Normal? Really? No Thanks
"Normal" in our region means Jackson workers can't afford to live where they work, and Teton Valley residents can't afford to work where they live. It means massive second homes sitting empty most of the year, consuming exorbitant resources. It's where those who donate to "help the poor" simultaneously create conditions that perpetuate poverty. It's ski resort parking lots sitting empty in summer because workers aren't welcome to camp overnight. It’s where 1.5 hours a day are spent driving instead of snuggling a child or reveling in wildflowers. Living in iconic resorts has always been a sacrifice, but should we accept this as "normal"?
Embracing risk for Sherman Park housing
As a Victor City Council member, I am deeply invested in the well-being of our community and committed to addressing the diverse opinions surrounding the Sherman Workforce Housing project. In September 2022, the Teton County Joint Housing Authority partnered with the City of Victor to seek developers for a public-private workforce housing project on 3.5 acres in Sherman Park.
Opinion or Fact?
As we move into what’s lined out to be the most divisive election season in US history and the rise of AI-generated news, we put our trust in our local media to provide accuracy, balance, transparency, fairness, context, and a willingness to correct errors and promptly address any unintended bias or misinformation. As a Victor City Council member deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I feel compelled to address the coverage surrounding the Sherman Workforce Housing project.
We need touch, people
Every time I pull on my sweaty mask I tell myself I’m willing to do anything to keep us from moving backward to total quarantine. The economy aside, I wonder: At what point do the risks of social and physical isolation outweigh the benefits, and how are we going to heal ourselves, our communities, and our planet without real human connection?
On Book Banning in Idaho: Letter to House of Representatives
The underlying assumption that exposure to certain materials will directly lead to undesirable behavior in minors is questionable. If we are to apply such logic consistently for the safety of our children, it would necessitate banning literature with any mention of guns, murder, hate, anger, and fighting. By this standard, even classic literature and historical texts would be scrutinized.
A Different New Year’s Resolution
I’ve been in a tizzy since mid-December when I first saw a bright orange full-width advertisement on the front page of the Teton Valley News for Teton Valley Health’s Cache Clinic that reads “Invest in Your Health: Start Your Weight Loss Journey.” The text is accompanied by a photo of a young woman with long brown hair, a content smile, and a blue and white striped shirt that spills off her shoulder, drawing attention to her large breasts.
Don’t Sit This One Out: Please Help Shape Tourism in the Tetons
Tourism, to some, is a bad word; to most of us, it’s our lifeline. What’s undeniable is that the world has discovered this rare place filled with beauty, wildlife, adventure, culture, and community. When I got the job with the JHTTB a close friend challenged me on Facebook: “Working for the Devil again?” This stinging comment really got to the core of what so many locals feel these days: fear for the degradation of our incredible way of life and our golden goose (a.k.a. the environment) from the impacts of tourism.
A Balancing Act Based on What We Love
have met fourth-generation Mormon grandmothers living in harmony next to more transient fishing guides and retired ski patrollers. I’ve met organic farmers and Latino brothers coming home from a successful hunting expedition. I’ve met 80-year-olds living off the income from one Airbnb, moms driving school buses, and concrete contractors exhausted from 60-hour work weeks and driving Teton Pass. What everyone has in common is a passion for this incredible place and the fear that people flocking here in search of what we all love will be our eventual downfall.
Call to local businesses: Please put your money where your mouth is
News flash: Taking a vaccine involves an element of risk. Some of us have accepted this risk to protect ourselves and others, and some have not. What’s becoming increasingly infuriating is that the decision not to vaccinate — most based on political ideology rather than data — is becoming reckless endangerment to others’ physical and mental health, economic livelihood and the quality of the educational experience we can offer our children.
100 year projections
Teton County is celebrating its 100th anniversary of incorporation this year. The News&Guide and Teton County Library recently hosted a writing contest for people to envision what Jackson Hole would look like in 100 years. Here are excerpts from some winners. Teton County Utopia, 2121By Den BinderupEverything in the valley is healthier now. Small recuperative chain reactions set in motion at the beginning of Teton County’s second century have gathered speed and expanded exponentially.
A society to match our scenery
Last week’s Economic Action Planning Session hosted by Teton County at Teton Springs was an additional example of diverse community members moving forward with a mission to “work together to expand livelihoods.” In a fine show of collaboration various groups identified specific opportunities, potential partnerships, shared resources, and timelines, and left three hours later realizing the shared vision was much clearer and closer once we put our heads together.