A special supplement to the
PRIMARY ELECTION Aug. 21, 2018
Voter’s Guide #jhvotes
2 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Table of Contents
Pure Wyoming. Qualified for the Job.
kristiracines.com
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Certified Public Accountant • Experienced Auditor CFO for the state judicial branch • UW grad Proud mother of two • Avid sportsman and hunter Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kristi Racines
MIKE YIN
for State Representative
General Election November 6th Absentee Voting Opens September 21th Primary Election August 21st Absentee Voting is Open /mikeyinhd16 mikeyin@electmikeyin.com https://electmikeyin.com
3..........................Map and voter information 4-5......................Contested: Teton County commissioners: Democrats Aurelio, Davis, Newcomb, Propst 6-7......................Uncontested: Teton County commissioners: Republicans Barron, Byron, Martin. Independent Gardner. Sheriff: Republican Weber, Democrat Carr, Independent Ross 8-10....................Contested: Jackson Town Council: Nonpartisan candidates Chambers, Frank, Grossman, Jorgensen, Padilla, Schechter 11........................Wyoming Legislature: Contested House District 22: Republicans Halverson and Winney; Uncontested Independent Roscoe; Uncontested House District 16 Republican Allen and Democrat Yin 13........................Contested U.S. Senate: Republicans Barrasso, De la Fuente, Dodson, Hardy, Holtz, Van Risseghem. Uncontested Democrat Trauner. 14........................Contested: Governor: Democrats Casner, Green, Throne and Wilde; Republicans Dahlin, Friess, Galeotos, Gordon, Hageman, Haynes 15........................Contested: U.S. House: Republicans Cheney, Miller; Democrats Helm, Hunter. Uncontested: Wyoming Legislature: House District 23: Democrat Schwartz; Senate District 17: Democrat Gierau, Republican Mead 16........................Uncontested: Teton County races: assessor, attorney, clerk, clerk of District Court, coroner, treasurer. 16........................Contested: Wyoming auditor: Republicans Racines and Winters 17 .......................Contested: Wyoming treasurer: Republicans Christensen, Meier and Redo
Special supplement written, produced and printed by the Jackson Hole News&Guide Publisher: Kevin Olson Associate Publisher: Adam Meyer Editor: Johanna Love Managing Editor: Rebecca Huntington Deputy Editor: Melissa Cassutt Layout and Design: Andy Edwards, Samantha Nock Photographers: Bradly J. Boner, Ryan Dorgan, Amber Baesler Copy Editors: Jennifer Dorsey, Mark Huffman, Tom Hallberg Reporters: Allie Gross, Cody Cottier
Paid for by The Committee to Elect Mike Yin
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Advertising Sales: Karen Brennan, Tom Hall, Chad Repinski, Megan LaTorre, Oliver O’Connor Advertising Coordinator: Maggie Gabruk Creative Director: Sarah Wilson Advertising Design: Lydia Redzich, Luis F. Ortiz, Taylor-Ann Smith Production Manager: Chuck Pate Pre-press: Jeff Young Post Press Supervisor: Charles R. Pate Pressmen: Dale Fjeldsted, Steve Livingston, Dayton Fjeldsted
VOTE SEADAR DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Office Manager: Kathleen Godines Customer Service Managers: Lucia Perez, Rudy Perez Circulation Manager: Kyra Griffin Circulation: Hank Smith, Jeff Young ©2018 Teton Media Works Jackson Hole News&Guide P.O. Box 7445, 1225 Maple Way Jackson, WY 83002 Phone: 307-733-2047; Fax: 307-733-2138, Web: JHNewsAndGuide.com
Judd Grossman
f Town Council
seadarrosedavis # see seadar run
3 Plan for a Sustainable Future that Doesn’t Rely on Growth. 3 Protect Open Space, Wildlife Habitat and Residential Neighborhoods. 3 No Lodging Tax, No New Taxes and No Tax Increases.
Our Voice. Our Future.
Growth is no longer a net positive for Jackson Hole. Our community character is a non-renewable resource that we are consuming through overdevelopment, overpopulation, over-commercialization, and over promotion.
Let’s create a Teton County that has a place for us all.
Business Owner 38 year Resident of Jackson Former Planning Commissioner
SEADAR ROSE DAVIS.COM PA ID FO R BY FRIEN DS O F S EADAR 350763
Paid for by Judd Grossman
IT’S TIME TO TAKE A STAND! votejudd.com
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PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 3
Polling sites 5
Alta Branch Library 50 Alta School Road
Teton Village
390
191
89
22
Wilson 3 Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center 5655 Main St.
Jackson See inset.
Town of Jackson 1 Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center 155 E. Gill Ave.
1 191 89
2 Teton County Library 125 Virginian Lane
2
Teton County Weed & Pest 4 7575 Highway 89 ANDY EDWARDS / NEWS&GUIDE
Voters can cast their ballots at any of five polling places on primary election day. These vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: • Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Lane • Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center, 155 E. Gill Ave. • Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center, 5655 Main St. • Teton County Weed and Pest building, 7575 Highway 89 • Alta Branch Library, 50 Alta School Road Teton County Clerk Sherry Daigle decided to close polling places at elementary schools this year, due to school safety concerns. Voters can no longer cast a ballot at Alta and Moran elementary schools. Instead, Alta voters can cast their ballot at the Teton County Library’s Alta branch. Moran voters will have to go to polling stations elsewhere in the county. Voters can register to vote on Election Day. If you haven’t registered in
advance, be sure to bring a form of identification. A Wyoming driver’s license will do the trick, but if you don’t have one you can use another official photo ID and the last four numbers of your social security number, Daigle said. The primary election determines which candidate(s) from each party advance to the general election on Nov. 6. Voters can register as a Democrat or a Republican and vote in that primary. Voters can also register as unaffiliated and vote in nonpartisan races, such as the Jackson Town Council primary (if you live in town). You can change your party affiliation the day you vote. Early and absentee voting is open now through Aug. 20. Anyone can vote early, but it’s especially recommended for those who may be out of town or otherwise unable to vote on Election Day on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Early voting is available at the Teton County clerk’s office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you want to vote early or absentee and you haven’t yet registered, you can still register before Election Day, but you must cast your ballot the
Información de las elecciones La votación temprana y el voto ausente están abiertos desde ahora hasta el 20 de agosto. Cualquiera puede votar temprano, pero se recomienda para aquellos que pueden estar fuera de la ciudad o no pueden votar el día de las elecciones el martes, 21 de agosto. Usted puede votar temprano en la oficina del Secretario del Condado de Teton de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a viernes, o solicitando una boleta de correo llamando a la oficina del Secretario del Condado al 733-4430. Puede registrarse para votar el mismo día de las elecciones, el martes 21 de agosto. Usted debe tener 18 años, ser un ciudadano de los EE.UU. y un residente de buena fe del Condado de Teton. Traiga una licencia de conducir de Wyoming si tiene una, u otra forma same day you register. To register and vote in Teton County, residents must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and a bona fide resident of Teton County. They must withdraw voter registration from other jurisdic-
de identificación, como un pasaporte de Estados Unidos o una licencia de otro estado. Si ya se ha registrado anteriormente, no necesita traer la identificación al momento de votar. El día de las elecciones es el martes 21 de agosto. Puede votar desde las 7 a.m. hasta las 7 p.m. en cualquier lugar de votación en el Condado de Teton. Eso incluye la biblioteca del Condado de Teton (125 Virginian Lane), el Centro de Recreación del Condado de Teton/Jackson (155 E. Gill Ave.), el viejo Centro Comunitario de la escuela Wilson (5655 Main St.), el edificio de Malezas y Plagas del Condado de Teton (7575 Highway 89), y en la Biblioteca con sede en Alta (50 Alta School Road). — Traducción por Pati Rocha y Teton County Library tions and cannot be a convicted felon or have been adjudicated mentally incompetent. Contact Allie Gross at 732-7063, county@ jhnewsandguide.com or @JHNGcounty.
VOTE FOR LUTHER
Luther For Teton County Commissioner • lutherfortetoncounty.com
LEADERSHIP. VISION. EXPERIENCE. Paid for by Luther for Teton County
in the Democratic Primary Election August 21 Vote Absentee July 6 - August 20
349204
By Allie Gross
4 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
County Commission: 4 Democratic candidates, 3 advance to general election Four Democratic candidates for Teton County commissioner must be narrowed to three in the primary. Registered Democratic voters can cast ballots for up to three of the following: Richard Aurelio, Seadar RoseDavis, Luther Propst and Mark Newcomb. The three top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 6 general election to compete with three Republican candidates and any Independent candidates. There are three open spots on the County Commission: one held by incumbent Mark Newcomb, and two open seats. Responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Allie Gross
Richard Aurelio
Party: Democrat Job: Businessman and engineer Years in Teton County: 18 Lives in: County Engineer and businessman Richard Aurelio said he can’t “sit on the sidelines” any longer as the county strays from the Comprehensive Plan values of ecosystem stewardship, growth management and quality of life. He worries that the county is approaching a “tipping point of destroying the Jackson we all know and love.” “I want to protect it, keeping Jackson a safe and inclusive community first, a tourist destination s e c o n d , ” Aurelio said. That means “putting our responsibility to be diligent stewards of the environment, open space and wildlife at the forefront of our planning and decision-making process.” Aurelio was raised by a single mom in the “projects” of New York City. He became an engineer, working his way up to be the CEO and chairman of international public companies. That experience has given him managerial skills like consensus-building, compromise and accountability, he said, “skills that are required for success in business and needed in government, which I hope to contribute through public service.” He would like to see the affordable housing program be less chance-based and more “need- and skill-based,” going toward firefighters, police and Latino workers. He’d also like to see employers take on more responsibility for providing housing and expanding START service.
