JACKSON, Wyo. — Peter Long has announced his decision to run for a seat on the Teton County Board of Commissioners.
As a husband and father, small business owner and fourth-generation Jackson Hole native, Long said he was motivated to run again by the growing challenges facing the valley’s working class, particularly young families.
“I am running to be a voice for the individuals and families who are working hardest to keep their place in Teton County,” Long said. “The difficulties facing our working class have grown exponentially over the past two years. I know how hard it is to work multiple jobs and run a business while struggling with housing insecurity, childcare shortages, and rising health care and living costs. These are issues my wife and I grapple with every day.”
“As your Commissioner, I will fight to get more workforce housing and rentals in the ground; pursue every option to bring down property taxes and create relief for those who are being taxed out of their homes; and improve our roads and infrastructure to be safer and more effective.”
Long said he’s focused on building partnerships with the private sector and non-profits.
“The pandemic brought to light needs within our community, particularly for underserved communities. Mental health issues, health care costs, and cost of living—these are issues that affect us all,” Long says. “We ought to be asking how we can work together and find common ground to tackle the problems that are making it harder and harder for working-class people to call Teton County home.”
Long is endorsed by Commissioner Mark Barron, Jackson Town Councilor Jim Rooks and former Wyoming Legislator, Clarene Law.
Commissioner Mark Barron said Long’s involvement in the community and ability to build consensus around good ideas will bring fresh leadership to the Board of Commissioners.
Jackson Town Councilor Jim Rooks said Long’s capacity to bring people together and find common ground will strengthen the community. “Peter is a leader who puts good ideas ahead of rigid ideology. He knows how to work across differences of opinion and stand up for what’s right to get to the best outcomes. His ability to achieve results and build unity is much needed in our local government, and I am proud to put my support behind him.”
Long ran for the Board of Commissioners in 2020 and lost, coming in behind incumbents Natalia Macker and Greg Epstein. Many of the same issues remain and have become exacerbated since then, such as affordable housing solutions in Northern South Park and Hog Island, Long says.
“The challenges facing our community are not Democrat or Republican issues—they are Teton County issues. This election is our opportunity to set Teton County on a path where hard-working people can thrive. I am humbled by the support we have received, and I look forward to working with everyone in our community to address our greatest challenges.”
