2016 Primary Election

August 10, 2016

Special Supplement

teton county

2016 Primary ELECTION See JHNewsAndGuide.com for Election Day coverage Uncontested Races Polling Map Town Council

2 3 4

Mayor 6 SPET 8 County Commission 13

House District 22 US House of Representatives

16 18

VOTE

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2 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Keep Public Lands in Public Hands

By Richard Anderson

Expand Medicaid Coverage Preserve Investment in Education

“I am a fourth generation Wyomingite and I promise to protect its values & traditions. I will listen to and work hard for my constituents.”

Uncontested

Diversify the Economy marylee@white4wy.com www.white4wy.com Paid for by the Committee, White for Wyoming

VOTE PROVEN EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Aside from precinct committeemen and -women, Teton County voters will see just four names running unopposed on primary election ballots.

Rep. Andy Schwartz is running unopposed as a Democrat to keep his House District 23 seat.

Mike Gierau is running unopposed as a Democrat for the House District 16 seat. The position was held by Ruth Ann Petroff, but she chose not to run for re-election so that she could focus on her business.

In Senate District 17 incumbent Dan Dockstader is running unopposed on the Republican ticket, but Richard Kusaba is running as the lone Democrat for the seat.

Schwartz, who has owned several retail businesses in Jackson, was elected in 2014. During his first term he served on the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee, the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee and the House Journal Committee, among others.

Gierau served four years on the Jackson Town Council and six on the Teton County Board of Commissioners. Since 1980 he has owned and operated Jedediah Corporation, which for years was known as Jedediah’s Original House of Sourdough a block

off Town Square. It now operates out of airports in Jackson and Missoula, Montana.

Sen. Dockstader, whose district includes parts of Lincoln, Sublette and Teton counties, served in the House from 2007 to ’08 before winning election to the Senate. He is a publisher and radio host in Afton. Among the committees he has served on over the years are the Senate Education Committee, the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee and the Joint Legislative and Executive Task Force on Department of Health Facilities.

Kusaba’s name appears as the lone Democratic candidate of SD 16, which covers much of western Wyoming, from southern parts of Grand Teton National Park to Kemmerer and east to beyond Dubois. Ballotpedia.com lists Kusaba as the unopposed Democratic candidate for the district. His Facebook page says he lives in Kemmerer and works as a land surveyor.

Two of the above races — HD 23 and HD 16 — are susceptible to writein Republican candidates. If a qualified name is written in by 25 or more voters, Schwartz and Gierau could encounter unexpected Republican challengers in the Nov. 8 general election.

Contact Richard Anderson at 7327078 or rich@jhnewsandguide.com.

Special supplement written, produced and printed by the Jackson Hole News&Guide Publisher: Kevin Olson Associate Publisher: Adam Meyer Editor: John R. Moses Deputy Editors: Richard Anderson, Johanna Love Primary Section Editor: Richard Anderson Layout and Design: Kathryn Holloway Photographers: Bradly J. Boner, Ryan Dorgan, Rugile Kaladyte Copy Editors: Jennifer Dorsey, Mark Huffman Reporters: Melissa Cassutt, John Spina

EXPERIENCE: Comprehensive Land Use Planning & Strategic Planning Renewable Energy & Conservation Promoter Co-founder Community Childrens Project (now CLC) Pioneered Recycling & Trash Transfer Programs Advocate for Pathways, START, Affordable Housing 12 years County Commission 6 years Teton Conservation District Supervisor El Puente Founding Board President Various Non-Profit & Government Boards Safe Wildlife Crossings Collaborative Co-convener 45 year resident & small business owner VISION:

Advertising Sales: Andra Adamson Foster, Karen Brennan, Matt Cardis, Tom Hall, Chad Repinski Advertising Coordinator: Oliver O’Connor Creative Services Manager: Lydia Redzich Advertising Design: Natalie Connell, Sarah Grengg, Alissa Hartmann Pre-press: Jeff Young Pressmen: Dale Fjeldsted, Steve Livingston Office Manager: Kathleen Godines Customer Service Managers: Lucia Perez, Rudy Perez Circulation: Kyra Griffin, Hank Smith, Jeff Young, Georgi McCarthy

Healthy Community + Healthy Environment = Sustainable Economy

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©2016 Teton Media Works Jackson Hole News&Guide P.O. Box 7445, 1225 Maple Way Jackson, WY 83002 , 307-733-2047 Fax: 307-733-2138, www.jhnewsandguide.com

Jackson HoLE, a coMMUnITY... noT a coMMoDITY

Mark Obringer FOr MayOr www.MarkFOrMayOr.cOM PaiD FOr by the cOMMittee tO elect Mark Obringer

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PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 3

Polling sites

6

5

Alta Elementary School 15 Alta School Road

Moran Elementary School 501 Moran Court

3 Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center 5655 Main St.

Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center 155 E. Gill Ave.

1 2 Teton County Library 125 Virginian Lane

Teton County Weed and Pest Building 7575 Highway 89

4

Voters can cast their ballots at any location.

By Melissa Cassutt Voters no longer have to worry about casting their ballots in the correct precinct. Any one of six polling stations will do.

“Anyone who is a resident of Teton County can go to a vote center on Election Day regardless of where they live,” Teton County Clerk Sherry Daigle said.

Teton County is one of two counties in the state experimenting with countywide vote centers, a concept that allows voters to cast ballots anywhere. The switch means fewer polling locations, Daigle said, but more flexibility for voters who no longer have to rush across town to get to a specific precinct.

“Voter convenience,” she said.

“That’s the biggie.”

Larimer County, Colorado, blazed the trail with vote centers in 2004, using a model of one center per 7,500 to 10,000 voters. Laramie County, the only other Wyoming county trying out the new system, has planned to have one center per 2,575 voters.

Teton County will have one center per 1,720 voters.

“There’s only the six places to go,” Daigle said.

The centers are located at Alta Elementary, the Old Wilson Schoolhouse Community Center, the Weed and Pest District building south of Jackson, Teton County Library, the Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation gym and the Moran School.

Signs will be posted at all of the old polling places to redirect those who swing by out of habit, Daigle said.

The new system is expected to streamline voting because more check-in stations will be available at each center.

“We will have eight check-in places at each of the town polling places, so that actually will make 16 check-in stations in the town,” Daigle said, “whereas before we only had 13 polling places in the county.”

The move also saves the county money, because fewer election judges are needed to staff the sites, and it allows Daigle to post a deputy clerk at each site, something she previously didn’t have enough staff to do.

While it doesn’t matter which location a voter chooses, the machines will still register which of the 18 precincts in the county a ballot is being cast from, Daigle said. The vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There’s also still time to register to

vote, though those who do will need to cast a ballot at the time of registration. People interested in registering before Election Day will need to cast an absentee ballot.

Voters can also register on Election Day, but waiting to register at the polls often takes longer, Daigle said.

Any voter can cast an absentee ballot at the absentee polling site up until Election Day. Absentee ballots that were mailed will be collected until 7 p.m. on Election Day. The absentee polling site is open from 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It’s located in the basement of the County Administration Building, 200 S. Willow St. Voters must declare a party to vote in the Aug. 16 primary election.

Contact Melissa Cassutt at 732-7076 or county@jhnewsandguide.com.

HAILEY MORTON LEVINSON- INVESTED IN JACKSON’S PAST, DEDICATED TO JACKSON’S FUTURE. It has been a true honor serving our community as your town councilor and one that I would like to continue. This is a service I take to heart, take seriously, and I am proud to do. Providing opportunities for small businesses, working families, environmental stewardship and ensuring our quality of life are paramount to the future of Jackson, our home. These are the values that guide my decisions and these are the values I will continue to fight for as your town councilor.

VOTE Hailey Primary Election August 16 – General Election November 8

and thank you for your support! www.haileyforcouncil.com PAID FOR BY HAILEY FOR COUNCIL 315522

4 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Town Council

PLEASE VOTE!

Four nonpartisan candidates advance; four-year terms.

Primary Election: August 16th - General Election: November 8th

By John Spina With two open seats on the Town Council, this election could alter the current council’s stance on a number of key issues.

With rezoning the rest of town planned for the coming year, and the possibility of opening up $6 million a year for housing and transportation projects with a penny of general sales tax revenue, the decisions this Town Council will make could change the face of Jackson for years into the future.

The primary election will take place Aug. 16 and will remove one candidate from the race. The remaining four will face off against one another on the Nov. 8 ballot, with the top two vote-getters being inaugurated in January.

Sara

FLITNER for MAYOR

Working for Jackson

As mayor, my top priority is finding real solutions that work.

I have taken action to get new rental housing for hardworking locals both funded and ready to build.

And, I have supported workable compromise in our business districts that encourages housing as a top priority.

I am committed to the hard and rewarding work of public service.

As your mayor, I will continue to listen, act and lead on real solutions that work for Jackson Hole.

FlitnerForMayor.com sara@flitnerformayor.com PAID FOR BY FLITNER FOR MAYOR COMMITTEE

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Hailey Morton Levinson Hailey Morton Levinson was elected to the Town Council in 2012 and has served as vice mayor for the past two years. She also serves on the Travel and Tourism board and the boards of Energy Conservation Works, the Chamber of Commerce and the Pathways Task Force.

She is a quiet yet insightful member of the council who, as a lifelong resident of Jackson and a young mother, has provided the board with an important perspective, representing the next generation of Jacksonites.