Seadar Rose-Davis Party: Democrat Job: Musician and web developer Years in Teton County: 14 Lives in: Hoback
Seadar Rose Davis is running to give back to the community. She is a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist with Americana band Screen Door Porch and a freelance web designer. “Both careers have given me a lot of experience m a n a g i n g resources and time and have taught me how to successfully collaborate with different personalities and perspectives in challenging work environments,” she said. Davis said her nontraditional background represents a fresh perspective for Teton County and will bring creativity, energy and diversity to the board. She is passionate about ensuring that the elected board serves everybody, including working-class residents. “I want to make sure that all parties are represented at the table,” she said. Davis currently serves on the START board and is interested in expanding service, finding more funding sources and rallying the community around using the bus. Davis is also interested in balancing public and private housing solutions and fostering a healthy community.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Mitigating human impacts on the environment
Lodging tax Support or Oppose?
But I want to replace it with an alternative that gives us 100%.
?
2. Expanding tourism
3. Commercial growth
Tribal Trail Support or Oppose?
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
Until the agreed-to traffic study justifies it.
Business needs to contribute more and we should vote on goal, as growth makes it hard to achieve.
?
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage? Support staff and their current plans. Monitor and perhaps modify the newly enacted mitigation rates, which I don’t believe went far enough; Encourage businesses that it is in their best interests to either pay a living wage or provide housing for their employees because it is better business to have a committed and stable workforce. Use START as part of the solution, promoting business to contribute more so that their employees can find affordable market-based housing in the neighboring communities using public transportation to ease their commuting burden and lessen their costs.
?
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Maintaining rural character and room for wildlife.
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County?
START is the quickest and best way to “start” by increasing service to the outlying communities, making the commute easier and cheaper, and taking 50 cars off the road for every new bus route. Building more roads would seem the obvious solution, but studies show it doesn’t help because the induced demand quickly overtakes the new capacity, at a devastating cost to the environment. I do support improving the existing roads through data-driven studies designed to suggest improvements to improve flow by eliminating bottlenecks, and as a result, also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Upzoning existing lands for denser development, road building and widening without data-driven justification, Snow King development.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Traffic
2. Mitigating human impacts on environment
Lodging tax Support or Oppose?
Tribal Trail Support or Oppose?
3. Wildlife (protecting habitat, preventing collisions, etc.)
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
? Funds are crucial to our community and transit system.
?
Neither. Move forward with public process, include all users, and consider all alternatives.
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage? It is going to take many different strategies and tools to tackle our affordable housing problems, including a balance of public and private sector solutions that encourage a variety of housing types. I believe the largest need right now is affordable rentals, and that should be our focus. By utilizing new zoning and incentive opportunities for development, we can ensure smart and measured growth of housing for our workforce.
?
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Maintaining rural character and room for wildlife, and review appropriate options for housing.
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County?
Public transportation is a large part of this puzzle. As a START board member I have seen the positive impacts that our transportation system has had on our traffic problems. I support the expansion of START bus commuter routes, especially to service workers outside the traditional nine-to-five schedule, and an increase in START summer service from Stilson to Teton Village. Further, we need to add more outreach to visitors before their trip to highlight all of the alternative modes of transportation available to them.
Our waterways are being downgraded. Areas of Teton County have drinking water that is declining in quality. We can’t take for granted that because we are at headwaters our water is “clean.” We need to ensure we are protecting our waterways and that we address drinking water quality. Threats to our water sources affect not only human health but also the health of our animals, wildlife and aquatic species.
PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 5
County Commission: 4 Democratic candidates, 3 advance to general election Four Democratic candidates for Teton County commissioner must be narrowed to three in the primary. Registered Democratic voters can cast ballots for up to three of the following: Richard Aurelio, Seadar RoseDavis, Luther Propst and Mark Newcomb. The three top vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 6 general election to compete with three Republican candidates and any Independent candidates. There are three open spots on the County Commission: one held by incumbent Mark Newcomb, and two open seats. Responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Allie Gross
Mark Newcomb
Party: Democrat Job: Self-employed environmental consultant, county commissioner Years in Teton County: 51 Lives in: Kelly As the current board chairman and only incumbent in the race, Mark Newcomb is seeking a second term. He is selfemployed as an environmental economics consultant and has been a climbing and ski guide, which he said taught him about patience, vigilance, risk and listening to others. “I am a commissioner that listens,” he said. “I am thoughtful and assess the risk of policy decisions, I appreciate dialogue, and I value every individual opinion.” He wants to be a part of continued land development regulation efforts, like planning the county’s “complete neighborhoods” such as Wilson and The Aspens. “I would like to see if we can achieve outcomes for those communities that might accommodate more of our workforce without destroying or even too substantially impacting the characters of those communities,” he said. Newcomb wants to ensure everyone in the county has a seat at the table to collaborate on solutions and prioritize how the county spends its revenues. “I’m running to continue to pursue a vision for the county I’ve had for a long, long time growing up here,” he said. “That is a vision that tries to protect our rural character, our small-town feel, our wildlife values, our ecosystem values.”
Luther Propst
Party: Democrat Job: Conservation and community planner Years in Teton County: 10 Lives in: Indian Trails in the Town of Jackson Luther Propst has a background in law, conservation and sustainable planning in mountain communities. He has worked at the World Wildlife Fund and founded the Sonoran Institute, where he worked with communities like Jackson to manage growth and change while protecting public lands. He feels this experience has prepared him to balance county priorities of public lands, wildlife, housing, transportation and human services. “It’s a balancing act to protect what makes Teton County unique,” he said, “which, at the top of that list, is our wildlife and conservation and public lands.” Propst said he would like to see the county adopt an integrated conservation plan, spend more time on “big picture” problems facing the community and actively engage with federal partners on public land questions. “I feel like I’ve spent my entire adult life preparing to run for County Commission in a mountain town,” Propst said. “I have really a deep experience in helping communities make better land-use plans. “I think my experience and my energy and action orientation can help this county meet its future more successfully,” Propst said.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Mitigating human impacts on environment
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
Results in fewer visitors than people think, and the funds support Fire/EMS, START and pathways.
?
2. Traffic
3. Protecting ranching and agriculture
Tribal Trail Support or oppose?
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
It must be a neighborhood road, not a connector.
I don’t see how we can achieve 65 percent given recent zoning and mitigation outcomes.
?
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage? I would continue efforts to convert existing rural housing density in the form of large, high-end, job-creating and dispersed houses to workforce housing in already dense neighborhoods. Town is the best location for workforce housing. I support compensating private property owners to help effect this conversion. I don’t support upzoning Teton Village, The Aspens or Wilson. I support public/private partnerships such as Habitat’s efforts in The Grove and the Housing Trust’s efforts on Redmond Hall. I believe this combination of subsidy/ compensation/public-private partnership is the right formula for building workforce, not high-end, housing while protecting historic character, open space and wildlife values, and avoiding character-degrading density.
?
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Maintaining rural character and room for wildlife.
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County?
Existing policy is that some level of congestion is OK (on a level of service between A and F, we’ve chosen to live with a C/D). We need to recognize that growth won’t help and that we must continue efforts to decrease dispersed development and manage growth. I’ll continue support for transit that targets rush-hour, commuter traffic. That said, I support the public process for Tribal Trail. We need to have the discussion as a community about neighborhood connectors. Those connectors have impacts. But despite down-zoning the county and the existing cap on growth, there are around 4,000 housing units that could be built today with just a building permit. Traffic’s going to increase. Without connectors, and given the beneficial but marginal impact of transit, roads will have to be widened.
Growth. But the arrangement of growth is also critical. Dispersed growth throughout the unincorporated county is the surest way to permanently degrade habitat and block wildlife movement. Based on private property rights, there is more growth in the pipeline. We should make every effort to prevent that growth from creating sprawl and more congestion. And it’s reasonable to ask and expect that growth to minimize its impact on important wildlife habitat.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County Issues are “unconditionally intertwined;” ranking them undermines the integrated approach needed to improve our community.
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
Tribal Trail Support or oppose?
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
The tax supports critical services. Killing it provides no relief from congestion.
I oppose a roads-first approach to transportation.
We should house a substantial resident workforce, even if the number is somewhat arbitrary.
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Depends on the context.
? ?
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
This complex challenge vexes communities across the country. We must encourage creative ideas and respond rapidly to opportunities. Four principles should guide our efforts: Focus on both supply and demand. In 2017, Teton County experienced 3.5 percent job growth; at that rate, the number of jobs doubles in 20 years. That rate of growth is contrary to my vision for Teton County. Prioritize affordable housing rather than land use changes that create new jobs. Foster housing partnerships among local governments, employers, landowners, lenders, and both private and nonprofit developers. Provide reliable funding to house county employees, especially critical service providers (which helps retain county talent and improves the overall affordable housing market).
