JACKSON HOLE, WYO – With a focus on working to diversify the economy, protecting education funding and public lands, and creating opportunity, former Teton County Commissioner Barbara Allen announced she is running to serve in the Wyoming State Legislature. As with most who venture from Teton County to help make laws for the state, Allen acknowledged Teton is often treated like a political island.
“I’m committed to making sure that Jackson residents have a seat at the table when it comes to tackling challenges. Here in Teton County, we are not isolated from the decisions made in Cheyenne,” Allen said. “The issues of education funding, the cost of healthcare and health insurance, creating business opportunity or protecting our public lands, all impact us locally.”
Allen filed to run to serve as the Representative for Wyoming House District 16 at the deadline on Friday, June 1. The District encompasses east, west and midwest Jackson as well as Cottonwood Park.
Mike Gierau-D held the seat last. He announced in April he will seek the state senate seat left open by Leland Christensen who will run for state treasurer. Michael Yin, a software engineer and vice chair of the Teton County Democratic Party, is the other candidate in the race.
House District 16 was once held by Ruth Ann Petroff, who gave Allen her full endorsement.
“Experience matters. Knowledge matters. Tested leadership matters,” said former House Rep Petroff, “At this critical time in our state, it is more important than ever for Teton County to have a seasoned voice in the legislature. Someone who understands the unique challenges the Jackson community faces. Someone with a proven track record of experience in local government. Barbara Allen is that leader.”
Allen brings a strong knowledge of the mechanisms of local government and a long record of environmental stewardship and community service. She previously served as a Teton County Commissioner from 2013-2017, finishing her tenure on the board as chair. Before that, Allen served six years on the town planning commission. She is a successful businesswoman with 23 years of land use background to the table.
“My focus is on making sound investments that protect our community. Investing in education is investing in a more stable, diverse economy and a better quality of life for our future,” Allen said. “Protecting our public lands is not only our responsibility, but supports two of our stable drivers: outdoor recreation and tourism. Spending on preventative healthcare saves the tax payer $7 for every $1 invested. Partnering to provide social services on the front end drastically reduces later community costs. Leveraging these public-private partnerships saves significant tax payer dollars. It is not only compassionate, it is fiscally responsible.”
Allen is a former member of the Wyoming County Commissioner’s Association (WCCA) legislative bill review committee, former co-chair of the WCCA state elections and land use committee and is the past president of Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited.
Together with her husband, Peter Dittmar, Allen has two children, Maren, 3, and Sam, 1, and several furry friends.