She strongly supports the work the council has completed during her time in office and believes housing and transportation problems can be solved if the council stays its course, especially if voters approve the general sales tax increase in November’s election.

Visit HaileyForCouncil.com for more information.

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Jim Stanford Jim Stanford, elected in 2012, is about to complete his first term on the Town Council. As councilor he also serves as the liaison to the Transportation Advisory Committee, Jackson Hole Airport and the Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation boards.

Over the last four years he has proved to be one of the more vocal proponents of conservation on the council, having worked 17 summers guiding raft trips on the Snake River for Barker-Ewing. And, as an avid biker, he has championed alternative modes of transportation.

He strongly favors a general sales tax to ensure the town’s community priorities in housing and transportation are realized and done in a way that preserves the town’s aesthetic feel and environmental beauty.

Before running for office Stanford was a journalist who won a host of awards for the Jackson Hole News and News&Guide. His experience as a journalist, he said, gives him the investigatory skills and inquisitive nature to ask tough questions.

Stanford said the past four years on the council have provided him with critical political experience entering a key phase of Jackson’s development.

Jessica Chambers Coming from New York and working with the Democratic National Party as a national delegate for Wyoming, Chambers brings a somewhat outside perspective to Jackson and has put forth some creative ideas.

For instance, she believes the

town of Jackson should zone for two commercial hubs based around its two post offices.

Increased density in those areas, she said, would provide opportunities for developers to create affordable deed-restricted housing while maintaining each surrounding neighborhood’s character.

She has also been vocal about enacting renter protections and strongly supports using the general sales tax to subsidize affordable housing projects and transportation upgrades.

Before moving to Jackson, Chambers quickly and unexpectedly became the matriarch of her family, when her mother died in an accident. Without a second thought she left New York, collected her younger brothers in Pittsburgh and moved to Jackson to start a new life.

Her activity in the community, she said, is a direct consequence of feeling so welcomed when she transplanted her family here.

Anne Schuler Anne Schuler’s expertise is in finance: She worked with JP Morgan and Citibank for 15 years, currently sits on the board of directors for the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center as treasurer and runs Brilliantly Done cleaning service.

High-level financial experience has been missing on the Town Council, she said. Her experience will bring a no-nonsense approach to leadership.

She supports the general sales tax to fund housing and transportation projects but would like to limit government subsidies by further incentivizing private developers through the rezoning process.

Schuler grew up in Ithaca, New York, graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s in economics and a Master of Business Administration in finance. After graduation she moved to New York City to work in finance. After 15 years she realized she wasn’t having fun, so she moved to Jackson in 2003.

Schuler chose to make Jackson her home, she said, primarily because of the people who live here and the vibrant community.

Judd Grossman A former town planning commissioner and founder of the alternative newspaper Planet Jackson Hole, Judd Grossman said he thoroughly understands the planning process.

Unlike his opponents he does not support the general revenue tax increase, which will be determined in the Nov. 8 general election, because he believes subsidies for affordable housing are a form of corporate welfare.

Instead Grossman proposes a workforce overlay in the walkable downtown core to allow developers significant density bonuses for deed-restricted employee housing.

Concentrating density downtown, he said, would reduce traffic by keeping the workforce near businesses, thereby reducing the need for funding more START service and construction projects. It would also allow Jackson to conserve its single-family neighborhoods.

Grossman came to Jackson in 1980 and began working as a professional musician. He and his wife, Mary, founded and published Planet Jackson Hole for over a decade. His experiences, he said, give him a historical perspective regarding the challenges Jackson faces.

For more visit VoteJudd.com.

Contact John Spina at 732-5911 or town@jhnewsandguide.com.

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 5

Town Council: 2 seats open; 4 advance to general election; 4-year term Housing

Transportation

Consistently supported housing by approving new affordable projects, advocating funding, and zoning for less commercial and more residential. Pushed to allow more accessory residential units in town and cracked down on illegal short-term rentals that reduce housing supply. Believes deed restrictions are necessary to guarantee affordability in the long run.

Integrally involved in transportation discussions over the past four years. Helped start the Ride2Fly shuttle to Jackson Hole Airport and the faster START bus route across town. Led effort to adopt a transportation plan that balances community desires for alternative modes with the reality of planning for cars. Supports increased connectivity of our road network. Is an avid cyclist and pedestrian who spearheaded safety improvements around town.

Favors SPET for landslide stabilization and general sales tax penny for housing and transportation. Believes general sales tax is a more effective way of funding ongoing operation, staffing and maintenance. Open to future SPET discussions for infrastructure projects. Opposes lodging tax as currently structured on the grounds that too much money being spent on promotion, to the detriment of community.

The only town councilor to oppose massive commercial upzone in early iterations of District 2. Favored reducing commercial potential and zoning for more residential.

Opposed short-term rental of bonus space awarded for residential development.

Looking ahead to other zones, will seek more residential opportunities while preserving community character.

It will take many different tools to help with affordable housing. Private/public partnerships, zoning, mitigations are all part of the solution. The whole community will need to work together to find solutions and actually put those solutions to work. I am committed to seeing that happen and being a strong voice for housing.

We need to continue to look at ways to make alternative transportation easier and more convenient than the car. Improved sidewalks, bike routes, START routes help us go in that direction. Recognizing we are part of the traffic problem will help us change our behaviors and car dependency.

For the landslide we have to and will pay for the mitigation one way or another. If the SPET doesn’t pass, those funds will come from our general fund and/or increases in water and sewer rates. The general penny will provide money to fund maintenance, operations and capital of our priorities without raising our overall taxes.

I look forward to looking at the majority of town’s zones together and focusing on residential areas. I want to see where some increased density can be realized. Town has been and will be the heart of the valley. I want to make sure our zoning reflects that.

• Solutions must support the community members who contribute to our town.

• Stick with the plan.

• Support SPET to be good neighbors and to avert a social and economic catastrophe.

• Community-oriented

Jim Stanford *incumbent

Taxes

Rezoning

Hailey Morton Levinson *incumbent

•Address in tandem with transportation, zoning, wage discussions and renter protections.

• Quantify actual housing needs and determine causes for the growing demand.

Jessica Chambers

• Continue to make Jackson pedestrianfriendly.

• Improve alternative transportation options and ridership.

• Remove incentives to drive cars.

• In support the sixth-cent tax for now.

Services cost money, and we have pressing issues.

• Must have serious conversations about alternative revenue options for the future, especially in light of dwindling state funds.

• Promotes all-around sustainability.

• Friendly to affordable residential development, especially for the little guy.

• Support density and intensity in line with the Comprehensive Plan.

• Smart and efficient for minimal impact on our delicate ecosystem.

• Decisively utilize all options and partnerships to effectively and intelligently address the issue

• Couple future zoning and development with bus stops, hubs or connections, and parking.

We can create stability with expanded rental housing. Incentivizing the private sector to build employee housing through zoning will have the most impact. We should utilize the general revenue tax as a funding mechanism to opportunistically buy land and partnering with the private sector to build workforce rentals.

Transportation planning needs to be integrated with housing solutions and can help solve the housing problem. Expanding START service to Victor and Driggs, Idaho, and Star Valley will open these markets to affordable housing. In the town and county the focus should be on reducing congestion and providing alternative forms of transportation.

The Broadway hillside is a safety concern the town will fix, SPET or not. The SPET will fund the fix in six months; please vote for it. The 1 percent general revenue tax funds community priorities, while leaving taxes flat. If you don’t like the results, vote it down in 2020.

Obstacles to building workforce housing are partially responsible for our current shortage.

Our goal should be to create a more vibrant and livable community. Focus density in appropriate area, streamline the approval process and incentivize the private sector to redevelop dated buildings and build workforce housing.

Limit new development rights so that we don’t encourage job growth. Create a Workforce Housing Overlay that allows increased density in the urban commercial core for deed restricted workforce housing, so employers and employees have the opportunity to take care of their own housing needs without massive unsustainable public subsidies.

Limit new development rights so that we don’t encourage traffic growth. Focus development into the walkable urban commercial core of Jackson and Teton Village where there is easy access to work, shopping and transit. Expand START as demand warrants. No empty buses.

Optimize, expand and connect our roadway system.

Defeat the general excise tax increase in November because it’s based on flawed planning that will waste hundreds of millions of dollars while only making a few percentage points difference in our housing and transportation problems. It’s ridiculously expensive lip service. Reinstate SPET to fund community priorities with community input.

Jackson is maxed out with people and cars.

Don’t add new development rights except for deed-restricted workforce housing and special incentives for conservation. Protect open space, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat and stable neighborhoods. Focus new development into the walkable urban commercial core of Jackson and Teton Village.

• Less contentious districts first.

• Keep the focus local; it is inevitable and good for community.

Anne Schuler

Judd Grossman

6 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Mayor Four nonpartisan candidates; two advance to general election.

By John Spina The 2016 election will determine Jackson’s first four-year mayor at a crucial juncture in the town’s development.

With major rezoning projects scheduled in the coming year, a dire lack of affordable housing and an ever-increasing traffic problem, the next mayor will be faced with daunting challenges and given unprecedented resources to restructure the town of Jackson.

The primary will take place Aug, 16 and will whittle the number of contenders to two heading into the Nov. 8 general election.