?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County?
Improve commuter bus service. My priority is to reduce congestion without adding more roads and more lanes. Increasing the number of commuters who choose to ride the bus is most economical, most consistent with protecting our community and neighborhoods, most friendly to wildlife and most likely to reduce (rather than merely relocate) congestion. I would significantly increase the number of daily bus runs from Teton Valley, Idaho, and Star Valley and make it more convenient to ride the bus. This requires buying new buses, a transit center at Stilson that includes amenities that make it convenient to ride the bus, such as day care, Zipcartype car rental, an all-weather place to wait, ski and bicycle lockers, secured parking for crew trucks, bus garages in Alpine and Driggs, Idaho.
John Muir wrote, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” With this thought in mind, rather than arbitrarily picking a single conservation issue as the most important, our community should address a wide range of conservation and social issues. We should address many priorities simultaneously and vigorously, striking a balance among competing needs and priorities. Paraphrasing Aldo Leopold, the key is to act as if our county and region is a community to which we all belong, rather than a commodity which we lease for the short term.
6 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
County Commission: 3 Republican candidates, all advance to general election All three Republican candidates for the Teton County Board of County Commissioners will advance to the Nov. 6 general election. The three — Mark Barron, Andrew Byron and Mary Martin — will compete in the general election with three Democratic nominees and any Independent candidates. All are seeking three open spots on the board: one held by incumbent Mark Newcomb, and two open seats. The following responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. —Allie Gross
Mark Barron
Party: Republican Job: Business owner Years in Teton County: 42 Lives in: Town of Jackson Mark Barron served as Jackson’s mayor for 12 years, beginning in 2003. He won re-election five times. He started working at Teton Laundry in 1975, then purchased the company and evolved it into his current business, High Country Linen Service, in 1981. He also helped found Snake River Roasting. He said his experience owning a business has taught him the value of goal setting, getting the job done, organizational development and leadership. “I really feel like we need some leadership in local government,” Barron said, “and I have some experience that I can put to good use for the people of Jackson Hole.” Barron’s focus is accountability in the county budget, private-sector housing solutions, government transparency and reducing the property tax burden. He said that as commissioner he would bring spending under control and ensure the tax base is not “treated as the county credit card.” “I love this valley, as we all do, and value the pristine wilderness that surrounds us,” Barron said. “But it was the people who kept me here, who taught me the value of hard work and self-sufficiency, helping your neighbor, and giving back. I want to represent these people who care so deeply and work so hard.”
Andrew Byron
Party: Republican Job: Fishing outfitter, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort employee, real estate agent Years in Teton County: 33 Lives in: Hoback Andrew Byron sees a need for members of the community to work together toward bipartisan solutions, and he wants to make a difference for his community. “It’s important that we take a levelheaded approach in terms of tackling the issues and working across party lines to come up with solutions,” he said. Byron is a fishing guide, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort employee and real estate agent. “Owning a small business in Jackson Hole has prepared me to be a county commissioner because I work side by side with the residents,” Byron said. “I see the challenges of finding housing for the workforce and know firsthand how hard it is to find employees to fill jobs.” He has also served on the Teton County/ Jackson Parks and Recreation Board and volunteers with local organizations like Fire/EMS and Pet Partners. For Byron, top priorities for Teton County include conservation and private-property rights, maintaining a balanced budget and working toward the goal of housing 65 percent of the workforce locally. He opposes new taxes and believes in collaboration between the private sector and local government to find housing solutions. As a “loyal, dedicated” START bus rider, Byron feels there is room to promote and expand transit service to boost ridership.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Traffic
2. Privately built rental housing
3. Wildlife (protecting habitat, preventing collisions, etc.)
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
Tribal Trail Support or oppose?
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
Revenue for START, Pathways, partial Fire/EMS and some Parks and Rec, and we don’t pay it.
?
?
Adding density for workforce housing.
The 65% figure was and is arbitrary, and tracking it is suspect.
?
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
I worked hard for 12 years as mayor to support projects that would yield workforce housing, to partner with the private sector and build affordable housing and to zone for the density that’s key to achieving private sector affordable rental and workforce housing. I will pursue private sector solutions working with fellow commissioners and the Town Council that will result in the rental housing that is so badly needed. Government can’t and shouldn’t develop housing; the private sector can and should with proper zoning.
I would encourage the county commissioners to engage WYDOT to make Highway 22, between Highway 191 at Albertons and Highway 390 / Teton Village Road, four lanes; add another two lanes to the Snake River bridge; and make the 22/390 intersection a roundabout. This may be unpopular to some, but our workforce is not going to stop commuting over Teton Pass any time soon, and efficiently moving these vehicles over Highway 22 will help all of us. While the planning for this occurs I would encourage the investment of four compressed natural gas commuter buses for Teton Pass and Snake River canyon commuters, scheduled for early and late workers.
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County? Open space.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Human services funding
2. Wildlife (protecting habitat, preventing collisions, etc.)
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
Tribal Trail Support or oppose?
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
The lodging tax is vital to the general fund and is a revenue source Teton County needs.
?
3. Traffic
?
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
We must continue the work that we are already doing as a county. Additionally we need to work with the private sector to find solutions. There are great examples of the private sector stepping up to take care of their employees. We need to learn from this and allow the private sector opportunity to help with affordable housing.
I would like to see Tribal Trails get completed in a timely matter.
?
Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Maintaining rural character and room for wildlife.
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County? Open space, which correlates with protecting our wildlife resources and natural beauty.
PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 7
County Commission: 3 Republican candidates, all advance to general election All three Republican candidates for the Teton County Board of County Commissioners will advance to the Nov. 6 general election. The three — Mark Barron, Andrew Byron and Mary Martin — will compete in the general election with three Democratic nominees and any Independent candidates. All are seeking three open spots on the board: one held by incumbent Mark Newcomb, and two open seats. The following responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Allie Gross
Mary Martin
Party: Republican Job: Community development educator at University of Wyoming Extension Years in Teton County: 43 Lives in: Town of Jackson As a community development education specialist for the University of Wyoming Extension, Mary Martin has had a hand in helping start projects such as the Senior Center of Jackson Hole and the organizations that are now the Children’s Learning Center and One22. She has been involved in community projects from Teton County hazardous fuels reduction to restaurant sanitation. “I’ve been part of creating a lot of the fiber that makes Jackson what it is,” she said. Martin teaches leadership, meeting management, strategic planning, facilitation, and board governance. As an expert in engaging groups of people and problem-solving, she believes her experience as a community development specialist has prepared her for problem-solving in the county and making county meetings efficient. As commissioner she would focus on “the people,” including looking out for children and seniors. She wants to support developing an adequate workforce housing supply, boosting morale among government employees and ensuring a vibrant business community.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing Teton County 1. Traffic
2. Commercial growth
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
It allows for mitigation of tourism impacts and ensures a year-round economy.
?
3. Mitigating human impacts on environment
Tribal Trail Support or oppose?
65% local workforce housing goal Agree or disagree?
We need redundancy in our transportation system.
People are integral to having a sustainable economy.
What will you do as commissioner to make headway on our affordable housing shortage? To me the outcome that will be truly successful is one in which our county houses a majority of our workforce to minimize commuter miles, create a positive financial impact on the community and create a sense of investment in the community. Our housing department is working diligently to do its part in addressing the issue. There’s no one solution. It requires a multifaceted approach and collaboration between public and private parties. The county government should support efforts to enhance housing inventory and effectively work to remove roadblocks. We also should include regional stakeholders in creating housing strategies that work.
County commission: Independent By Allie Gross Teton Toys owner Wes Gardner is seeking a place on the ballot as an Independent candidate for Teton County commissioner. “My platform begins and ends, in a general sense, with I’m an Independent and I’m a moderate,” Gardner said. Gardner has lived in Jackson Hole since 1997. In 2010, Wes Gardner opened his own store, Teton Toys, and opened a second location in Utah. He believes his experience as a business owner will help him as a commissioner. “It really taught me how to express leadership and authority and manage people and manage problems,” Gardner said. Gardner said his top issue in the county is transit. He would like to see a
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Priority in upcoming rezones of the county’s complete neighborhoods, like Wilson, The Aspens or Hog Island? Adding density for workforce housing.
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What is the most important conservation issue facing Teton County?
Several initiatives need to be happening concurrently. What is causing the congestion? I believe a public discussion of our driving habits, why we are on the roads and how better trip planning on each of our parts could help alleviate the number of vehicles on roadways. I will recommend that, with the consultation of our county engineer and WYDOT, we (1) assess the level of service on existing roadways, (2) determine the quickest, least costly method to raise the level of service on our roadways, keeping in mind that redundancy is an important safety need in our road system, and (3) explore opportunities to acquire real estate in strategic locations for park-and-ride facilities to improve ridership on START.
There are several: water quality, our carbon footprint and the human impact on the public lands surrounding our county.
