Jackson, WY — On Sept. 30, the Teton County Library hosted a voter forum where all six candidates seeking one of three open seats on the Teton County Board of County Commissioners addressed local concerns. The event, organized by the League of Women Voters of Wyoming and local media partners, gave residents a chance to hear directly from the candidates on issues ranging from affordable housing to immigration enforcement.

Candidate positions on housing

Democratic hopeful Karyn Chin emphasized the need for varied, smaller‑scale housing projects. She cited the stalled Northern South Park development and the troubled Virginian project as examples of large‑scale plans that have become burdensome. Chin, who lives in a tiny house on wheels, said she wants to expand similar innovative arrangements for other residents.

Ali Dunford, also a Democrat, warned that the county’s workforce housing rate has slipped to 57 % over the past decade, down from a previous 65 % target. She argued that unchecked hotel development is “digging us deeper in the hole” and called for stronger local authority to limit new growth.

Republican candidate Vicky O’Donoghue focused on immigration enforcement, stating that ICE should be supported because it targets only criminal illegal immigrants, such as those arrested for DUI. She urged the community to help newcomers become legal residents and citizens.

Independent Alex Muromcew expressed concern about Prop 1, which would allow the county to raise its mill levy. He warned that a higher levy could limit the county’s budget flexibility and urged a reallocation of the travel and tourism lodging tax to better serve local needs.

Republican Melchor Dylan Moore highlighted private philanthropy as a solution to the housing shortage. He praised the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust for its contributions and suggested that voluntary private funding should replace additional government taxation.

Independent Luther Propst warned that federal actions threatening public lands—citing proposed baseball games in Grand Teton National Park, plans for Yosemite, and a wall through Big Bend—represent a broader pattern of federal overreach that could eventually diminish local public lands.

Other topics raised

All candidates addressed property tax concerns, campaign finance transparency, and the upcoming Prop 1 mill levy measure, which would give the county the ability to raise its property tax rate. While Muromcew and Propst cautioned against raising the levy, Moore and the Democratic candidates suggested that targeted private investment could alleviate the need for higher taxes.

The forum concluded with a question‑and‑answer session moderated by News&Guide reporter Jasmine Hall, with audience members from Buckrail, KHOL Radio and the League of Women Voters. The candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, and voters are encouraged to review each platform before heading to the polls.

What’s next?

With the election just weeks away, Teton County residents have a clear view of where each candidate stands on the issues that matter most to families: safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, responsible fiscal policy, and the protection of our cherished public lands.

Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.