Sara Flitner As mayor for the past two years Sara Flitner has focused on housing. She led the rezoning process of District 2 and championed an amendment to allow accessory residential units throughout town. She supports public-private partnerships to subsidize affordable housing.

With another four years in office Flitner believes she can complete her mission of restructuring Jackson for a better future, especially if additional funds can be raised through a general sales tax hike that voters will decide in the general election.

Before becoming mayor Flitner ran Flitner Strategies, a communications and collaborative problem-solving firm. Her experience in that area is indicative of her leadership style: She believes there is always an answer if those invested are willing to coordinate, converse and compromise.

Flitner came to Jackson 25 years ago and started working as a waitress at Jedediah’s. She has built a life here with husband Bill Wotkyns, and sons Pete and Silas.

In addition to her business and civic experience Flitner has served on the Environmental

Quality Council, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the First Interstate Bank Foundation, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust and other nonprofits and agencies.

Mark Obringer Mark Obringer considers himself an expert on the history of Jackson political policy, especially when it comes to rezoning and housing.

With more than 35 years of experience in the housing industry, 16 years on the Town Council, a full term on the Jackson Planning Commission and 28 years in Jackson, Obringer believes he has the knowledge, skill and connections to guide the town in the right direction as it faces another identity crisis.

Obringer was a key player in the process of creating Jackson’s 1994 Comprehensive Plan. He said his intimate knowledge of the history of Jackson’s policy and the process by which it was formed gives him much-needed experience.

Obringer said his experience tells him that the town should continue to fund all projects with the specific purpose excise tax, not a general sales tax, and that the town should work with the county to create a single, unified regional housing plan tied to the Integrated Transportation Plan.

Since leaving the Town Council in 2012, Obringer founded a nonprofit, along with the Wyoming Business Council, called Imagine Jackson that supports “creative and knowledge-based business ventures.”

For information visit MarkOForMayor.com.

Pete Muldoon Pete Muldoon is campaigning as an average Jackson resident who understands the plight of the working class.

After joining the military at age 17, Muldoon studied philosophy, journalism and economics in college. He moved to Jackson in 2000 and worked as a waiter, bartender, carpenter and painter

before starting a small production company in 2009. He is also a working musician, a writer, a housing advocate with ShelterJH and a proud member of the working renter class.

He sought appointment to replace Melissa Turley as a county commissioner in 2015 after Turley vacated her seat mid-term. While he didn’t make the final cut he clearly expressed his desire to serve and represent what he believes is a neglected segment of Jackson Hole: the working class.

To do so, Muldoon said, the housing shortage must be treated “like the emergency it is.” He is a strong proponent of publicly subsidizing housing projects with a penny of the general sales tax and increasing density, where appropriate, throughout town without the inclusion of shortterm rentals.

Stephen McDonald McDonald wants to restrict growth in Jackson at all costs. He intensely opposes new commercial development and wants Jackson to reduce the size and scope of its government, especially subsidized housing and taxes.

As a consequence of his anti-growth sentiment he does not support any new taxes, wants the START bus to minimize operations within town and believes the Town Council should stay out of the business of developing housing except in the form of accessory residential units.

In addition he approves of busing in workers from surrounding areas to alleviate Jackson Hole’s housing problem.

McDonald moved to Jackson 25 years ago and has worked in various service industry jobs to support his wife, Christy, to whom he has been married for 23 years, and their four children, Eden, Blaze, Liberty and Damaris. His hatred of growth, he said, comes from a desire for his kids to be able to afford to live here when they grow up.

Contact John Spina at 732-5911 or town@ jhnewsandguide.com.

VOTE AUGUST 16th FOR A COmmOn SEnSE COnSERVATiVE FOR HOUSE DiSTRiCT 22 • An employer who is acutely aware of the challenges facing working families.

• Supporter of youth programs: Scouting, 4-H, FFA, Girls and Boys State.

• Advocate for the developmentally disabled and the disadvantaged.

• A fiscal conservative who will oppose bills that hurt your pocketbooks.

• Strong defender of private property rights.

• For individual liberties; against crony capitalism; business friendly.

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PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 7

Mayor: 1 seat open; 2 advance to general election; 4-year term Housing

Transportation

Taxes

Rezoning

I support the following tools for housing: increased density in appropriate locations, accessory residential units that are scaled to fit neighborhoods, and public-private partnerships where we provide land and the developer provides working family rental housing. I support high levels of public engagement, few or no surprises.

I support a continued increase in service to neighboring communities, along with improvements to the town system to make it convenient but also sensitive to neighborhoods. Without additional resources we do not have the money to buy smaller, quieter buses, which have much less impact on neighborhoods.

Like you, I hate taxes. However, we all value services. For example, our Fire/EMS budget has increased 741 percent since 1990, from $147,000 in 1990 to $1.2 million in 2015, but our tax rate is the same. I support using sales tax and the specific purpose excise tax to pay our bills because, unlike with property tax, visitors pay 60 percent of those taxes. Note: No outcome during this election cycle will result in a higher rate of sales tax.

I want to move through the other zones within the next year and get decisions made. I support civility, transparency and a good public process to do that. I am proud of and committed to understanding all the interests and making decisions based on that. I may not always agree, but I always listen.

We need to utilize all of our options in order to produce housing. We need to buy housing, build housing, zone for housing and partner for housing. I believe the starting point needs to be the creation of one, unified, regional housing program.

We need to take the first step out of the Integrated Transportation Plan and form the Regional Transit Board. The next step is to secure locations for park-and-ride transit hubs.

I believe the motel at the “Y” would be a good first start, and it is for sale.

I support the specific excise tax question for stabilizing the Broadway slide. The simple fact is that the public is already paying for the repairs. I do not support an additional 1 penny sales tax. I have yet to see a plan for how the money will be spent, and I believe that is something most people are anxious about.

If we are going to move forward and get things done, zoning will play a large role in addressing the issues we face. I would start with the multifamily areas of town because they have the greatest housing potential. I would avoid single-family neighborhoods because that is where you place neighbors in conflict.

Solving our housing emergency will be my first priority on Day 1 in office. The survival of our community as we know it depends on our ability to house our working and middle classes. I’ll be relentless in my pursuit of housing, and I’ll make the hard choices needed.

Promoting a bike culture is essential, as is continuing to expand transit options. But our traffic problems are going to continue to get worse unless we get a handle on growth and find ways to house people near where they work, recreate and go to school.

Taxes are the price we pay for civilization.

A responsible community raises the funds it needs to support itself. Taxes are like mortgages: No one enjoys paying them, but responsible people realize we must do it. Our community goals require taxes, and I support the penny of sales tax.

Our first priority in rezoning must be to make sure the working class and middle class can continue to live in Jackson. We must restrain unneeded commercial growth, and zone with the intent to create more housing while protecting the character of our neighborhoods.

No new housing tax. Housing will not be solved by public housing projects. These segregate the poor into districts, discourage upward mobility, have high police response rate and are an expensive use of our tax dollars. Accessory rental units: Keep money local, not with MegaCorp.

No new START tax. Poor routing through town hobbles performance. Village routes are excellent, while town languishes. Painfully long loop routes mean it doesn’t work for errands or for traffic goals.

No landslide tax. New taxes are not necessary for Jackson’s economic vitality. New taxes only serve to make our town bigger and busier.

Heavy promotion causes many our problems.

I’m voting no on all new taxes on the ballot.

No increase in property taxes. Conservation and preservation should be at the helm of every town decision, not unceasing promotion. All zoning must first benefit Jackson homeowners and families, not MegaCorp.

Sara Flitner *incumbent

Mark Obringer

Pete Muldoon

Stephen McDonald

8 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

SPET: West Broadway slide

By John Spina The primary election ballot this year will include a specific purpose excise tax question. If approved the tax will raise $6 million to stabilize the West Broadway landslide, aka the Budge slide.

Town officials say fixing the slide is a matter of public safety and the work will be needed whether or not the SPET is approved.

“After considerable analysis and study there is no other alternative for the community than stabilizing the hillside to shore up the existing Budge Drive,” Councilor Jim Stanford said. “We need to restore full access and services to roughly 50 to 60 of our neighbors who live up there. We need to protect the public roadway and utilities and protect public safety.

“Litigating who is ‘responsible’ for the landslide would take a lot of time and money,” Stanford said, “and the fact is our community made many decisions, dating back 50 to 70 years, to get us into this situation.”

According to sensors on the hillside the landslide still moves roughly a quarter of an inch each month. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that there is a small possibility of a catastrophic failure that would cause the entire hillside to slide.

The landslide is now within 6 feet of the water main under Broadway and 2 to 3 feet from a sewer line, according to the town of Jackson Public Works Department. Further movement could destroy those pipes, cutting off water and sewage to west Jackson and parts of West Broadway, making it impassable.

“It’s in the public interest to resolve this issue,” Town Manager Bob McLaurin said in a written statement.

“Leaving that landslide hanging above

PRICE CHAMBERS / NEWS&GUIDE FILE

The primary election ballot will ask voters to approve a specific purpose excise tax to raise $6 million for stabilizing the West Broadway landslide.

our utilities threatens not only access to Yellowstone but water service to the better part of west Jackson.”

The town and most of the candidates running for local offices support the proposed tax because tourists pay an estimated 60 percent of collected SPET revenues and the current level of sales tax would stay at 6 percent.

