2026 New democratic party chair
David Susong:
David Susong brings a broad skill set of experience in government, management, and natural resource issues to role as chairperson of our Teton County Democratic Party. As Director of the US Geological Survey Utah Water Science Center until 2018, he was responsible for about 60 employees and a $7 million annual budget. These responsibilities included normal administrative tasks, personnel, budgeting, and facilities and fleet management. David worked closely with federal, state and local agencies, and municipalities to develop collaborative scientific investigations to provide the data, models and information for water resources management and development. Nearly all this work was built on collaboration based on mutual respect, listening, and creative and innovative approaches to funding to solve complex resource issues. David will bring this collaborative approach to issues facing Teton County.
David and his wife both grew up on Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks where their fathers were park rangers. His father was the Bechler Ranger in the southwest corner of Yellowstone near Ashton for many years. David worked the potato harvest on a farm near Ashton while in college. His daughter graduated from Teton High School and was on the rodeo team. Although he and his wife spent their working careers in Utah, they have a long familial attachment to the Tetons and Teton Valley. He would bring this history and a broad understanding of economic and natural resource issues that rural communities and Teton County are facing to the Commission. Specific interests that David would pursue, if selected, include natural resources―wildlife habitat preservation and restoration, water resources, affordable housing, recreation and public access, community outreach and engagement, economic development, and intergovernmental relations. David believes we share many issues with surrounding counties and are stronger if we work together.
David Susong brings a broad skill set of experience in government, management, and natural resource issues to role as chairperson of our Teton County Democratic Party. As Director of the US Geological Survey Utah Water Science Center until 2018, he was responsible for about 60 employees and a $7 million annual budget. These responsibilities included normal administrative tasks, personnel, budgeting, and facilities and fleet management. David worked closely with federal, state and local agencies, and municipalities to develop collaborative scientific investigations to provide the data, models and information for water resources management and development. Nearly all this work was built on collaboration based on mutual respect, listening, and creative and innovative approaches to funding to solve complex resource issues. David will bring this collaborative approach to issues facing Teton County.
David and his wife both grew up on Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks where their fathers were park rangers. His father was the Bechler Ranger in the southwest corner of Yellowstone near Ashton for many years. David worked the potato harvest on a farm near Ashton while in college. His daughter graduated from Teton High School and was on the rodeo team. Although he and his wife spent their working careers in Utah, they have a long familial attachment to the Tetons and Teton Valley. He would bring this history and a broad understanding of economic and natural resource issues that rural communities and Teton County are facing to the Commission. Specific interests that David would pursue, if selected, include natural resources―wildlife habitat preservation and restoration, water resources, affordable housing, recreation and public access, community outreach and engagement, economic development, and intergovernmental relations. David believes we share many issues with surrounding counties and are stronger if we work together.
CoMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT PROJECT - APRIL/MAY 2025
2024 Conservation Champions Endorsed in Teton County
Conservation Voters for Idaho is excited to announce the endorsement of Cindy Riegel and Emma Ray for Teton County Commissioners.
“With access to many of Idaho’s most cherished outdoor places and residents that deeply care about conservation and outdoor recreation, Teton County needs leaders like Emma and Cindy.” said Ryan McGoldrick, Program Director of Conservation Voters for Idaho. In their endorsement questionnaires, both candidates highlighted the importance of managing growth responsibly, protecting public land access, preventing the loss of farmland, and addressing critical water issues. Emma Ray discussed the conservation issues that she would prioritize: “I think the preservation of open space for wildlife habitat and migration corridors in the face of rapid population growth and development is of utmost importance to this community and the natural treasures we have here.” To take leadership on this issue, Emma stated, “I will be diligent in reviewing proposed developments and ensuring their potential impacts on wildlife are thoroughly studied and understood, and that any new construction that occurs is in line with our Comprehensive Plan and community vision for the evidence-based protection of wildlife habitat.” Emma also deeply values Teton Valley’s farmland and actively participates in the local food economy. Cindy Riegel identified the challenges created by rapid growth in Teton Valley, stating that “Idahoans are beginning to realize that we have to do something to stop the loss of farmland and better protect the precious natural resources and scenic beauty of our state.”
