Teton Valley Democratic Party Newsletter
Volume III, Issue 3
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A Word From the chair
Jan Yalich Betts, teton County democratic party CO-chair
Happy Fourth of July, friends!
Wow, there is so much happening in our community and our nation. I would first like to thank everyone involved in getting Teton Pass repaired and opened so quickly after the catastrophic land and mud slide that took place last month. The way two communities and states came together is an example of the incredible accomplishments that can happen when we work together.
That said, we need to continue to work to move our county forward. Teton County faces large challenges every day and we have a county government that works tirelessly to solve our issues with limited resources, and opposition at every turn with little positive thanks – other than the knowledge that they are sincerely working for the good of the community.
We need your help. This local election will determine if we continue to move forward or allow the other side to move us backward. We need to re-elect Commissioner Cindy Riegel, our positive force of nature, and to elect Emma Ray, our new energetic, fresh voice to fill Commissioner Bob Heneage’s seat. These two people along with Commissioner Michael Whitfield will help solidify what has been accomplished over the last four years with the positive land development code, as they have dealt with the unprecedented growth our valley has experienced. These are huge issues. Look around – you’ll see our county and city government’s efforts to come up with solutions for affordable housing, as well as trying to relieve the overuse of our county’s treasured, natural recreational resources. These problems will not solve themselves and ignoring them or reducing the development code, which others recommend, will only make these problems worse.
We also have an opportunity to send a local, moderate person to the Idaho state legislature, Maggie Shaw - a rational voice of reason which is so desperately needed in Boise.
The Teton County Democratic Party has many summer events planned. We hope to see you at the Victor Parade, where the donkalope will make his first election season appearance along with our candidates with plenty of candy to share.
We certainly appreciate your support! Event participation, donations and of course, your votes for all Democratic candidates – local, state and national.
November 2024 is the most critical election of our lifetime, without a doubt.
Again, we wish you a happy and safe July 4th!!!
Wow, there is so much happening in our community and our nation. I would first like to thank everyone involved in getting Teton Pass repaired and opened so quickly after the catastrophic land and mud slide that took place last month. The way two communities and states came together is an example of the incredible accomplishments that can happen when we work together.
That said, we need to continue to work to move our county forward. Teton County faces large challenges every day and we have a county government that works tirelessly to solve our issues with limited resources, and opposition at every turn with little positive thanks – other than the knowledge that they are sincerely working for the good of the community.
We need your help. This local election will determine if we continue to move forward or allow the other side to move us backward. We need to re-elect Commissioner Cindy Riegel, our positive force of nature, and to elect Emma Ray, our new energetic, fresh voice to fill Commissioner Bob Heneage’s seat. These two people along with Commissioner Michael Whitfield will help solidify what has been accomplished over the last four years with the positive land development code, as they have dealt with the unprecedented growth our valley has experienced. These are huge issues. Look around – you’ll see our county and city government’s efforts to come up with solutions for affordable housing, as well as trying to relieve the overuse of our county’s treasured, natural recreational resources. These problems will not solve themselves and ignoring them or reducing the development code, which others recommend, will only make these problems worse.
We also have an opportunity to send a local, moderate person to the Idaho state legislature, Maggie Shaw - a rational voice of reason which is so desperately needed in Boise.
The Teton County Democratic Party has many summer events planned. We hope to see you at the Victor Parade, where the donkalope will make his first election season appearance along with our candidates with plenty of candy to share.
We certainly appreciate your support! Event participation, donations and of course, your votes for all Democratic candidates – local, state and national.
November 2024 is the most critical election of our lifetime, without a doubt.
Again, we wish you a happy and safe July 4th!!!
INTRODUCING EMMA RAY
CANDIDATE FOR Teton County Commissioner
Hi everyone! I’m Emma Ray and I’m so excited to be your newest candidate for Teton County Commissioner.
I’m a former Teton High School teacher, current board member of Teton Valley Housing and Teton Valley Community Recycling, a Farmer’s Market hand for a local farm, and a full-time mom to my two-year-old daughter, Poppy. (You may also remember me from the library, where a volunteer program my husband Tucker and I started in 2015 blossomed into the beloved Makerspace!)