“If we don’t pass SPET we will be shouldering the whole burden ourselves,” Mayor Sara Flitner said. “We will have to beg, borrow and steal instead of sharing the tax burden with the tourists, who could pay 60 percent.”

Currently 4 cents of sales tax is collected by the state of Wyoming, which redistributes a portion to communities throughout the state. The fifth cent is a 1 percent general revenue sales tax split between Teton County, which receives 55 percent, and the

town of Jackson, which receives 45 percent.

The remaining 1 percent, the sixth cent, is currently pledged to fund SPET initiatives previously approved by voters. Once they are fully funded the new SPET for stabilizing the landslide would kick in.

“This is not a tax increase,” McLaurin said. “If the residents vote in favor of this 1 percent general revenue sales tax, the sales tax will remain at 6 percent.”

Some feel the cost of stabilization should be paid by the national drugstore chain Walgreens. A new Walgreens store was the last project on the east side of the slide site, though years of previous construction there preceded the April 2014 slide.

The town regularly contacts Walgreens in hope of coordinating with its stabilization efforts, but the

town has yet to receive any indication that collaboration is likely.

“I have a better chance of the president calling me back” than receiving word from Walgreens, McLaurin has told the Town Council. “We need to deal with this ourselves.”

Nevertheless, town officials are adamant that Walgreens is liable for part of the slide.

At its widest point the landslide collapsed 450 feet of East Gros Venture Butte. Of that, 225 feet lies on town property. The money raised through SPET would pay to stabilize only the part of the slide on town property.

The eastern section, above Walgreens, would remain the drugstore chain’s responsibility.

To stabilize the town’s portion of the slide Public Works will have to dig out the road, pack blocks of ultradense material at the base of the hill while unloading weight from the top, and place buttresses on both sides of the entrance to Budge Drive to further compact the earth and prevent movement. Once the butte is stabilized the “factor of safety” — a measurement of the strength of the hillside and its ability to support additional weight — for the town’s portion will be 1.15 to 1.2.

A structure with a factor of safety of 1 will support only its current load.

Any additional weight will cause the structure to fail. A factor of safety of 2 will fail at twice the design load.

The portion of the slide hanging above Walgreens currently has a factor of safety of 0.96 to 0.98. Work on the town’s portion of the slide will make the overall hillside more stable, but the potential for additional slides cannot be fully alleviated until Walgreens completes its portion.

Contact John Spina at 732-5911 or town@jhnewsandguide.com.

Mike Gierau

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

"An Effective Voice for Teton County" Owner of Jedediah Corporation since 1980

www.electmikegierau.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mike Gierau 315525

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 9

PRIMARY ELECTION VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS: INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT

August 16, 2016

TO VOTE:

There will be six locations open on Elction Day, and you may vote at ANY one of those locations, regardless of where you live in Teton County. All Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS:

TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY ALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 15 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY MORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Moran Ct., Moran, WY DEMOCRATIC BALLOT STYLE COUNTY PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

REPUBLICAN BALLOT STYLE COUNTY PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

CONSTITUTION BALLOT STYLE COUNTY PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

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

LIBERTARIAN BALLOT STYLE COUNTY PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

NONPARTISAN BALLOT STYLE COUNTY PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

Names of candidates will be rotated on the official ballots and will not always appear in the order indicated in the sample ballots. *Sample COUNTY ballot attached – all parties: 1-1 South of Jackson (REP) (DEM) (CT) (LIB) (NP)

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10 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

PRIMARY ELECTION VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS: INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT

August 16, 2016

TO VOTE:

There will be six locations open on Elction Day, and you may vote at ANY one of those locations, regardless of where you live in Teton County. All Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS:

TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY ALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 15 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY MORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Moran Ct., Moran, WY

DEMOCRATIC BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

REPUBLICAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #22, SENATE DISTRICT #16: 1-10 South Hoback, 4-1 Wilson South, 4-3 Wilson North

CONSTITUTION BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

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

LIBERTARIAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

NONPARTISAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

Names of candidates will be rotated on the official ballots and will not always appear in the order indicated in the sample ballots. *Sample ballot attached is 1-10 South Hoback – all parties.

314363

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 11

PRIMARY ELECTION VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS: INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT

August 16, 2016

TO VOTE:

There will be six locations open on Elction Day, and you may vote at ANY one of those locations, regardless of where you live in Teton County. All Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS:

TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY ALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 15 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY MORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Moran Ct., Moran, WY

DEMOCRATIC BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:* 1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

LIBERTARIAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

CONSTITUTION BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

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

REPUBLICAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

NONPARTISAN BALLOT STYLE HOUSE DISTRICT #16, SENATE DISTRICT #17:*

1-2 Mid East Jackson, 1-5 Mid West Jackson, 1-6 Cottonwood Park, 1-8 East Jackson, 1-9 West Jackson

Names of candidates will be rotated on the official ballots and will not always appear in the order indicated in the sample ballots. *Sample ballot attached is 1-2 Mid East Jackson – all parties.

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12 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

PRIMARY ELECTION VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS: INSTRUCTIONS FOR MARKING A BALLOT

August 16, 2016

TO VOTE:

There will be six locations open on Elction Day, and you may vote at ANY one of those locations, regardless of where you live in Teton County. All Vote Centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS:

TETON COUNTY LIBRARY 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY TETON COUNTY/JACKSON RECREATION CENTER 155 E. Gill Ave., Jackson, WY OLD WILSON SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER 5655 Main St., Wilson, WY TETON COUNTY WEED & PEST BUILDING 7575 US-89, Jackson, WY ALTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 15 Alta School Rd., Alta, WY MORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 501 Moran Ct., Moran, WY DEMOCRATIC BALLOT STYLE TOWN PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

REPUBLICAN BALLOT STYLE TOWN PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

CONSTITUTION BALLOT STYLE TOWN PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

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

LIBERTARIAN BALLOT STYLE TOWN PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

NONPARTISAN BALLOT STYLE TOWN PRECINCTS HOUSE DISTRICT #23, SENATE DISTRICT #17:

1-1 South of Jackson, 1-3 Skyline/Hi-Country/Gros Ventre Butte, 1-4 North Jackson, 1-7 Rafter J, 1-11 Indian Trails, 2-1 Kelly/Moose/Airport, 3-1 Moran, 4-2 Moose/Wilson Rd, 4-4 Teton Village/Moose Wilson Rd, 5-1 Alta

Names of candidates will be rotated on the official ballots and will not always appear in the order indicated in the sample ballots. *Sample TOWN ballot attached – all parties: 1-4 North Jackson (REP) (DEM) (CT) (LIB) (NP)

314365

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 13

Teton County Board of County Commissioners Two from each party will move on; four-year term.

By Melissa Cassutt Six candidates — three Democrats, three Republicans — have their sights set on two seats opening on the Teton County Board of County Commissioners.

The primary on Aug. 16 will narrow the pool down to two Democrats and two Republicans, and those four will compete in the Nov. 8 general election.

The two seats opening on the board belong to Chairwoman Barbara Allen, a Republican, and Commissioner Natalia D. Macker, a Democrat. Allen announced in March that she will not seek re-election, but Macker is hoping to retain her seat.

Voters must declare a party to vote in this partisan race primary.

This year Teton County is trying a new voting system that will allow people to cast ballots at any of six vote centers around the county. For information, see the story and map on page 3.

Democrats Greg Epstein, 45 Greg Epstein is a Jackson native who considers Teton County “truly home.” Epstein’s mother was an elementary school teacher in Wilson for most of 42 years, and his father owns a small business in town.

Epstein met his wife, Mira, in the valley and over the years, he said, has “established many meaningful friendships.” He feels he has become a “positive community role model” for many of his peers.

Epstein said he would bring a “unique perspective” to the commission, having grown up in Jackson.

“For many people Jackson Hole is a household brand,” he said, “but for those who reside here it is a special place that deserves accountable stewards to help guide its future.”

Epstein is the head of production for Teton Gravity Research. He was also a member of the Friends of Pathways board for four years, serving most recently as president.

In addition, Epstein said his time in Jackson has afforded him an opportunity to engage with a “wide swath of residents of various ages, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.”

These experiences, he said, have given him an understanding of the fiscal, social and infrastructural issues faced by the community.

“As we move forward our community should strive for the creation of a sustained, year-round working population, where the environment, people and businesses can thrive side by side,” he said. “Looking toward our future, I am confident that by focusing on these objectives our quality of life in Teton County will improve.”

For more visit GregEpstein.com Natalia D. Macker, 32 Natalia D. Macker is the lone incumbent in the county commissioner race. She was appointed to her seat in August when Melissa Turley resigned.

Macker is the artistic director for Off Square Theatre Company. She has lived in Hoback since 2011 with her husband, Thomas. They have a 2-year-old son.

Before joining the commission Macker served on the Teton County/ Jackson Parks and Recreation board.

She ran for the Wyoming House District 22 seat in 2014, losing to incumbent Rep. Marti Halverson.

Macker serves on the Land Quality Advisory Board, a five-member board under the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. She was appointed to the position in 2015 by Gov. Matt Mead. She also serves on board of Energy Conservation Works.

Macker is a strong supporter of the 1 percent general sales tax proposal, which will go before the voters in the Nov. 8 general election.