As a seasoned County Commissioner, some of Cindy’s accomplishments include updating the County’s Land Development Code, dedicating public parks along the Teton River and Teton Creek, and establishing and securing funding for the Teton County Joint Housing Authority. She is also leading efforts to change state legislation to allow lodging tax dollars to be used to pay for the impacts of tourism instead of just promoting more tourism. While conservation is CVI’s top issue, we value candidates who understand the diverse issues Teton County is facing. In addition to their conservation efforts, Cindy is dedicated to addressing transportation and public safety. Emma identified her other top priorities as affordable housing, childcare, and community engagement.
About Conservation Voters for Idaho
Conservation Voters for Idaho works to elect conservation champions at the city, county, and state levels to protect Idaho’s air, land, wildlife, and water. Our mission is to create the political environment to protect the natural environment. Conservation Voters for Idaho has been active in Idaho politics for 19 years, working to elect conservation candidates on both sides of the aisle. Our funding comes from people who care about the environment and we leverage our political power to elect public officials who value conservation, regardless of their party affiliation.
To learn more about Emma or Cindy, reach out to them, or donate to their campaigns, please visit their websites, emmarayfortetoncounty.com and electcindyriegel.com.
“With access to many of Idaho’s most cherished outdoor places and residents that deeply care about conservation and outdoor recreation, Teton County needs leaders like Emma and Cindy.” said Ryan McGoldrick, Program Director of Conservation Voters for Idaho. In their endorsement questionnaires, both candidates highlighted the importance of managing growth responsibly, protecting public land access, preventing the loss of farmland, and addressing critical water issues. Emma Ray discussed the conservation issues that she would prioritize: “I think the preservation of open space for wildlife habitat and migration corridors in the face of rapid population growth and development is of utmost importance to this community and the natural treasures we have here.” To take leadership on this issue, Emma stated, “I will be diligent in reviewing proposed developments and ensuring their potential impacts on wildlife are thoroughly studied and understood, and that any new construction that occurs is in line with our Comprehensive Plan and community vision for the evidence-based protection of wildlife habitat.” Emma also deeply values Teton Valley’s farmland and actively participates in the local food economy. Cindy Riegel identified the challenges created by rapid growth in Teton Valley, stating that “Idahoans are beginning to realize that we have to do something to stop the loss of farmland and better protect the precious natural resources and scenic beauty of our state.”
As a seasoned County Commissioner, some of Cindy’s accomplishments include updating the County’s Land Development Code, dedicating public parks along the Teton River and Teton Creek, and establishing and securing funding for the Teton County Joint Housing Authority. She is also leading efforts to change state legislation to allow lodging tax dollars to be used to pay for the impacts of tourism instead of just promoting more tourism. While conservation is CVI’s top issue, we value candidates who understand the diverse issues Teton County is facing. In addition to their conservation efforts, Cindy is dedicated to addressing transportation and public safety. Emma identified her other top priorities as affordable housing, childcare, and community engagement.
About Conservation Voters for Idaho
Conservation Voters for Idaho works to elect conservation champions at the city, county, and state levels to protect Idaho’s air, land, wildlife, and water. Our mission is to create the political environment to protect the natural environment. Conservation Voters for Idaho has been active in Idaho politics for 19 years, working to elect conservation candidates on both sides of the aisle. Our funding comes from people who care about the environment and we leverage our political power to elect public officials who value conservation, regardless of their party affiliation.
To learn more about Emma or Cindy, reach out to them, or donate to their campaigns, please visit their websites, emmarayfortetoncounty.com and electcindyriegel.com.
Vote Early Via Absentee
Though early voting officially starts October 21st, you can vote early in-person via absentee ballot now. Go the Teton County Clerk’s office in the Courthouse from 9 to 5 any weekday. Request and absentee ballot. You’ll fill out a request form and be giving ballot to vote. Pretty quick and simple. Get out there and vote.
important dates
- May 15th: New County Commissioner scheduled to replace Michael Whitfield
- May 17th: Truman Banquet in Idaho Falls
Past issues
| County Budgeting in the Post-Pandemic Age.pdf |
| 2023 April Newsletter.pdf |
| 2023 January Newsletter.pdf |
| 2022 January Newsletter.pdf |