County sheriff: All advance to general
bus stop or transit center south of town and START service to the airport. Parking has also been a longtime priority for Gardner. Instead of a drastic step toward paid parking, he advocates trying simpler solutions first, like an incentive program for Town Square-area employers to get their staff out of prime downtown parking spots. Recycling is also important. Gardner feels the county should put resources toward allowing residents to recycle more materials, like lower-value plastics. To be on the general election ballot for Nov. 6, Independent candidates must present a petition with 249 valid signatures from registered Teton County voters. The petition is due Aug. 27. Contact Allie Gross at 732-7063, county@ jhnewsandguide.com or @JHNGcounty.
By Emily Mieure There are three candidates running for Teton County Sheriff, but none face a contested primary. All three — Democrat Matt Carr, Republican Michelle Weber, and Independent Slade Ross — will advance to the general election. Matt Carr: Undersheriff Matt Carr started working for the Teton County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 and oversees Teton County Search and Rescue. As sheriff, he says he’ll focus on fair, friendly and honest leadership. He’d like to see the sheriff’s office be more representative of the county’s population. He also wants to build stronger relationships with organizations like One22. Michelle Weber: Currently a sergeant for the Jackson Police Department, Michelle Weber is an Army veter-
an and has worked as a police officer for over 13 years. She recently completed a professional development course at the FBI National Academy, says she has the experience to be sheriff and wants to make a difference in Teton County. Slade Ross: Slade Ross is a Jackson Hole native and former Teton County Sheriff’s lieutenant. He says he’s running for sheriff to free the agency of political partisanship. Ross worked for the sheriff’s office for 19 years before a mysterious departure in February 2017. He now works for Wyoming Landscape Contractors and says if he’s elected he will focus on freeing deputies to spend more time in the field, less at their desks. Contact Emily Mieure at 732-7066, courts@jhnewsandguide.com or @ JHNGcourts.
Working together and considering all viewpoints, we will make decisions and move forward. I’d appreciate your vote August 21. Paid for by Barron for Commission, PO Box 3889 Jackson, WY 83001 351244
8 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Town Council: 6 candidates, 4 advance to general election The field of six candidates for Jackson Town Council will be narrowed to four for the Nov. 6. general election. The election is nonpartisan, so any resident within the town can vote for four of the six candidates. They’re competing for two seats on the council: one held by incumbent Don Frank, and one open seat. The following responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Cody Cottier & Allie Gross
Jessica Sell Chambers Jessica Sell Chambers is a stay-at-home mom and guardian, preschool teacher, writer and community organizer. She’s the national committeewoman for the Democratic National Committee and chairwoman of the progressive caucus in the Wyoming Democratic Party. She’s running “to represent the needs of the working people of Jackson, the people who make our town run and give it soul; to represent the most vulnerable; to make Jackson more livable for the nonmillionaires/billionaires.” Her primary issues are affordable housing, expanding the economy and increasing government funding for public transportation and social services. Her first priority, she said, is stabilizing town revenue to fund additional services and new affordable housing projects. She suggested the council consider enacting property taxes, raising the minimum wage and potentially increasing the lodging tax. “Now is not the time to be rejecting revenue opportunities,” she said. “These are sacrifices for the entire community, instead of just a small group of the community. And, ultimately, it’s beneficial for everybody: The community gets stronger; the economy gets stronger. It’s a win-win.”
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town 1. Affordable housing shortage
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
2. Human services funding
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
Paid parking Support or oppose?
Increase the lodging tax. Lobby the state Legislature to allow us to use the revenue as we see fit.
?
3. Wildlife (protecting habitat, preventing collisions, etc.)
?
?
Which do you support on Snow King? Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside No to expansion/chairlift on backside; undecided on other Snow King amenities.
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
Make bold decisions to add housing with rental units a top priority, to use zoning as one of many tools to increase residential housing and to utilize public funds where possible while welcoming private development and partnerships when best for the needs of the most vulnerable and that specifically target lower-income earners — which in Jackson includes quite a few community members.
Expand public transportation and work with the parks to start providing transportation in and out of the parks coupled with paid parking, minimized parking requirements on new development and incentivizing alternative transportation — it works for the community members who can’t afford cars, so it can work for everyone — and it’s better for wildlife!
Encourage the smart development and construction of quality housing for the working people who already live here — and stop wasting our development on housing that merely brings higher-income individuals who occupy those homes and that valuable real estate for small fractions of the year.
How should the town distribute density? Concentrate heavy development in already dense areas (downtown, commercial corridor) to preserve neighborhood character and wildlife.
Don Frank Incumbent Don Frank is a partner and former president of Dembergh Construction. In that role, he acquired skills like team building, communication and accountability that he said transfer into public service. “A civil, factdriven process of study, discussion, direct public input is essential and fulfilling,” Frank said. “I am here to understand the concerns and dreams of our neighbors and to participate in considerate, helpful and kind, centrist solutions.” He said his building know-how has helped the council vet development proposals to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars and fair, equal treatment under the land development regulations. However, he also stressed that he considers decisions from a broader perspective. “As Martin Luther King said, ‘An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity,’ ” he said. “With a few years of experience on the council, I’m at a place where I feel I can be efficient and effective.” He’s guided by three main tenets: help your neighbor, face challenges with practical optimism and actions today shape the future for our children. If re-elected he plans to focus on implementing the community’s vision in the Comprehensive Plan.
How should the town distribute density? We need to absorb some additional density to achieve comp plan goals.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town 1. Mitigating human impacts on environment
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
2. Affordable housing shortage
Paid parking Support or oppose?
We should utilize lodging taxes more imaginatively.
?
3. Traffic
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
?
?
Neither, the parking study is pending review. Facts will inform next steps.
Neither, at present new hotel stock has simply replaced obsolete buildings.
Which do you support on Snow King? Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside Phil Baux is irreplaceable; zip line depends on location.
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
Housing successes since joining the council in 2012 include public-private partnerships like Redmond Hall, private rental development like Hidden Hollow and strategic density deployment like JHMR employee housing. We are moving the needle through imaginative land use like ARUs, innovative financing like 174 King St. and direct housing stock like town of Jackson employee housing for critical service providers. The creation of a joint town and county housing department streamlines the process of defining goals and delivering safe housing.
I have just returned from Washington D.C., to help Jackson compete for a BUILD America grant to expand our START bus facility and increase rolling bus stock and commuter capacity. I support wider use of alternative transportation by optimizing our multimodal pathway system like e-bikes and safer cycle lanes. The town of Jackson is implementing complete streets, alleys to pathways, and safer crossings. You can help by leaving cars at home whenever possible.
Growth is natural in a human colony and each one of us is a part of that organic growth. We are actively adopting land use regulations that reflect the guideline principles of the comprehensive plan. We are moving density into complete neighborhoods and working to protect wildlife habitat in concert with the foundational needs and services of our human community. We are fortunate to have preserved 97 percent of Teton County. We must learn to be careful while sharing the environmental blessings we all revere.
PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 9
Town Council: 6 candidates, 4 advance to general election The field of six candidates for Jackson Town Council will be narrowed to four for the Nov. 6. general election. The election is nonpartisan, so any resident within the town can vote for four of the six candidates. They’re competing for two seats on the council: one held by incumbent Don Frank, and one open seat. The following responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Cody Cottier & Allie Gross
Judd Grossman Judd Grossman wants to be the council’s “no-growth, libertarian voice.” “Jackson is in danger from overpopulation, rampant commercialization and overdevelopment,” Grossman said. “If we don’t stand up and fight for our town, who will?” The musician and co-founder of Planet Jackson Hole said he believes local government should be limited to its core missions: public safety, infrastructure, law enforcement and city planning. By incorporating a more libertarian philosophy, he said Jackson can slow growth, reduce taxes, preserve its natural beauty and begin to normalize the housing and job markets. For example, instead of offering cash or land subsidies for affordable housing, which he views as corporate welfare, he said the town should offer additional density solely for deed-restricted housing and eliminate parking requirements to reduce the cost of building new homes. That would discourage residents from owning a car and reduce traffic, especially as new technology like ride-sharing apps and even automated cars become available.
How should the town distribute density? Concentrate heavy development in already dense areas (downtown, commercial corridor) to preserve neighborhood character and wildlife — “Spreading development throughout town hurts neighborhood livability and adds to our traffic problem.”
Arne Jorgensen Arne Jorgensen has worked as an architect with Hawtin Jorgensen Architects for 30 years. He’s also served on various local boards, including the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust. Growing up in Jackson, he said, his parents instilled in him a deep appreciation of the environment. He recognizes the singularity of the Jackson community. “I have come to recognize the uniqueness of our community and that many of our community members’ interests are not represented in our political discourse,” Jorgensen said. “We are an incredible community of people living together in an incredible place. To retain an understanding of and desire to protect both our people and our place, we need to remember how we all are interrelated so that no one or no natural value becomes marginalized.” Jorgensen believes his experience with Jackson’s land use regulations, knowledge of modern architecture and experience working with diverse stakeholder groups can help the town develop policy to manage growth in a way that protects the surrounding environment and develops housing.
How should the town distribute density? Concentrate heavy development in already dense areas (downtown, commercial corridor) to preserve neighborhood character and wildlife — This is essentially what the recently approved regulations attempt to promote.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town 1. Overpopulation
2. Traffic
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
3. Commercial growth
Paid parking Support or oppose?
We are overpromoting Jackson and ruining the visitor experience and the livability for locals.
?