“I think that is an investment in our working middle-class families,” she said, “and it’s an investment in our small businesses, because our businesses are only going to thrive if we have viable transit options and if we have affordable housing for all categories.”

Go online to MackerForWyo.com for details.

Sandy Shuptrine, 71 Sandy Shuptrine served as county commissioner from 1991 to 2003, a time when the first joint towncounty comprehensive plan was adopted. While on the board she initiated early learning, recycling and pathways programs, she said.

Shuptrine has lived in the area for 45 years. She and her husband have been small-business owners since 1973. They have two children and three grandchildren.

In the past she has served on several boards, including Teton Science Schools, El Puente, the Wyoming Outdoor Council and the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. The latter, to which she was appointed by Gov. Matt Mead, is a seven-member board that is part of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality.

Shuptrine owns Pathfinder Services, a consulting business. She is also involved in strategic planning and energy conservation for local government and for the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities program.

Shuptrine is in her sixth year serving on the board of the Teton Conservation District, a role she said has given her insight into the importance of balancing conservation with housing and transportation demands.

“There are no magic bullets,” she said. “Neither one of those issues is ever going to go away in Teton County unless we abandon our desire for being the kind of community we are, which does honor its natural resources.”

To learn more visit Facebook.com/ Shuptrine2016.

Republicans Lisa daCosta, 51 Lisa daCosta is a 23-year resident of the valley. She served on the town of Jackson Planning Commission from 2005 to 2010. She has a background in operational finance, having held roles from controller to chief financial officer.

DaCosta has assisted many local businesses, from startups to longtime valley institutions, she said.

She has served as a business advisor for the Teton County Small Business Development Center since December 2014. She is also the owner of Cache Creek Financial.

DaCosta lives in east Jackson with her two Chihuahuas. She is a member of the Elks and a former Jaycee.

She said she is running to “get back to basics.”

“The Comprehensive Plan’s two core values are preservation of natural resources and wildlife, and community character,” daCosta said, See commission on 14

REPUBLICAN PHILOSOPHY I am a Republican Because... I believe the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.

I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.

I believe free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.

I believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.

I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.

I believe the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government that is closest to the people.

I believe Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.

I believe Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.

Finally, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

Paid for by the Teton County Republican Party 315607

ler For Town Co u h c unc eS n il An

A No Nonsense Approach to Leadership EXPERIENCED LEADER

• Small business operator and owner • Non-profit leader • Treasurer of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center Board of Directors • Active member of Soroptomist of Jackson Hole, raising awareness and funds for local women's programs. Focusing on the Right Priorities

• Housing Crisis; Create stability with expanded rental housing; incentivize private sector to build employee housing; focus density in appropriate areas; utilize 1% general revenue tax as an important funding mechanism • Transportation Goals: Reduce current congestion; integrate transportation plans into housing solutions.

• Vibrancy: Support a sustainable and successful community that focuses on the needs of both individuals and businesses Paid for by Schuler for Town Council

Go Vote august 16th, 2016

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14 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

County Commission - Democrats: Two seats open; two Democrats advance to general election; four-year term Affordable Housing

Greg Epstein

Natalia D. Macker *incumbent

Sandy Shuptrine

Transportation

Conservation

Taxes

I support “Town as Heart” and complete neighborhoods that are accompanied by detailed transportation and parking plans. We need to look at all types of housing strategies and redevelopment to four stories where applicable. The creation of more stable housing is necessary. Through the new housing board and in collaboration with the private and business sectors, we should be looking to increase our stock of cost-effective and deedrestricted rental units through public and/or private development partnerships.

I support the expansion of START countywide and regionally: Make it easy, efficient and convenient. I support a cultural shift away from our over-reliance on single-occupancy motor vehicles. Bicycle commuting on our pathway system, a town of Jackson bike share program and complete streets are a start. I support collaboration with WYDOT to look at innovative traffic mitigation solutions such as roundabouts and HOV lanes to keep traffic moving before we expand to five lanes countywide.

I believe that with the Comprehensive Plan as our guide, Teton County’s natural and wild resources and the protection thereof should be foremost in our planning efforts. I support environmental oversight for our air, water and land quality countywide and regionally. I support public lands in public hands. I support energy-efficiency measures and wastereduction strategies throughout our community.

With the Wyoming state budget being cut, and with 60 to 70 percent of our community’s revenue coming from tourism, I support leveraging the 4 million people who visit Jackson Hole on a yearly basis. Yes on SPET and yes on the Community Priorities Fund.

Safe, stable and affordable housing is paramount for a thriving Teton County. It provides security for our middle class and opportunity for low-income families. It supports the diversity our community needs to flourish.

We need to approach housing from a variety of angles and strategies. We need to empower developers and the business community to participate in solutions. My priorities include purchasing land, partnerships, preservation of existing stock and pragmatic zoning.

My transportation priorities include increasing START ridership, improving safety for all users and wildlife throughout our network and strengthening partnerships so we can meet the goals of the Integrated Transportation Plan. I want the county and WYDOT to continue our work together to develop the best solutions for major intersections. I support diversifying bus schedules, increasing network connectivity, private sector partnerships, wildlife crossings and piloting a shuttle system with Grand Teton National Park.

I want Teton County to be a national example of sustainability and stewardship. I want future generations to be able to enjoy the same resources we have today. Open space, wildlife and habitat are critical components of our economy. They support what we value in Teton County, including our agricultural heritage and our recreation opportunities. My goals include addressing issues with water quality, updating our natural resource LDRs and reducing energy consumption in the valley.

I support a balanced, transparent process for allocating public monies, and I uphold principles of fairness and equality in regard to taxes. We rely on sales tax in our community, and because of tourism a large percentage of our sales tax is paid by our visitors. My focus is on securing a permanent revenue source for housing and transportation so we can make meaningful progress on our community’s needs with accountability.

Develop an updated, focused and nimble program with key stakeholders. The new housing department is a good place to start and lead the planning. The most effective county partnership with private and nonprofit developers may be land acquisition assistance.

Affordable housing is needed for our workforce (seasonal and permanent) and other (elderly) community members. November voter approval of the 1 penny general sales tax, partially dedicated, will support needed housing while maintaining a 6 percent sales tax rate.

Continue to be in good communication with WYDOT, a key player in almost all potential road solutions. Strengthen START capacity and service with 1 penny general sales tax voter approval in November. Use traffic calming measures where appropriate — many, many regional cities have incorporated them.

Seek and improve park-and-ride locations.

Thoughtfully check one’s own travel behavior and carpool, walk, bike, plan trips and consider time of day before getting into a car.

Essential to Teton County’s quality of life — human and wild — and the basis of our economic health (wildlife, scenery, recreation).

Known water-quality and invasive plantdegradation needs to be addressed, as they affect biodiversity and habitat quality.

Partnerships with local nonprofits help address wildlife road crossings, open space preservation, old fence removal, wildlife research, energy conservation, etc. The Teton Conservation District provides cost-share and information regarding conservation practices.

New technology can help with vehicle emissions and air quality.

Strongly support maintaining 6 percent sales tax rate through voter approval of SPET to stabilize the Broadway landslide, followed by voter approval of 1 penny general sales tax to be levied next year. Long-term governance via SPET does not cover operation and maintenance of the past three decades of approved capital projects. SPET deliberations between town, county and potential applicants can be lengthy. Collection takes time. Other tax resources are property tax and increasing the mill levy.

commission Continued from 13

“and I feel like we’ve kind of gotten away from that.

“I also feel the county should be looking to manage its existing services and infrastructure to their highest and best use for the community,” she said. “It’s time to take a deep breath after we’ve done a lot of building and say, ‘Let’s make sure we’re taking care of what we’ve got and we’re delivering the highest-

value services to our community.”

Visit LisaForCommission.com for more.

Trey Davis, 45 Trey Davis is a Louisiana native. His family owned a lumber mill, where he worked through high school.

One of Davis’ grandfathers was an engineer for Texaco; the other was a pastor. He said those family ties taught him the value of “hard work, accountability, ethics and trust.”

Davis studied forestry and business in college and later attended the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge to become a chef. He is the owner of Sweetwater Restaurant.

Davis has been married to his wife, Town Attorney Audrey CohenDavis, for 16 years. They have two children, Jordan and Hudson.

Davis said his experience as a smallbusiness owner has contributed to his knowledge of managing a large workforce and balancing large budgets.

It also has given him a close-up

look at the housing crisis in the community, he said.

“Unfortunately we built it — meaning all the retail outlets, all the restaurants, all the hotels,” he said.

“We built this. And now we’ve got to be able to staff it.”

Davis has served on the board of Trout Unlimited. He supports many nonprofits, including Ducks Unlimited, the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust and Friends of the Snake River.

Visit TreyDavisForTetonCounty.com See commission on 15

RE-ELECT

I intend to set the record straight about what transferring Public Lands to the States would mean to/for House District 22 & all of WY. I feel strongly that our National Forests/Public Lands must not be exploited in this manner. I hope you’ll stand with me for Medicaid Expansion and Equal Pay!

Paid for by Chris Christian for HD22

315386

315272

Boom. Bust. Repeat.

We can do better than that.

WWW.SCHWARTZHD23.COM PAID FOR BY SHWARTZ FOR HD23

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 15

County Commission - Republicans: Two seats open; two Republicans advance to general election; four-year term Affordable Housing

Lisa daCosta

Trey Davis

Nikki Gill

Transportation

Conservation

Taxes

What the community needs most at this time is affordable rentals. That is the housing stock that is disappearing through redevelopment.

