
Deadline: November 25 th To advertise, contact Jen or Caroline at 307-732-0299 or email sales@planetjh.com.
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 51
for Early Bird discount rates of 40% off!
WELLNESS COMMUNITY DEEP TISSUE • SPORTS MASSAGE • THAI MASSAGE MYOFASCIAL RELEASE CUPPING
Enjoy
TM
®
Transcendental Meditation Center of Jackson Hole Introduction - Instruction Refreshers - Advanced Programs
307-690-4511
Oliver Tripp, NCTM
www.tm.org/transcendentalmeditation-jackson
MASSAGE THERAPIST NATIONALLY CERTIFIED
253-381-2838
180 N Center St, Unit 8 abhyasamassage.com
Professional and Individualized Treatments • Sports/Ortho Rehab • Neck and Back Rehab • Rehabilitative Pilates • Incontinence Training • Pelvic Pain Rehab • Lymphedema Treatments Norene Christensen PT, DSc, OCS, CLT Rebekah Donley PT, DPT, CPI Mark Schultheis PT, CSCS Kim Armington PTA, CPI
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These businesses provide health or wellness services for the Jackson Hole community and its visitors.
No physician referral required. (307) 733-5577•1090 S Hwy 89
www.fourpinespt.com
TO ADVERTISE IN THE WELLNESS DIRECTORY, CONTACT JEN AT PLANET JACKSON HOLE AT 307-732-0299 OR SALES@PLANETJH.COM.
DUD e , WHere’s my car?
The Town of Jackson’s overnight parking ban has gone into effect. SO, if you want to void all kinds of hassles, listen up!
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Town residents are responsible for keeping sidewalks shoveled. • The TOJ assists with snow removal in the downtown core and along Broadway. • Residents should not put their garbage cans out the night before, but rather after 7:00am on garbage days. • Please keep trash cans, cars, and other obstacles out of the streets and off of the curbs. This saves your property and makes the streets more clear of drifts and snow. • Residents are also encouraged to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FRIENDLY FOLKS AT THE TOWN OF JACKSON
NOVEMBER 2, 2016 | 53
it is illegal to park overnight on Jackson streets, including public parking lots, regardless of weather (rain, snow or shine). Crews begin plowing at 3am. Parked cars on town streets make the job of keeping roads clear of snow more difficult. Consequently, cars left on town streets between 3am & 7am will be ticketed and may be towed by Jackson police. To retrieve your car, contact Ron’s Towing at 733-8697, 1190 S. Hwy 89. Overnight parking for 48 hours or less is allowed in the public parking structure at W. Simpson Ave. and S. Millward St. but not on other town parking lots.
Additionally, we would like to remind people:
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Through April 15th, between 3:00am & 7:00am,
SHOVELING REQUIREMENTS
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Off Season Special
2 FOR1 ENTREES
no separate checks • dine-in only • not valid with any other discounts
REDNECK PERSPECTIVE SATIRE
Serious Endorsements
733-3912
BY CLYDE THORNHILL
160 N. Millward
usie stopped by my trailer last week with her latest toy purchase from the Xccessories Closet at Ella’s Room. “What candidates are you endorsing in your column?” she asked while I rewired a receptacle for 240 volts. Susie likes power. “Huh?” I asked. “Endorsing?” “Every election year politicians try to get endorsements from columnists, movie stars and celebrities. Hillary has Miley Cyrus and Amy Schumer. Trump snagged Mike Tyson and Tila Tequila!” “Wow!” I said. “Such experts in American democracy! But still, that’s only four votes.” “No,” she insisted. “Thousands of people follow Schumer and Tila Tequila on Twitter. Politicians love personality endorsements because their followers have nothing better in their life to do than read 140-character message tweets; they feel a personal connection if they vote the same way as the celebrity. Trey Davis already has 10 endorsements from former and present politicians, the wife of a politician and a barber. But as far as I know, nobody local has scored a columnist.” I knew about the barber endorsement but said nothing. I was embarrassed to admit that I followed Mike Randall on Twitter. Later, after EMTs had performed CPR on Susie and transported her to the hospital, I thought about endorsements. I am, after all, one of the 10 most influential columnists in Hog Island. Politicians seeking my praise might take me to Bubba’s for breakfast, buy me beer, maybe even bacon! I decide to give it a try.
S
Open nightly at 5:30pm Closed Tuesdays until ski season Reservations recommended Reserve online at www.bluelionrestaurant.com
| 3-MONTH UNLIMITED
$99
$99/mo auto-pay contract for 3 months, for one person, from chosen start date
riderowtrain.com | Movie Works Plaza | 307.413.0441
RABBIT ROW REPAIR WE SERVICE THEM ALL …
4 2 8 0 W. L E E P E R • W I L S O N • 3 0 7 - 7 3 3 - 4 3 3 1
My first stop was Nikki Gill. “An endorsement from Clyde Thornhill, hum…” she said. “Tell you what. I’ll give you a free movie pass to the Teton Theater.” “But there is no more Teton Theater,” I complained. “Ok,” she said. “I’ll throw in a large popcorn.” Greg Epstein offered me a picture of him skiing. “If the column is really complementary, I’ll autograph it,” he said. Natalia Macker offered to trade a Yale bumper sticker for an endorsement. “No pickup is complete without one,” she said. Trey Davis was unavailable—he was in Baton Rouge to get a posthumous endorsement from Huey Long. Sara Flitner offered an hour-long communications consultation, promising insights to coherent communication strategies and pragmatic collaborative problem solving. “That’s what I’ll do to you if you don’t endorse me!” she threatened. Pete Muldoon offered me a towel. “It even has a motel name embroidered on it,” he bragged. Judd Grossman offered to sell me his extra copy of Atlas Shrugged at a 10 percent discount. “Sell?” I was indignant. “Yeah, sell. If I gave it to you I would be promoting a People’s States!” “But I’m endorsing you; I should get something in return!” “You forget I used to be publisher of The Planet. I know how many people actually read it!” Liz Cheney offered a “Virginia is for Lovers” fridge magnet and 100,000 dollars. “I’ve got tons of money from East Coast bankers,” she explained. Now we’re talking! “How about 150,000 dollars?” I asked, deciding to push the envelope. “How about just do it or I will have dad waterboard you,” Cheney replied. PJH
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