To incentivize new downtown residents to forgo car ownership, and to fund new parking structures.
?
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
Which do you support on Snow King?
I prefer less development, so that we don’t make our overpopulation and housing problems worse.
Town should control Phil Baux; limit summer activity expansion; no more road building/clear-cutting.
?
Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
We need to stop encouraging and subsidizing job creation in both the public and private sector. We need to ease regulations to encourage workforce occupancy deedrestricted housing in the urban commercial corridor from Smith’s to Dairy Queen. We need to require commercial developers to build housing for the employees generated by their developments, so that we tightly tie together job creation and housing mitigation, while at the same time reducing regulations so that housing mitigation is less onerous. We need to limit as much as possible new unrestricted housing development, because in the long run it will only exacerbate the workforce housing shortage.
Our traffic congestion is caused by a myriad of factors, all stemming from overpopulation and overpromotion. First principle is to stop digging the hole deeper.
Under our current regulations Jackson Hole is careening towards a doubling of our population. There is and will continue to be pressure to keep expanding that number even further. The challenges of virtually unlimited demand coupled with limited supply are looming ever larger. Our community will need incredible resolve to prevent a growth death spiral that consumes every last bit of what we love about this place. We need to rein in resort expansion. Stop using tax dollars to promote tourism. Stop subsidizing and encouraging job creation in both the private and public sectors. Require new commercial development to mitigate for the employees it generates. Hold tight to the build-out caps implied by the 1994 Comp Plan, and look for fair and targeted ways to reduce that number.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town 1. Affordable housing shortage
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
2. Mitigating human impacts on the environment
Paid parking Support or oppose?
Public budgets benefit from 40 percent and officials need to more clearly direct use of the 60 percent.
?
3. Human services funding
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
Based on finalizing a review of the use of revenues and goals of the program.
?
Which do you support on Snow King?
Not black or white, very dependent on scale of use, location and range of short-term rentals.
?
Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside Gondola design should protect park; Premature right now to discuss these amenities.
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
There is no silver bullet. For nearly 30 years my efforts with affordable housing have been based on four unwavering guiding principles: 1) Provide opportunities to those who are committed to our community; 2) Develop and support efforts that deliver housing security and stability; 3) Protect all of the public and community investment that ensures the levels of affordability, and 4) Be respectful. I support the three-pronged approach our community is pursuing: 1) Shift density to appropriate locations; 2) Mitigate for impacts of our development actions; and 3) Wide community-based efforts such as private donors and public tax investment. While I support this policy direction, I have caveats with each that serve to improve the fairness and effectiveness of these efforts.
Our road and parking infrastructure have essentially remained unchanged for decades, but it is being used by a much larger number of people, thus the congestion. Possibly more so than other challenges facing our town, we can all make an impact on traffic congestion with our personal choices. As a community we should consider the ways in which we incentivize fewer single-occupancy vehicles, utilize the roadway width we have, expand START options, expand alternative means of transportation and address redundancy (particularly related to public safety).
Our first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in the late 1970s and, along with subsequent land development regulations, has been updated to reflect our community goals in managing change in Teton County and Jackson. These documents, along with the town and county budgets, serve as foundational documents that should be reflective of our community priorities and should promote our community vision. They should not be static and do require ongoing review and work to ensure that our path forward achieves the goals we have set for ourselves. It is critical that LDRs be designed to achieve clearly articulated goals. We should engage in constant assessment of growth management results and revise regulations that are not achieving expected outcomes.
10 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Town Council: 6 candidates, 4 advance to general election The field of six candidates for Jackson Town Council will be narrowed to four for the Nov. 6. general election. The election is nonpartisan, so any resident within the town can vote for four of the six candidates. They’re competing for two seats on the council: one held by incumbent Don Frank, and one open seat. The following responses from candidates were compiled from a questionnaire distributed by the News&Guide. — Cody Cottier & Allie Gross
Zachary Padilla Zach Padilla said he entered the race for a chance to give back to the community that has embraced and supported him while he started his liquor distribution businesses, the Bomb Sommelier and Bomb Beverage. He believes his experience as a small-business owner has provided him the skill set needed to make decisions on the Town Council. “I’ve spent my entire adult life looking at business models and showing business owners how to effectively run them based on trends, demographics and the economic ebb and flow of the trends,” Padilla said. Padilla believes he can restore balance to the Town Council and offer fresh ideas. “The biggest thing I bring to the table is an ability to listen and learn,” he said. “I’m going in every direction I can right now to learn everything I can before the election.” Padilla hopes to find the middle ground on each issue and thereby create a winwin. For example, while he supports paid parking in downtown Jackson, as a business owner he understands how that could affect foot traffic. In the spirit of compromise he suggested the town could offer a parking pass to allow locals to park for longer at a cheaper rate, or offer the first hour for free.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town 1. Small business
2. Affordable housing shortage
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
3. Traffic
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
Paid parking Support or oppose?
As long as we adjust our use of the tax I’m on board.
?
Slow and steady again. Only on Town Square to start. See how that goes and follow up.
?
Which do you support on Snow King?
I’d rather put in affordable rentals, but there is still plenty of room for competing businesses.
Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside
?
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
I don’t necessarily believe that affordable housing is the salvation for the housing crisis. I believe we need to change zoning laws, repeal mitigation, change the land development regulations and start producing deed-restricted rentals. I have a six- to eight-year plan on how we can make this happen and really change the way our town functions. I want to work with the county as well in order to bring us all to the same level.
Sadly, we simply don’t have enough funds to be able to fix this problem right away. We need another thoroughfare. My goal would be to immediately take any surplus in the town budget and invest it in future projects that will directly ease the traffic on our main roads. This will take time, and ideally future leaders in our community will use this investment wisely. This will also require that we stop overspending on minor projects. We need to tighten our purse strings a bit in order to solve bigger issues.
Some of my opponents are a fan of “no growth.” I know that there will never be a law that can guarantee this. Therefore “no growth” is “selected growth,” which is not good for the average citizen. What we need to do is create a sustainable growth management strategy. This will take many generations of our community to accomplish, but it can start now with minor changes to the zoning law, among other things.
How should the town distribute density? Spread development throughout Jackson. Slow development can do wonders for many people, especially if we have deed-restricted rentals.
Jonathan Schechter Having analyzed Jackson’s economy, and similar economies, for decades, Jonathan Schechter said he would bring a broad, trend-based perspective to the council with hopes of refocusing attention on the root cause of Jackson’s problems, rather than the symptomatic issues that arise as a result. “When you have constricted supply as we do, because of the nature of Teton County, the fundamental business model of tourism becomes increasingly challenging,” he said. “That’s why Jackson Hole has an affordable housing problem. It’s why Vail, Aspen, Nantucket, you name it, all these places where tourism is an important sector of the economy, they all share the same fundamental problems.” He strongly supports the Comprehensive Plan’s vision and, in particular, the goal to “preserve and protect the area’s ecosystem.” Schechter said he would serve the town by considering not only the town but also its role in the greater Jackson Hole community that spans two states and three counties. Schechter launched the Jackson Hole Compass magazine and the 22 in 21 conferences. He has written the Jackson Hole News&Guide’s economy column for 25 years, co-founded Silicon Couloir and served as a St. John’s Medical Center trustee.
How should the town distribute density? Concentrate heavy development in already dense areas (downtown, commercial corridor) to preserve neighborhood character and wildlife.
Top 3 most pressing issues facing town Most critical is keeping our economy and environment healthy. We need to develop resilience before the next economic slowdown.
Lodging tax Support or oppose?
Paid parking Support or oppose?
A qualified yes. There is too little space to explain my rationale. See JS4JH.com for more information.
?
Further hotel development Agree or disagree?
?
?
Neither. A task force should explore how to address parking, including costs and availability.
Neither. Don’t understand the rationale for more hotels, whether economic or for the community.
Which do you support on Snow King? Gondola in Phil Baux Park Zip line E/W boundary expansion Expansion/chairlift on backside Will be resolved under current council; breaking apart proposal is disservice to stakeholders.
What will you do as councilor to make headway on our affordable housing shortage?
What is the first initiative you would work to put in action to ease traffic congestion?
What would be your strategy to manage growth in Jackson Hole?
1. The Town Council is a team. As a team member I want to support and help further the work of the Affordable Housing Department, Housing Trust and Habitat, as well as the incentives and innovations being explored by staff and the private sector. 2. Every desirable community in the world is dealing with an affordable housing shortage: Jackson is special, but not unique. I will advocate exploring other communities’ solutions. 3. Jackson Hole is one community spanning two states and three counties. We need to actively work with Teton and Star valleys to ensure growth does not compromise our fundamental qualities. 4. After six years of work the town and county have recently adopted workforcehousing LDRs. Before launching any major new regulatory initiatives, we need to see how well the LDRs work.
1. We need to be clear-eyed about traffic: Because of our economy and geography, Jackson has big-city traffic problems with a small-town population and budget. 2. As a councilor I can do nothing on my own. The fundamental question we need to answer — not as a council, but as a community — is what level of traffic congestion we are willing to tolerate. Further, since none of the issues facing the community works in isolation, how will addressing transportation affect the environment? Housing? Community character? How important is traffic when compared with these other critical issues? 3. As with housing, every desirable community in America is dealing with increasing traffic problems. As councilor I will push to learn from others. 4. Simply building new roads does not solve traffic problems.