Public-private partnerships that minimize the per-unit subsidy are critical. The County Commission needs to address zoning to allow for denser housing, and the new school in Hog Island offers a look at this district. The planning and zoning department also has to be more efficient and timely in processing proposed projects.

If we want our Integrated Transportation Plan to be more successful, we need to increase START ridership with better scheduling valleywide and amenities like Wi-Fi and ski racks in the winter to improve the convenience of the local bus experience. Since it is winter here more than half the year, we have to commit to effective clearing of the sidewalks, pathways and bike lanes to make our nonmotorized infrastructure safe year round.

Wildlife crossings are an effective way to reduce animal fatalities. After all the construction of pathways, pedestrian bridges and boat ramps as amenities, it is time to focus on wildlife bridges over high-traffic areas like South Highway 89 and Highway 22 and work with the National Park Service to put crossings on its lands north of town. Doing more to preserve the wildlife that we and our visitors love needs to be a priority.

We must be mindful that government will expand to utilize the resources it receives. The county budget has grown 21 percent over the last three years. The state’s energy revenue declines mean we will see state funding cuts for local government, agencies and nonprofits that provide mandated social services. We need to be fiscally prudent and be sure that we are spending available funds on critical government and community services with our existing tax structure.

Workforce housing allowing for the highest number of units, well-managed construction, and strict timelines to get units, particularly rentals, on the ground quickly are needed.

Co-ops, public-private partnerships and private developments need to be supported to make this happen. The application system for affordable and employee housing must be strictly enforced based on income tests or employment criteria, subletting or shortterm rentals, with additional incentives or mandates for individuals and families to move to free-market units if circumstances or income changes.

I believe that transportation is a community priority and that more frequent START buses will bring more ridership to the local community and visitors. I also support and would propose funds for routes to South Park (Rafter J and Melody Ranch) and other areas underrepresented by START. We cannot continue to just look to our outlying communities, but we also need to provide alternative transportation for our workforce within Teton County and promote ridership.

I support wildlife bridges, scenic viewsheds, protecting wildlife habitat and movement corridors, and conservation easements to protect open space. I also encourage conservation of agricultural lands, which protect the historic Western character of the community and can support wildlife movement corridors, natural resources and scenery. I also believe it is important to seek incentives and partnerships that respect private property rights yet permanently protect certain valuable open space for wildlife.

I support the lodging tax, which provides funding for public infrastructure maintenance.

I also support SPET initiatives to support the Housing Action Plan, Integrated Transportation Plan and other priorities that arise in our community, such as the Budge Drive [landslide] stabilization, Fire/EMS, and search and rescue needs. In further understanding that the 1 percent general tax does not guarantee that the priorities of housing and transportation will be funded, I do not support it. SPET is a better tool.

Our new land-development regulations reduced the amount of density that can be transferred from one property to another, thus disincentivizing clustering and instead incentivizing 35-acre developments. I believe we can create more opportunities for affordable housing through better zoning, increased density bonuses and clustering. In addition, we need to remove some of the obstacles that are hindering the private sector from helping the effort to build affordable housing for our local workforce.

We need to widen and connect our roads so that vehicles can get where they are going in a safe and timely manner. Right now we have an arterial road system that lacks redundancy.

When we don’t have secondary routes it creates major safety issues. Improvements to the “Y” intersection should be a high priority for funding. Reconstruction of the “Y” should accommodate all modes of transportation with emphasis on improvements on signal and bus transit prioritization. In addition it’s crucial that we add more START bus trips to and from the Star Valley and Alpine and Victor and Driggs, Idaho, areas, as well as neighborhoods in the county that aren’t currently served by START.

By zoning much of the county one house per 35 acres, the Comprehensive Plan has prioritized land conservation at the expense of both property rights and affordable housing. If our goal as a community is to protect open space in perpetuity, then we need to create zoning that incentivizes clustering of density and the preservation of land through conservation easements. Many large landowners and cattle ranchers in Teton County would prefer to take less money for their land in exchange for a conservation easement rather than see their land subdivided into 35-acre parcels.

There’s no guarantee that the money collected through the general excise tax for “housing and transportation” will actually go toward housing and transportation projects. Instead the money will go into a general fund and can be spent at the discretion of the elected officials. SPET provides transparency and ensures that local government has a clear plan in place on how it will spend taxpayer money. SPET has a great track record and has been a very effective way of forcing local government to fully define the scope of a project and ensure it is held accountable.

commission Continued from 14

for more.

Nikki Gill, 28 Nikki Gill grew up on the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch, an operation started by her great-grandfather Bruce Porter in 1928. She’s a fifth-generation native.

In addition to the ranch, Gill’s family started the Jackson Drug Company, the Teton Theatre, the Log Cabin Bar and

the Jackson Hole News. Her grandfather Ralph Gill served as a Teton County commissioner and mayor of Jackson.

Nikki Gill graduated from the University of San Francisco with a bachelor’s in business administration and a minor in political science.

As a student she interned for U.S. Sen. Michael Enzi in Washington, D.C. Upon finishing her degree she worked at a tech start-up before returning to Jackson Hole in 2012.

She works for her father, Robert Gill, on the ranch, holding the title of sales

and marketing manager. Last year she launched a community-supported agriculture program from her family’s ranch, and expanded the ranch’s local beef operation into several restaurants and a butcher shop, she said.

Gill helps manage the commercial real estate of the Gill family holdings and sits on the steering committee for the Astoria Hot Springs Park redevelopment project.

She married Rob Ottaway, part-owner of Cowboy Coffee Co., last August on her family’s ranch.

At 28, Gill is the youngest candidate in the race.

“My generation is the least represented in local government, yet they are some of the most affected by the housing crisis,” she said. “I feel they want someone who has a better understanding of their needs who is also willing to advocate for them.”

Visit VoteNikkiGill.com for information.

Contact Melissa Cassutt at 732-7076 or county@jhnewsandguide.com.

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16 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

House District 22 One candidate from each party advances; two-year term

By Melissa Cassutt

NDM

paid for by Macker for Wyoming

RE-ELECT

NATALIA D. MACKER Teton County Commission A working mom for all our families

RE-ELEGIR NATALIA D. MACKER

Comisionado del Condado de Tetón Una madre que trabaja para todas nuestras familias 315720

315357

www.mackerforwyo.com

NDM compelled me into the race was the

issue of the transfer of federal public RE-ELECT lands to the state of Wyoming,” White

said. “In my opinion, it’s surprising to

me that legislatures NATALIA D. would consider it and the Republican Party has it on

MACKER

their platform. I see it as a nonstarter.

I don’t believe there is a constitutional County Commission Four candidates are running for theTeton basis for the federal government ever Wyoming House District 22 seat, inturning federal lands to the state of cluding incumbent Rep. Marti HalverWyoming.” son, R-Etna.

Visit White4WY.com. mom for Two Democrats hope to win a spot A working all our families on the general election ticket, and Bill Winney has come forward again to chal- Republicans lenge Halverson for the Republican Marti Halverson Rep. Marti Halverson, R-Etna, was nomination. www.mackerforwyo.com voted into office in November 2012, House District 22 covers northern facebook.com/mackerforwyo when Jim Roscoe, a Democrat, decided Lincoln and Sublette counties and portions of Teton County, including Hoback he would not run for re-election. She was re-elected to her post in 2014. and Wilson.

Halverson was born in New Britain, The primary election on Aug. 16 will narrow both parties to one candidate. Connecticut, and attended Bradford The winners will face off in the Nov. 8 College and Northwestern University. general election. Voters must declare a She has been a Star Valley resident since 1996 and is retired from the duparty to vote in the primaries. rable medical device industry.

She has been active in GOP politics Democrats and policy since the 1960s, she said.

Chris Christian Chris Christian describes herself as Along with other political involvea “homegrown Wyoming environmen- ment, she has been the Lincoln County talist” who jumped in the race to en- precinct committeewoman since 2000 sure that federal public lands are not and was elected Wyoming’s national committeewoman in 2012 and 2016. transferred to the state.

Halverson served on the House Ju“I intend to do the best for the peodiciary Committee and the National ple, the wildlife and the land itself, instead of seeing it sold off to the highest Conference of State Legislatures’ Law bidder, walled and fenced off,” Chris- and Criminal Justice Committee in tian, 66, said. “We must not allow the 2015 and 2016. During her first term land to be savaged by mining, dam- she was a member of the House Judiming and drilling pollution. It is the ciary Committee and the House Travlast place that these animals can live el, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural free, and we must protect it from those Resources Committee.

Halverson was elected to the Star who would dig it, frack it and hack it Valley Medical Center Board of Trustto bits for their own profit.”

Christian was born in Lander and ees in 2004 and 2008, and served as grew up in Jackson, save for her final the board president from 2010 to 2012. years of high school, when she lived in She is a lifetime member of the Star Colorado. Christian has a long family Valley Medical Center Auxiliary. She history in Wyoming. Her grandpar- has served as president of the board ents married in Douglas, where they for Lincoln Self Reliance, a nonprofit homesteaded, and her mother was dedicated to helping those with deborn in Midwest. Christian said Wyo- velopmental disabilities and acquired ming has always felt like home, and brain injuries, since 2011. She is a she returned to the state full time in member and past president of the Animal Humane Association of Star Val1987, settling in Hog Island. ley, and has four dogs and six cats.