I’m running to help Teton Valley stay a strong, rural community. We’re strongest when our workforce has housing, families have the care they need, and businesses thrive. We need to respect our rural roots and protect our local food, water, and wildlife. I also want to help more people understand how local government touches their lives and how they can get involved.
This community deserves county commissioners who have the time and energy to do the job right. I’m already committed to this mindset during my campaign. I’m available to spend time with anyone who may want to get to know me better or get involved in my campaign–as long as you don’t mind my two-year-old joining us!
Please visit my website, emmarayfortetoncounty.com, to learn more about me, reach out to me directly, or donate to my campaign. I have a lot of work to do, and every contribution helps. Donations can be made online here, or checks can be made out to Emma Ray for Teton County and sent to PO Box 68, Tetonia ID 83452 (or reach out and we can coordinate a time for me to pick it up from you).
Thank you and see you around the valley this summer!
Emma
I’m a former Teton High School teacher, current board member of Teton Valley Housing and Teton Valley Community Recycling, a Farmer’s Market hand for a local farm, and a full-time mom to my two-year-old daughter, Poppy. (You may also remember me from the library, where a volunteer program my husband Tucker and I started in 2015 blossomed into the beloved Makerspace!)
I’m running to help Teton Valley stay a strong, rural community. We’re strongest when our workforce has housing, families have the care they need, and businesses thrive. We need to respect our rural roots and protect our local food, water, and wildlife. I also want to help more people understand how local government touches their lives and how they can get involved.
This community deserves county commissioners who have the time and energy to do the job right. I’m already committed to this mindset during my campaign. I’m available to spend time with anyone who may want to get to know me better or get involved in my campaign–as long as you don’t mind my two-year-old joining us!
Please visit my website, emmarayfortetoncounty.com, to learn more about me, reach out to me directly, or donate to my campaign. I have a lot of work to do, and every contribution helps. Donations can be made online here, or checks can be made out to Emma Ray for Teton County and sent to PO Box 68, Tetonia ID 83452 (or reach out and we can coordinate a time for me to pick it up from you).
Thank you and see you around the valley this summer!
Emma
TETON COUNTY ECONOMIC PLAN
The Teton County Economic Plan was recently updated and aims for an economy that respects the natural values of this extraordinary place and places the needs of citizens first. Resort towns across the globe suffer from overcrowding, natural resource destruction, unaffordable housing and low workforce wages. Teton County, Idaho has a historic opportunity to define a better destiny before it’s too late. The county’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code are key elements that define the type of smart growth that citizens desire.
Boosting economic diversity by supporting local entrepreneurs, selectively recruiting low-impact, high-wage businesses and addressing natural, human and infrastructure constraints, will help Teton Valley remain an economically vibrant community that provides meaningful job opportunities at good wages without ruining what makes the valley special: open space, wildlife, a rich history and uncrowded recreation opportunities.
The economic goals and strategies include:
· Protect and Foster Natural Resources and Community Values
· Selective Business Support and Development
· Physical Asset Development
· Tourism
Implementation of the first iteration of this plan began in 2013 and has helped the community manage growth well despite extraordinary pressures. This second and latest revision aims to do the same for the future. The full document can be read here: Teton County Economic Plan
Boosting economic diversity by supporting local entrepreneurs, selectively recruiting low-impact, high-wage businesses and addressing natural, human and infrastructure constraints, will help Teton Valley remain an economically vibrant community that provides meaningful job opportunities at good wages without ruining what makes the valley special: open space, wildlife, a rich history and uncrowded recreation opportunities.
The economic goals and strategies include:
· Protect and Foster Natural Resources and Community Values
· Selective Business Support and Development
· Physical Asset Development
· Tourism
Implementation of the first iteration of this plan began in 2013 and has helped the community manage growth well despite extraordinary pressures. This second and latest revision aims to do the same for the future. The full document can be read here: Teton County Economic Plan
important dates
- July 30, 2024: Meet and Greet Candidates, 7442 Buttermilk Lane Tetonia (6 to 8pm)
- August 22, 2024 (tentative): TCDP Summer Picnic, Victor City Park
- September 2, 2024: Labor Day
- November 5, 2024: General Election
Past issues
| County Budgeting in the Post-Pandemic Age.pdf |
| 2023 April Newsletter.pdf |
| 2023 January Newsletter.pdf |
| 2022 January Newsletter.pdf |