In the 2017 Jackson Hole Compass, I presented a four-step process regarding how we should grow: 1. Ensure that critical wildlife habitat and corridors are identified and protected. 2. Determine how much traffic the valley’s current and potential transportation systems can reasonably handle, and what level of traffic congestion we can live with. 3. Once the first two steps are taken, estimate how many more people the community can handle while maintaining its essential character. 4. With that figure in mind, do all we can to encourage workforce and other affordable housing on the remaining developable land. Critical to any “manage growth” effort will be working closely with the communities in the Teton and Star valleys, for what we do in Jackson affects the entire region.
PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 11
Wyoming Legislature CONTESTED IN THE PRIMARY Incumbent Marti Halverson, R-Etna, faces Bill Winney, of Bondurant, who has challenged her in two previous elections. House District 22 represents portions of Teton County, including Hoback and Wilson, along with Northern Lincoln County and Sublette County. The Aug. 21 primary will knock one of the candidates out, leaving the other to face Independent candidate Jim Roscoe in the Nov. 6 general election. HOUSE DISTRICT 22 Marti Halverson (R) Marti Halverson was voted into office in 2012 and re-elected in 2014 and 2016. She serves on the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee, the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee and the Interstate Compact for Juveniles. She was elected Republican National Committeewoman for Wyoming in 2012. Having served six years, Halverson said she decided to run again because she felt she could not waste her years of experience by walking away during a key transitional period for Wyoming. “From protecting First, Second and Fourth Amendment rights and working to boost our rural econo- Halverson mies, to maximizing our stewardship of Wyoming lands and wildlife and capitalizing on our Godgiven wealth of energy resources, I have never been more willing or excited to represent the people of the 22nd District,” Halverson wrote in a statement announcing her campaign. Halverson said she is particularly passionate about making sure additional funding allocated to the Health and Family Services departments dur-
ing the last budget session is deployed to areas of need. She also said her attempts to reform Wyoming’s criminal justice system are at a make-or-break point. Halverson was born in New Britain, Connecticut, and attended Bradford College and Northwestern University. She has been a Star Valley resident since 1996 and is retired from the durable medical device industry. Bill Winney (R) Bill Winney, a retired naval captain, cites the leadership skills he gained in his 30-year military career as his greatest qualification for state House. After managing the budgets of the Submarine Launched Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program and the Sea Lance ASW Standoff Weapon, Winney is running for the House of Representatives, he said, to get Wyoming’s fiscal house in order. “I was disappointed at the House this last session,” he said. “They entered the budget session with a projected need for $902 million out of our state savings accounts. They left with a need for $922 million.” Though Winney said the entire state bureaucracy needs to be pared down, Winney he specifically called out the state’s education system. “In my estimation about $50 million could be cut from excessive education administration,” he said. “We simply have far too many superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, etc. For example, there are many small districts with one high school, middle school or elementary school. One of those principals could be double-hatted as a superintendent. ... This is the
kind of ‘look at things differently’ skill I bring to the table.” UNCONTESTED IN THE PRIMARY HOUSE DISTRICT 22 Jim Roscoe (I) A House District 22 representative from 2009 to 2013, Jim Roscoe worries about the increasing divisiveness of politics and so is running as an Independent. He said his bipartisan approach can forward the debate on controversial topics, in particular, tax reform. “Somebody’s got to talk about it unless we want to go the way of Kansas, [which is currently dealing with a $1 billion deficit],” he said. Roscoe “Politics have become so divisive everyone is arguing ideology and not getting anything done.” While Wyoming has often kept taxes low for new industries like trona and lithium mining, Roscoe said it’s time to start taxing these industries just like any other mineral being extracted from the state. The additional tax revenue could then be used to fully fund education, health and family services. HOUSE DISTRICT 16 Barbara Allen (R) Barbara Allen, former chairwoman of the Teton County Board of County Commissioners, said she understands the mechanisms that make local government work. She has served on the Wyoming County Commissioners Association legislative bill review committee and state elections and land use committee. Allen said she could immediately become an effective voice for Teton County in the Legislature, particularly on complex budgeting issues.
“My focus is on making sound investments that protect our community,” Allen said. “Investing in education is investing in a more stable, diverse economy and a better quality of life for our future. “Protecting our public lands is not only our responsibility but supports two of our stable drivers: Allen outdoor recreation and tourism,” she said. “Spending on preventative health care saves the taxpayer $7 for every $1 invested.” Michael Yin (D) A software developer elected to serve as vice chairman of the Teton County Democratic Party, Michael Yin hopes to win his first election riding the blue wave many expect to swell following the 2016 election of President Donald Trump. “The reason that I’m trying to get more involved is because I want the Democratic Party to make change in Wyoming,” Yin said. “Having younger faces be in leaderYin ship positions helps show other people the opportunity is there to get involved and make change that reflects the values of both young and old.” During the 2016 election season, Yin canvassed Teton County in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders and, after the primary, for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He also helped locally, encouraging people to vote in favor of the general 1 percent sales tax and Jessica Sell Chambers’ Town Council campaign. See Legislature on 15
“My priorities are budget discipline, education and creating jobs. I have real experience saving taxpayers money, supporting small businesses and defending the Constitution. Join me in building a bright future for Wyoming.”
VOTE MARK GORDON
ON AUGUST 21ST!
TOGETHER WE MUST: • Protect our public lands and natural resources • Find solutions to the traffic issues • Solve our workforce housing needs by using both the private and public sector • Preserve private property rights • Celebrate our heritage while working to improve our future
ANDREW BYRON FOR TETON COUNTY COMMISSIONER | www.andrewforcommissioner.com PO Box 321 Buffalo, Wyoming 82834 (307) 514-3241 gordonforwyoming.com @markgordon4wyoming @Mark_Gordon_WY
Paid f o 349204
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12 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
ON THE JOB FOR WYOMING. MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN WASHINGTON.
PUTTING WYOMING FIRST www.barrassoforwyoming.com
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PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 13
U.S. Senate Six Republicans, including incumbent John Barrasso, are competing in the primary election for Wyoming’s U.S. Senate seat. The primary will select a Republican nominee to face Jackson businessman Gary Trauner, the sole Democrat, in the Nov. 6 general election. John Barrasso The junior U.S. senator from Wyoming, John Barrasso, was appointed in 2007, won a special election in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012 for a six-year term. He won both those elections by a landslide, with 73 percent and 76 percent of the vote, respectively. With by far the most campaign contributions and as the incumbent, Barrasso is favored to win the Barrasso primary. He has been endorsed by President Donald Trump. “Working alongside the president we have cut taxes and slashed punishing regulations that targeted Wyoming jobs,” Barrasso said in a statement. “I appreciate the president’s support and look forward to the important work ahead to confirm another constitutional conservative to the U.S. Supreme Court.” Barrasso is working to revamp
the Endangered Species Act to give states more authority to manage endangered species. He has been helping lead his party’s years-long effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” Roque De La Fuente A California businessman and perennial candidate, Roque De La Fuente is running for Senate in not only Wyoming but also seven other states. He was a 2016 Reform Party candidate for U.S. president. De La Fuente David Dodson Though Jackson entrepreneur David Dodson has no political experience, he has an extensive background in business, having developed five companies and created 25,000 jobs. Dodson decided to run out of disgust for modern politics and a conviction that he could be more effective than longtime politicians like Barrasso. Dodson “I’m sick and tired of living in a country where career politicians
make half of the country hate the other half, just to get re-elected,” Dodson wrote in his campaign announcement. “This is not the America that put Neil Armstrong on the moon and won two world wars.” Charlie Hardy A former Catholic priest and substitute teacher in Cheyenne, Charlie Hardy has run for Congress four times since his first run in 2012, in the past as a Democrat and independent. This is his first run as a Republican. According to Hardy the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Hardy said his views on foreign policy sparked his decision to run. Without excessive spending on defense, he said, the nation could better fund social programs. “It’s what’s keeping us from having universal health care [and] universal college education,” he told the Tribune Eagle. “If we’re going to be a stronger nation, let’s have healthy people. Let’s have well-educated people.” John Holtz A retired Laramie attorney, John Holtz worked on defense contracts for Hughes Aircraft and later became a judge in Wyoming in the 1980s and 1990s.
He’s never held public office but believes his experience in the legal system makes him highly qualified. According to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Holtz believes his hard-line conservative values are well suited to Wyoming. He said his experience with other Holtz nations gives him an understanding of foreign policy that his opponent lacks. Anthony Van Risseghem Cheyenne resident and Home Depot employee Anthony Van Risseghem is running to push back against what he sees as federal encroachment on states’ rights, putting the Second Amendment at the Van Risseghem forefront of his campaign. “We need somebody in office,” he said, “who is willing to stand up in the U.S. Senate and say, ‘No, this is wrong, it’s unconstitutional and it’s a violation of our human rights.’” At 33, Van Risseghem would be the youngest member of the Senate if elected. — Cody Cottier
I’ve sat down with business owners, nonprofit directors, town staff, and community members to determine our collective goals for Jackson’s future.
I want to hear from you too.