Christian graduated from the UniHer only son, Exum mountain guide versity of Wyoming with a bachelor’s Gary Falk, recently died on an expediin anthropology and a minor in Ameri- tion on the Grand Teton, prompting can Indian studies. She was accept- Halverson to temporarily suspend her ed into the University of Wyoming’s campaign so she could spend more time School of Law but dropped out after with family. She remains on the ballot. quickly discovering she did not want Go to MartiHalverson.com for more. to be a lawyer,.

Christian has been self-employed for Bill Winney over 35 years and semiretired for the Bondurant resident Bill Winney past seven, working as a bookkeeper credits his 30-year military career for and running a paper route. the experience he needs to be a sucWhile none of her two children, four cessful House representative. grandchildren or two great-grandchil“I start my leadership skills with dren live in the area, all four of her experience I had in the Navy,” said siblings are still in the valley, she said. Winney, who retired as a captain. “The For more visit ChrisChristian.org. real issue with leadership is how you interact with people.

Marylee White “The parallel as I see it is you walk Marylee White is a fourth-gener- around and talk to people,” he said. ation Wyomingite who has lived in “You don’t wait for them to come talk Jackson Hole since 1983. She was to you; you go out and talk to people.” born in Greybull, graduated from high Winney, 66, has been married to his school in Worland and then graduated wife, Louise, for 44 years. They have from the University of Wyoming with a three sons, all of whom graduated from degree in journalism. the University of Wyoming, he said.

White worked for the Jackson Hole Winney graduated from the U.S. News for several years in the ’80s. She Naval Academy in 1972 with a bachalso worked as a preschool teacher elor’s degree in oceanography. He reand for the nonprofit pARTners Jack- ceived his master’s in engineering son Hole, the latter of which, she said, management in 2000 from the Cathocontributed to her “ability to work lic University of America. with diverse groups and bridge underHe served in the U.S. Navy from standing.”

1972 to 2002. He is a former Federal “I developed those skills mostly at Aviation Administration instructor and pARTners, working between the arts has worked as a teacher. community and the education commuWinney is vice president of the board nity,” White said. of directors for the Rural Health FounWhite is married to Charlie Thom- dation of Sublette County and serves as as, owner of Magpie Furniture. They a chartered organization representative live in Wilson. Their children, Yara and for Cub Scout Pack 9 in Bondurant. He Sawyer, are both university students. is also vice president of legislative afWhite is the manager of the Old fairs for the Wyoming Council of the Wilson Schoolhouse Community Cen- Navy League of the United States. ter and serves as the volunteer coorVisit BillWinney.org. dinator for the Jackson Hole InternaContact Melissa Cassutt at 732-7076 or tional Visitors Council.

“The biggest issue that absolutely county@jhnewsandguide.com.

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 17

House District 22 - Democrats: 1 seat open; 1 Democrat advances to general election; 2-year term Affordable Housing

Chris Christian

Recently an MIT report predicted housing as the world’s foremost problem of the future. It serves everyone in the community to ensure housing and job security.

For renters disadvantaged by no statutory protections, rental caps could be considered.

Ideas about lowering housing construction costs, economically constructing units and filling employee housing needs should be considered without proposing that investments be on the part of employers. Instead we should consider raising the minimum wage to make housing affordable for families.

Transportation

Medicaid Expansion

Isolated Wyomingites often fail to realize that the population growth in the world since 1890 is the force behind the need for revised transportation planning and more infrastructure from government as well. Our tourism brings millions of travelers every year. I’d be very much in favor of looking at high-speed rail service in and out of the parks with tourists shepherded through on public transit instead of more and wider routes and parking lots.

Absolutely, yes. There isn’t much more to say on this topic except that it’s shame we don’t have it passed already.

Federal Public Lands After meeting with our incumbent representative, having her nod her head agreeing and then go vote the opposite of what I hoped, I gave up. I decided to oppose the transfer of any public lands to the state of Wyoming to be ravaged rather than managed.

Being a homegrown Wyoming environmentalist I intend to do the best for the people, the wildlife and the land itself instead of seeing it sold off to the highest bidder.

BE INFORMED

BE HEARD

GO VOTE On August 16th, Jackson residents will be asked to vote on a 6-month SPET to help fund the necessary public infrastructure repairs caused by the West Broadway Slide.

These funds will only be used to repair/

Marylee White

Affordable housing helps workers live closer to their jobs and spend more time with their families.

Every community has different housing challenges, which have to be identified and addressed at the local level. When local solutions are impeded by state laws, or new laws are needed, state legislators can help.

Safe highways are important to the economic development of our communities. Stable wildlife populations are also economic drivers. HD22 is home to many who commute to jobs in Jackson Hole. START bus routes to Star Valley reduce traffic through the Snake River canyon and on Highway 191, making travel safer for everyone while reducing wildlife mortality. When WYDOT upgrades highways to five lanes for safety reasons, measures for mitigating wildlife kill should be incorporated.

I support expansion of Medicaid.

It would provide access to health care for 20,000 Wyomingites who don’t have health insurance.

It will bring $268 million to Wyoming when state revenue is in decline. These dollars would be spent on hospitals, doctors, nursing homes, mental health centers and other providers located in communities across the state. This economic boost would stabilize services and inject tax dollars paid by Wyoming citizens back into Wyoming communities.

I oppose any efforts to transfer federal public lands to the state of Wyoming. I think this illconceived notion is a nonstarter.

The Constitution and law do not support proponents’ claims that the federal government has illegally taken these lands from the states. The Wyoming Attorney General’s office told the Legislature that if Wyoming chose to litigate the matter it probably would not win. Polls show that the majority of Wyomingites are against a transfer.

stabilize the Town’s portion of the slide.

GET THE FACTS. GO VOTE.

House District 22 - Republicans: 1 seat open; 1 Republican advances to general election; 2-year term

Marti Halverson *incumbent

Bill Winney

In a county with less than 3 percent private land and a commitment to open space, I do not envy the work of the town of Jackson and Teton County as they struggle with this issue and the competing interests involved.

If there is an aspect of their work that requires the attention of the Legislature, I will help in any way I can.

Wyomingites are paying a new additional 10 cents per gallon fuel tax, and they expect local common-sense fixes to transportation problems. The intersection of Highways 22 and 390 is an example of a local problem that needs a WYDOT remedy immediately. I oppose the proposed five-lane expansion from Hoback Junction to South Park Loop as well as the five-lane expansion plans for Thayne to Alpine. These are federally driven projects. Less drastic, local fixes should be implemented.

The expansion of Medicaid to able-bodied adults will hurt the population for whom this program was intended: the disabled, poor pregnant women and their small children, and impoverished elderly.

In expansion states enrollments have far exceeded projections, resulting in diminished provider reimbursements and fewer providers, which a rural state cannot risk. Charity care writeoffs have gone up, not down.

Emergency room use has risen, not fallen. Health outcomes have not improved.

Our Western public lands get short shrift by a U.S. Congress comprised mostly of representatives of the 38 states that already have at least 95 percent of their lands and with priorities much different than ours. Transfer of the public lands in the 12 Western states is legal, constitutional and fulfills the federal government’s promise made to Wyoming at statehood. I support keeping our public lands in public hands for Wyomingites and all Americans.

I believe the best solution is to put in place zoning for the kind of housing needed. Then let the business world solve the problem. I think that when a government organization gets into deciding the solution it will always make things more difficult and more costly.

Wyoming is a bridge state. We profit from those things being transported across Wyoming.

In addition, our tourism industry brings much revenue in. In both of these cases speed of transport is significant. Getting minerals and agriculture products to market is vital. We must ensure that WYDOT designs and implements good transport systems.

The fundamental issue our Legislature has with this is the future reliability of promised federal funds. The track record there is not good. Thus the state could be saddled with significant costs without anticipated funding.

If we are to promise health care then we must ensure funding will be there when needed.

The basic premise of those opposed to returning federal lands is that the states won’t handle them properly. Somehow the states will sell them off to private interests, thus depriving people of the use and enjoyment of these lands. They perceive the federal government will be a better steward of these lands.

I do not accept that premise.

Public use of lands is important.

We must make the case within Wyoming.

for Teton County Commissioner In the Republican Primary With Your Vote, You are Hiring Me to Work for and Serve You

Paid by Lisa daCosta for County Commission

Story ideas and news tips are always welcome.

Please email editor@jhnewsandguide.com.

f Town Council

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• Getting Back to Basics • Preserving Our Valley • Effective service • Fiscal Responsibility

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18 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

U.S. House of Representatives

The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance encourages you to

REGISTER & VOTE

One candidate from each party advances; term is two years.

in Teton County

— especially if you never have!

By John Spina

LEARN CANDIDATES ABOUT THE

Learn about candidates' positions on a wide range of conservation and community issues in our just-released unedited candidate questionnaire at

jhalliance.org/2016questions

VOTE EARLY! You can register and vote any weekday 9-5 until August 16th. Early is good!

