JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Teton County Republican Party hosted their bi-annual convention Saturday to set local party priorities, formally adopt a platform and resolutions and select delegates for the upcoming Wyoming Convention.
“We had very positive and upbeat convention as we set our priorities and focus based on traditional Republican values,” said Teton County Republican chair Paul Vogelheim. “I’m proud we used this opportunity to adopt a pillar of conservation and responsible stewardship of our private and public lands—principles at the heart of our party’s legacy.”
Teton County GOP also announced that Theodore Roosevelt IV will visit Jackson this May to support the party and to encourage its focus on conservation efforts.
Nearly 50 locals gathered as delegates for the Teton County Convention. Discussions resulted in 45 approved resolutions including three key party pillars: Fiscal Responsibility and Private Sector Solutions, Conservation and Responsible Stewardship, and Respect and Compassion for Individual Freedoms.
In addition, the party reported support of small businesses and the recognition that the GOP has long been the backbone of the county economy. Approved resolutions included support of immigration reform that includes guest worker programs; Governor Mead’s ENDOW Initiative and the lodging tax.
There was also support for a balance which encouraged business development that does not unduly stress the community’s infrastructure. Another resolution, opposes County and Town policies that restrict and inhibit small business opportunity.
Housing discussions included dropping a resolution calling for the restructuring of the Housing Authority, which has taken place and introduced a resolution which supports efforts to facilitate private and public employee housing.
Three party pillars:
Fiscal Responsibility and Private Sector Solutions
We support limited government that lives within its means and makes prudent decisions with taxpayer dollars. We believe in keeping taxes low and ensuring citizens are able to keep more of their hard-earned money. We believe government must operate in an open and transparent manner and be accountable to the public at every turn. We support private sector solutions to community challenges – ones that promote economic vibrancy while making certain our unique community character is protected.
Conservation and Responsible Stewardship
The Republican Party’s storied conservation legacy continues today in Teton County. As pioneers of responsible land stewardship more than a century ago, Republicans led the charge to establish our national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges and legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, while expanding our wilderness lands and wild and scenic rivers. We have an obligation to protect and preserve our federal public lands, our pristine waters, and wildlife populations for our generation and those to come. We encourage local government solutions and partnerships to guide the management of public lands and access to our public lands for hunting, fishing and recreation.
We believe that those who live off the land can be the best stewards of the land and that ranching and farming can help maintain open space, habitat and our Western Heritage.
Respect and Compassion for Individual Freedoms
The protection of personal freedom and civil liberties are the bedrock of the Republican Party. The protection of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness apply to every human being. We believe that every citizen is equal before, equally protected by, and equally subject to, the law.
One new resolution encourages local government to demonstrate respect and civility in governance and compassion for individual freedom.
Additional discussions resulted in the following:
- Support for a more representative five-member county commission selected by Districts rather than “at large.”
- Support for the State’s current grizzly and wolf management plan.
- Support for the continued feeding of elk on the National Elk Refuge, when needed.
- Support efforts to secure our schools.
- Maintain year-round 45 mph speed limit from Snake River Bridge to Spring Creek Junction stoplight on Hwy. 22, (due to traffic levels and congestion).
- Maintain year-round daylight savings time.
- Advocate for state management of all species, especially large carnivores.