Gierau-Senate.final1.pdf
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14 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Leadership Needs Vision
Governor race The gubernatorial race features primary elections for both parties, with four Democrats and six Republicans. Voters in the primary election will select a nominee for each party to compete in the general election Nov. 6. Democrats Ken Casner A military veteran and businessman from Elk Mountain, Ken Casner has run for various offices from the town to state level since 2002. Most recently he ran for House District 47 in 2016 but lost to the incumbent by a wide margin.
History
Born here, raised here, has a family of four here
Experience
Climbing guide, planning commissioner, county commissioner
Track Record Responsive, thoughtful, passionate Tools
Masters Degree in Economics
Vision
Preserve our natural capital Growth that honors our character Maintain our quality of life
Michael Allen Green A Wyoming native and Rock Springs resident, Michael Allen Green is running to push for more and diverse jobs. “The economy is basically not too sound,” said Green, who has worked in retail. “It’s very hard to find good, full-time work in this state. We’ve got to diversify the economy.” Mary Throne Mary Throne served for a decade as Wyoming state representative for District 11, from 2007 to 2017, and was minority leader for the last four years. The phrase the attorney uses to describe her political philosophy is “common sense,” and she doesn’t concern herself with party lines. The key to the state’s success, she said, is a budget overhaul. “It’s really about putting Wyoming first and not getting caught up in Throne the national hoopla,” she said in an interview with the News&Guide. “Our politics in Wyoming the last several years have become too nationalized, and we really lost focus on what matters in Wyoming.”
THE LONG VIEW
Rex Wilde A military veteran and carpenter from Cheyenne, Rex Wilde is largely running on a single issue: legalization of medical and recreational marijuana. He argues marijuana could be a boon to the state’s healthcare and economy. He advocates putting it to a vote. “We need to make it legal,” he told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “Which in this Wilde state is going to turn some heads, but I really don’t care.” Republicans Bill Dahlin In his first run at public office Sheridan businessman Bill Dahlin has made economic diversification the central tenet of his campaign. Dahlin left Wyoming to make his career in the railroad industry in the Midwest before returning to his home state. “I left this beautiful state to seek personal opportunity I Dahlin could not find in Wyoming at the time,” he said. “It is time we strengthen and stabilize our economy in Wyoming for our future generations.”
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Foster Friess As a successful businessman with a wealth of political contacts, Foster Friess sees himself as an ideal leader for Wyoming in a crucial transition period. The Jackson billionaire made his for- Friess
tune running a mutual fund. He has donated millions to political action committees, gaining him significant influence and access in Washington, D.C. “One of the things I bring to the governorship,” Friess said, “is all these national contacts.” Harriet M. Hageman The Cheyenne water rights attorney made her first run for office out of frustration with federal overreaching. Especially when it comes to water and energy regulations, Harriet Hageman believes governors should take a more active stance in fighting back against federal policies. “I’ve just reached the conclusion that somebody needs to Hageman address this,” Hageman told the Casper Star Tribune. “We need a leader who is willing to stand up and try to right this wrong.” Mark Gordon Mark Gordon was first appointed Wyoming treasurer in 2012 by Governor Matt Mead, who cited Gordon’s financial prowess as his deciding factor. In 2014 Gordon was re-elected to his position, winning 88 percent of the vote. In total, the state’s portfolio under Gordon’s leadership grew from $15 billion to nearly $21 billion. As Wyoming struggles with a Gordon $900 million deficit, he is running on his knowledge of the state’s finances. “My experience and time as the treasurer,” he said, “has given me a great perspective on how to solve some of the fiscal challenges we have and get Wyoming back to living within its means.” Sam Galeotos A Cheyenne entrepreneur with extensive business experience, Sam Galeotos has developed and operated several multibillion-dollar international companies. Though he does not have personal political experience, he said he became well acquainted with that world at a young age traveling the state with his father, who Galeotos worked in the administrations of two governors. “First and foremost we need economic growth,” he said. “I’ve been leading companies, organizations and people in pursuit of solving large, complex problems and taking advantage of large opportunities. I have the skill to put Wyoming on the right path.” Taylor Haynes Retired urologist and rancher Taylor Haynes says he’s the first person to advocate establishing a “constitutional” relationship with the federal government. “I have a broad and deep experience in our free enterprise system,” he states on his campaign website, “my success as an entrepreneur, business owner and leader positions me uniquely to provide Wyoming the Haynes vision to lead her to a prosperous and free future.” State officials, including Secretary of State Ed Buchanan, asked a Wyoming judge to declare Haynes ineligible to run for governor after documents suggested he may reside in Colorado. However, Laramie County District Judge Thomas Campbell ruled Haynes could continue to run. — Cody Cottier
PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 15
U.S. House of Representatives Three Republicans and two Democrats are competing for Wyoming’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. One of each party will advance. Liz Cheney (R, incumbent) Prior to serving in Congress, Liz Cheney practiced law and worked at the U.S. State Department. In the U.S. House she has supported legislation to crack down on illegal immigration, expand concealed carry and defund Planned Parenthood. “I have championed conservative reform to create jobs, cut taxes and regulation, expand America’s energy, mining and ag industries and restore the strength and power of our nation’s standing in the world,” Cheney said. She said she’ll work to reduce federal overreach, streamline regulations and return authority to states and local communities on public lands. Rod Miller (R) Rod Miller grew up on a Wyoming ranch and has worked on natural resources and federal lands in the offices of Wyoming Govs. Ed Herschler and Mike Sullivan. “I have a deep understanding of how good government should operate in the Cowboy State, as well as issues crucial to the state gained from that experience,” he said. He supports the heaviest tax burden for those with the greatest wealth, separating religion from politics, legalization of marijuana, keeping public lands public, women’s rights and reducing defense spending while maintaining a strong military. Blake Stanley (R) Blake Stanley is a self-described “blue-collar conservative.” He’s pro-life and believes in limited government that allows business and industry to
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He’s particularly interested in the social side of government, saying he wants to help Wyoming become “a more welcoming community for all types of people, immigrants, everyone,” which includes diversifying the economy and allowing greater autonomy for localities to tax themselves to ensure funding for education and social services. HOUSE DISTRICT 23 Andy Schwartz (D) As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, incumbent Rep. Andy Schwartz is fixated on solving the state’s $900 million structural deficit and stabilizing funding for critical services. “We have to look at spending and revenues as one picture, and we tend to look at [them] as two,” Schwartz said. “It was clear during the last session that raising taxes or creating new taxes were not being considered. We as a group need to re- Schwartz consider that approach to make sure we can provide funding for K-12 education, funding of local governments, funding of human services. These are things we have to be doing. This is what the state government is there for, and we have to fight to make sure we keep doing that.” As part of this push, Schwartz wants to simplify the remarkably complex state budget to increase transparency and boost the public’s understanding of how tax dollars are spent. Running unopposed, he can focus on the interim topics addressing these issues and drafting new bills, like the real estate transfer tax bill he introduced last session. SENATE DISTRICT 17 Mike Gierau (D) Vacating his seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives for a chance
lead the Wyoming economy. “As a veteran, I think we have an obligation to take care of our nation’s protectors — from the day they enter service until the day they graduate from this earth,” Stanley said on his website. He supports border security, bolstering the military, and the federal government “stepping back” to give Wyoming control over its natural resources. Travis Helm (D) Travis Helm, a Laramie-based immigration attorney, touts his “solid Wyoming” connections and credentials. Helm said he’ll choose Wyoming priorities ahead of any national party agenda: “By being independent, I will make Wyoming’s vote actually worth something, and we will be able to negotiate the best outcomes for our state.” He cares about maintaining public lands, public universal health care and providing for rural health care, diversifying the state economy, and investing in infrastructure. He supports repealing Citizens United and fixing immigration laws.
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Greg Hunter (D) Greg Hunter is a Laramie businessman who has also worked with government agencies in Washington, D.C. “After 30-plus years working for federal agencies and public lands, I have the skills and experience to protect our lands, navigate legislation, and save the taxpayer money while achieving the goals important to Wyomingites,” he said. “Wyoming can be progressive and still maintain its Cowboy character.” He supports universal health care, compassionate immigration reform, overturning Citizens United, diversifying Wyoming’s economy, defending public lands, legalizing marijuana, and some regulation of guns. —Allie Gross to serve in the state Senate is a big risk for Mike Gierau, who just finished his first term in the House. But he said he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to possibly flip a seat in the upper chamber. “There aren’t enough Dems in the Senate to fill their allotted committee seats, so not all of the Senate committees have a Dem on them,” Gierau said. “Government works better when both teams are playing and playing on an even field. I think they need to hear another voice and other alternatives.” With two years of Gierau experience under his belt, Gierau believes his relationships on both sides of the aisle in Cheyenne will allow him to effectively push Teton County’s agenda on issues such as funding for education and social services, as well as local taxes and animal cruelty. Kate Mead (R) Local attorney, rancher and Teton County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees Chairwoman Kate Mead announced her campaign for the open Senate seat to influence the ongoing debate on education funding. “I fear that with a different governor, and unless we have more people who are advocates for education, school funding is just going to get harder and harder and harder,” Mead said. “Because there are a lot of people in Mead Cheyenne who don’t value education as much as they possibly should.” Though running as a Republican, she said that perhaps a slight income tax could supplement the state’s efforts to diversify Wyoming’s economy and stabilize education funding into the future.