Want to vote but don't really know how? Call Maggie at 733-9417 or come see us outside the County Clerks Office (200 S. Willow) at two early voting parties:

Lunch the Vote - Friday Aug 12, 11:30am-1:30pm Lox the Vote - Monday Aug 15, 8:30-10:30am

More new voter info: jhalliance.org/newvoter

315465

Even with 10 candidates — eight of them Republicans — for Wyoming’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, it’s difficult to find meaningful differences because most agree on the key issues.

Instead it’s their backgrounds and personalities that set them apart and that speak to what kind of leader they might be for Wyoming.

A recent poll completed by the Casper Star-Tribune reported that more than 52 percent of voters are still undecided.

The primary, which will pick a Democratic nominee and a Republican nominee, will take place Aug. 16; the general election is Nov. 8.

In addition to Democrats and Republicans, Lawrence Gerard Struempf is running unopposed as a Libertarian, as is Daniel Clyde Cummings for the Constitution Party.

Republicans Tim Stubson During his eight years in the Wyoming House of Representatives, where he is the third-ranking member and serves as speaker pro tempore, Tim Stubson has proved to be a staunch conservative.

He strongly supports gun rights and opposes federal regulation of the environment, small businesses and health care.

During his childhood Stubson moved around Wyoming with his father, working in the oil fields. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree in international studies and

a law degree from the University of Wyoming.

With degrees in hand Stubson worked as a lawyer in Casper specializing in commercial litigation, creditor rights, bankruptcy and employment law.

Visit StubsonForWyoming.com.

Leland Christensen Leland Christensen’s entire adult life has been spent in public service.

As a young man he served with the 19th Special Forces Group of the National Guard for 15 years. During that time he also worked with the Teton and Lincoln county sheriff ’s offices.

In more recent years Christensen was twice elected to the Teton County Board of County Commissioners and the state Senate, where he currently sits as the fourth-ranking member and serves as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

He has also spent four years on the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee and two years on the Agriculture Committee.

Christensen’s time in the Senate has demonstrated his strong conservative foundation with a record of fighting federal regulation of the environment, small businesses, education, welfare and Medicare fraud.

However, unlike many of his opponents, he showed a more moderate position on issues like gay marriage.

Visit ChristensenForWyoming.com.

Liz Cheney Following her father to the same seat in the U.S. House she now seeks, Cheney and her family moved to Virginia. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a Juris Doctor from the University of See us house on 19

Live – GET –

RESULTS ––– ON –––

ELECTION NIGHT

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@JacksonHoleNews

Live election updates on Tuesday, August 16TH, 2016 315717

PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 19

us house

Continued from 18

Chicago Law School.

From 2002 to 2007 she worked with the U.S. State Department as a deputy assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs. Since then she has worked on various presidential campaigns, started a nonprofit called Keep America Safe and served as a political commentator on Fox News.

Cheney returned to Wyoming with her family in 2012. In 2014 she challenged longtime Sen. Mike Enzi for his seat but dropped out of the race, citing family issues.

Cheney’s most prominent issue, like many of her opponents, is the energy industry. Her experience in Washington, D.C., she said, sets her apart from the competition by providing the necessary skills to build coalitions in a legislative body where Wyoming has only one of 435 votes.

Visit CheneyForWyoming.com.

Darin Smith This is Smith’s first political campaign. But having started an investment firm and a law practice and serving as an executive for the Christian Broadcasting Network, he has become a prominent figure in Cheyenne.

Smith’s platform is that of a traditional Wyoming Republican, hinging on pro-gun, limited government and state rights stances. His particular interest is natural gas. He believes that by modifying publicly funded vehicles, from police cars to school buses, to run on natural gas, Wyoming can raise coal prices, build trade relationships abroad, increase revenue and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wyoming in 1996 and a law degree in 2000.

Visit SmithForWyoming.com.

Paul Paad Paad moved to Casper in 1984 and started a small business. Soon after he became the director of safety and personnel at PC Transport Inc., a Casper trucking company that transports hazardous materials.

His experience working with small businesses and dealing with environmental regulation has taught him to vehemently disagree with federal oversight and taxes, and ultimately led him to run for Congress.

He is also a strong supporter of gun rights, once lobbying for the right to carry concealed weapons without a permit.

Before this election Paad ran unsuccessfully for a spot on the Natrona County Board of Commissioners in 2014.

For more visit PaulPaad.com.

Mike Konsmo As an English professor at Northwest College in Powell, Konsmo is far from your typical Republican candidate. He does, however, have previous experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, having worked with former Rep. Steve Largent, of Oklahoma, as an intern in college.

In many ways Konsmo’s policy platform is similar to those of his Republican opponents — limited government, states rights, pro gun, pro fossil fuels — but he is more focused than his fellow candidates are on diversifying Wyoming’s economy.

While he believes there is a future for coal and oil in Wyoming, Konsmo sees the tourism industry as key to freeing Wyoming from the boom-andbust cycles the energy economy leaves the state vulnerable to.

Konsmo is originally from Seattle.

He earned undergraduate degrees in English, history and film from the University of Southern California and Montana State University.

Visit KonsmoForCongress.com for details.

Jason Senteney Senteney is the maverick of the Republican primary for Wyoming’s seat in U.S. House of Representatives. For instance, he believes federal income taxes should be eliminated and replaced with a national sales tax.

He also believes that to create jobs all federal agencies should have to commit to using U.S.-based companies for all contractors, subcontractors and service centers.

Aside from these positions Senteney is a full-blooded Republican. He objects to federal regulation of the environment, health care, small business and education. He is pro gun, anti-abortion and anti-immigration.

Senteney was the third generation of his family to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. After that he attend Western Nebraska Community College, where he majored in criminal justice.

He now works with the Wyoming Department of Corrections and the Yoder Volunteer Fire Department.

Visit SenteneyForWyoming.org for information.

one truck in the Jonah Field to a threestate presence with hundreds of employees working everything from natural gas fields to coal and trona mines, and fertilizer plants.

Greene considers himself a centrist Democrat.

“Ryan’s a Wyoming Democrat — not a California Democrat, not a New York Democrat,” his website says.

Greene supports green energy, believes universal health care is a right and thinks that public lands should remain in public hands.

However, he also supports Wyoming’s coal industry and the Second Amendment, and he believes federal regulation of the environment and small business could be reined in.

That balance of opinions is what he believes makes him the strongest candidate.

Before embarking on his professional career Greene attended Western Wyoming Community College and earned a business degree from Western International University.

For more visit RyanGreene16.com.

Heath Beaudry Beaudry works for U.S. Bank helping people acquire personal loans, refinance and consolidate their debts and obtain small-business loans.

Beaudry was appointed to the Evanston Planning and Zoning Commission earlier this year and has served on the board of directors for Bear Project, which provides teddy bears to grieving families, since 2013.

He received an undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico and a business degree from the University of Phoenix.

Charlie Hardy Hardy is the most liberal candidate in the race. His policy views are in direct opposition to many of the other candidates.

Hardy is a strong proponent of raising the minimum wage. He supports President Obama’s climate policy, is pro immigration and would like to see the U.S. pull out of all foreign conflicts.

A former Roman Catholic priest, Catholic missionary, school superintendent and author, the 77-year-old Hardy was raised in Cheyenne.

He ran for senate in 2014, winning the Democratic primary but losing to incumbent Sen. Mike Enzi.

Visit http://000f18j.rcomhost.com/ wordpress1/about-charlie.

Democrats Ryan Greene Greene grew up in Rock Springs working in the energy industry. His family started Greene Energy Services, which he has since expanded from

Contact John Spina at 732-5911 or town@jhnewsandguide.com.

Davis Can Get It Done!

A Strong, Decisive and Straightforward Voice for Teton County

I PLAN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ACHIEVING:

GIVE

my generation a voice in local politics.

• Efficient and Fiscally Responsible Government

ADVOCATE

• Less Meetings; More Action • Diverse and Affordable Workforce Housing and Transportation Opportunities For the Community

for the middle class, working families, and small businesses.

WORK WITH

the private sector to build affordable housing.

• A balance between preserving the “Last of the Wild West” that values “community first” with the need for economic development and sustainability

VOTE NIKKI GILL Paid for by Davis for Commissioner

GET OUT & VOTE FOR TREY DAVIS! www.treydavisfortetoncounty.com

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Paid for by Vote Nikki Gill

ON AUGUST 16TH, 2016

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20 - PRIMARY 2016, Jackson Hole News&Guide, Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Your Water. Your Sewer. Your Road.

These are all things we take for granted – but are at risk with the continued threat of the West Broadway Landslide.

Landslide engineers are monitoring movement, with peaks of up to ½ inch per month.

We’re now facing a critical point where our town water & sewer main could be damaged, and our primary roadway blocked, posing a looming threat to public safety.

It’s no longer a question of who will pay for it. We all will. But we have a choice.

Support the August 16th SPET initiative, sharing the cost of fixing the slide with our visitors who appreciate these services as much as we do. With SPET funding (1/3 resident, 2/3 visitor) the Town of Jackson can address the necessary PUBLIC infrastructure repair. And together, with the continuing efforts of hillside businesses and residences, we can stop the slide.

The Democratic, Republican and Tea Party often have differing opinions, but here is one issue on which they unanimously agree — we all need to VOTE YES to stop the slide.

STOP THE SLIDE. BEFORE IT STOPS YOU.

To learn more visit jhslidefacts.com PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO SECURE A SAFE BROADWAY. FOR EVERYONE. 315723