JACKSON, Wyo. — Our town is at a critical juncture. Throughout Jackson, community members are lamenting the significant changes that have occurred in our town over the past several years. Residents are frustrated, unhappy, discouraged. That’s why I am running for Town Council.
The scale and scope of change in our town, evidenced by a proliferation of high-end hotels, luxury condominiums and short-term rentals, is having significant and wide-ranging effects on virtually all aspects of our lives. The latest example is the Ranch Inn, now razed to make room for more luxury condominiums.
Change is inevitable, but planning is important; yet we are now seeing the results of a lack of vision for what we want our town to be over the next 30 years.
Jackson needs to grow responsibly, while maintaining its unique character. We need a thoughtful approach that permits reasonable development but prioritizes the natural resources, wildlife habitats and historic characteristics that make Jackson so unique but now seem to be slipping away.
We must focus on the people who sustain Jackson and build their lives here. We must set limits and make hard decisions that may not be politically convenient. We must set higher standards and have higher expectations as our community looks to the future. Together, we need to forge a new vision, a new way moving forward.
My Core Priorities
Responsible Development: Any new development needs to have minimal impact on our transportation network, environment, wildlife habitat and water resources. We must anticipate and mitigate impacts of any new development and ensure that we have the essential infrastructure to support any project.
Community Centered, Community First: Our residents are the heart of this community. We have a lot of challenging issues to deal with, but if we are going to move forward together, we need to stop the divisive and unproductive rhetoric that short circuits meaningful, productive discussion and divides our community.
Fiscal Responsibility: We must ensure funding for the quality and quantity of services that our community needs and expects. We need to think about where we are “leaving money on the table” without raising property taxes. County Commissioners are our colleagues, not adversaries.
Affordable Housing Solutions: Housing in Jackson has long been a serious problem. We need to move away from policies that merely subsidize new hotels and short-term rentals. Creative strategies to address the long-term affordable housing shortage in our town do exist. Restoring, reusing and repurposing existing structures works!
The highly problematic “workforce” designation needs attention. People who are “stuck” in the middle (making too much money to qualify for an affordable home but not enough to afford a market rate starter home) need options. Any new housing development must include a number of homes specifically designated for seniors and people with disabilities who are living on very low and/or fixed income. Creating options for families to live in joy and dignity, grow and stay for the long term is my goal.
How am I different from other candidates?
- I believe everything is interrelated and addressing our town’s challenges in a truly holistic manner is key.
- I am not new to the issues. Over the past five years, I have had nine Letters to the Editor and Guest Shots published in the Jackson Hole News & Guide. I regularly attend meetings and provide public comment. I have taken the time to learn about this place, its history, its cultures and its people. I am truly a grassroots advocate for our town’s residents.
- I am the only candidate with a breadth and depth of career experience in health and human services. I don’t just value health and human services, this has been my career and passion for over 40 years.
I will work for the people of Jackson. I will represent your interests, needs and priorities. We are a Community first. Vote Perri Stern for Jackson Town Council in the Primary Election on or before August 20. Thank you for your consideration.