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Uncontested races: County offices By Allie Gross Only one candidate is running for each of the following county-level offices. It would take 25 valid write-in votes for an additional candidate to be considered in an uncontested race. Assessor: Democrat Melissa “Mel” Shinkle is on the ballot for Teton County assessor. The assessor is responsible for appraising and setting values for private and public property in the county. Shinkle served in the Teton County clerk’s office for 20 years before being appointed assessor in August 2017. “I am committed to providing fair and uniform assessments within each class of property,” Shinkle said, “even though that comes with a lot of tough decisions, and even tougher discussions.” Attorney: Democrat Erin Weisman is running for the office of Teton County attorney. The county attorney is responsible for prosecuting crime in Teton County and legally representing the county and its departments. Weisman is now a deputy county attorney. For five years she has focused on litigation and appeals, often related to land use and planning matters. Incumbent Teton County attorney Steve Weichman, who has held the office for more than 20 years, is not seeking re-election. Clerk: Republican Sherry Daigle is seeking re-election to her post as 351442
Teton County clerk, a role she’s held for 20 years. The clerk’s office provides a variety of services, including accounting for the county and running elections. Clerk of District Court: Democrat Anne Comeaux Sutton is seeking re-election to the office of clerk of District Court. The clerk is responsible for processing and managing case files and court records for the Ninth Judicial District Court of Teton County. Coroner: Democrat Brent Blue is seeking re-election as Teton County coroner. The coroner is tasked with providing accurate and timely death investigation services. Treasurer: Republican Katie Smits is on the ballot for Teton County treasurer. Smits is running for an open seat vacated by the current treasurer, Donna Baur. Smits has worked in the Teton County treasurer’s office as the financial accountant for about two years and has been in governmental and nonprofit accounting for more than two decades. The treasurer is responsible for collecting revenue responsibly and with accountability. Smits said she wants to continue the trajectory of Baur’s time at the helm by diligently following state statutes that dictate the treasurer’s office’s duties, from county revenue collection to motor vehicle registration.
Wyoming State Auditor All three candidates for state auditor have made improving government transparency part of their campaign platform. The state auditor’s office is facing criticism from groups that have requested financial and spending data and been charged high fees and met with a slow response. Two Republican candidates are competing in the primary. The winner will face Democratic candidate Jeff Dockter in the Nov. 6 general election. Kristi Racines (R) Kristi Racines touts her financial education and expertise as qualifying her to serve as Wyoming’s chief accountant. A certified public accountant, she holds a degree in accounting from the University of Wyoming. In private practice she has performed audits of Wyoming businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities. Racines is chief financial officer of Wyoming’s judicial branch, preparing and managing an $80 million statewide budget. Racines, who grew up in Riverton, supports keeping public lands in public hands.
“Effective and responsible multiple use is a must,” she said. “Our schools, economy and Wyoming way of life depend upon it. “I am committed to protecting the process,” she said. “Each proposal to sell, transfer or exchange lands must be scrutinized and backed by compelling facts. Certain transactions are in Wyoming’s best interest — to block up land, improve efficiency or enhance value.” Racines said her knowledge of the current accounting system and state expenditures puts her in the best position to separate public and private information to have accurate and reliable financial information available for citizens and lawmakers. “I will work with the Legislature to find an optimal software solution to publish expenditure data that is timely and understandable,” she said. Nathan Winters (R) Nathan Winters said his work as a pastor in Thermopolis and a lawmaker for the Wyoming Legislature gives him the leadership skills, experience and vision necessary for
See Auditor on 17
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PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 17
State senator and Alta native Leland Christensen is competing against state Sen. Curt Meier and Republican Ron Redo for state treasurer. Since all three are Republicans and no Democrat entered the race, this primary winner will not face a challenger in the general election. Leland Christensen (R) Leland Christensen worked for 20 years as a deputy for Teton and Lincoln counties and served 15 years with the 19th Special Forces Group of the Army National Guard. In his role as a Teton County commissioner, Christensen said, “I managed multimillion-dollar budgets. We made smart investments in our communities when times were good and made difficult decisions on necessary cuts when times were lean. “As treasurer I will work to grow Christensen Wyoming’s investment returns in order to reduce pressure on the state budget.” Christensen ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016. Although he didn’t win, the experience broadened his view, he said. “Going town to town, community to community, really gave me an appreciation for the state that I didn’t have before,” he said. Curt Meier (R) A LaGrange farmer and businessman who has served in the Wyoming state Senate since 1995, Curt Meier
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this office. During his time in the Legislature he served as House Republican Caucus chairman and vice chairman of judiciary. He also served on the Management Audit Committee and the Minerals Business and Economic Development Committee, among other committees dealing with public land, water and agricultural resources. He said the auditing function has been removed from the state auditor’s office since 1989, which places a greater emphasis on the auditor’s role managing the stability of the office itself and voting on several vital statewide boards. When making decisions about selling, transferring or exchanging state-owned lands, he said the current and future value of the land must be considered.
said he set up his business so that he could dedicate himself full time to the job of treasurer. “I am a conservative businessman,” he said. “That means I will not put your money at the risk of being invested by a charlatan. “My experience will capitalize on our Meier current treasurer’s efforts to work with the Legislature. Getting the return on investment is essential for economic development and balancing the budget, and paying our K-12 educational bill.” Ron Redo (R) Ron Redo worked for 11 years for the California State Compensation Insurance Fund. The first six years were as an auditor under Gov. Ronald Reagan, he said. In 1989 he worked for the state treasurer in the Worker’s Compensation Division. “Since that time,” he said, “I have conRedo cluded there are now serious risks to some of Wyoming’s state funds. If elected, I would improve the security of Wyoming’s investments.” Redo said he would seek advice from successful investors “to get near the correct mix of state investment funds.”
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— From staff reports and the League of Women Voters of Wyoming. “According to the Wyoming Constitution the purpose of our state-owned lands is to provide for the support and benefit of our public school system,” he said. “Therefore, maintaining them for their best and highest use is imperative for the future of Wyoming’s educational needs. “Secondly,” Winter said, “having land that is contiguous often allows us to have easier access to hunting, fishing and other outdoor opportunities that make our great state unique.” Winters advocates transparency so citizens can see how their money is being spent. “I will work with the Legislature to build a modern website to allow all people of this state to see how their tax dollars are spent as a whole and at the granular level over the previous year while still protecting data,” he said. — Staff report compiled from Wyoming News Exchange newspapers and the League of Women Voters of Wyoming.
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18 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
PRIMARY ELECTION SAMPLE BALLOTS August 21, 2018
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT TO VOTE: FILL IN THE OVAL TO THE LEFT OF THE CANDIDATE/ PROPOSITION OF YOUR CHOICE.
USE ONLY THE SPECIAL PEN OR PENCIL PROVIDED IF YOU MAKE AN ERROR PLEASE RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO THE ELECTION OFFICIAL AND REQUEST A NEW BALLOT
DEMOCRAT 1-1 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-1, 1-3, 1-7, 2-1, 3-1, 4-2, 4-4, and 5-1) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
1-2 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-2, 1-5, 1-6, 1-8, and 1-9) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots
REPUBLICAN 1-1 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-1, 1-3, 1-7, 2-1, 3-1, 4-2, 4-4, and 5-1) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
1-2 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-2, 1-5, 1-6, 1-8, and 1-9) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots
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PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018 - 19
PRIMARY ELECTION SAMPLE BALLOTS August 21, 2018
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT TO VOTE: FILL IN THE OVAL TO THE LEFT OF THE CANDIDATE/ PROPOSITION OF YOUR CHOICE.
USE ONLY THE SPECIAL PEN OR PENCIL PROVIDED IF YOU MAKE AN ERROR PLEASE RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO THE ELECTION OFFICIAL AND REQUEST A NEW BALLOT
DEMOCRAT 1-4 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-4 and 1-11) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
1-10 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-10, 4-1, and 4-3) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
REPUBLICAN 1-4 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-4 and 1-11) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
1-10 SAMPLE BALLOTS:
The following precincts (1-10, 4-1, and 4-3) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots.
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20 - PRIMARY ELECTION 2018, JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, August 15, 2018
PRIMARY ELECTION August 21, 2018
We would like to remind you that the polling sites have changed this year. There will be five 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. INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT TO VOTE:
VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS: TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY
FILL IN THE OVAL TO THE LEFT OF THE CANDIDATE/ PROPOSITION OF YOUR CHOICE.
USE ONLY THE SPECIAL PEN OR PENCIL PROVIDED IF YOU MAKE AN ERROR PLEASE RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO THE ELECTION OFFICIAL AND REQUEST A NEW BALLOT
NONPARTISAN 1-2 SAMPLE BALLOT The following precincts (1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-8, 1-9 and 1-11) have the same races as appear on the sample below, however names will not be in the same order as they are rotated by precinct on the official ballots. Nonpartisan ballots within the municipal precincts contain only the Town Council Race.
OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY ALTA BRANCH LIBRARY 50 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY
There are NO nonpartisan ballots for voters who live outside the municipal precincts for this election. 351508