JH Underground – news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming news, sports and music blog from Jackson Hole, Wyoming

On a visit to Dublin in 1994, I was struck by one of the monuments along O’Connell Street, a statue of an Irish labor leader named Jim Larkin. His words on the inscription have resonated with me ever since:

“The great appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise.”

When I started this blog six years ago, one of my goals was to help citizens stay informed so they could empower themselves and take part in their government. I did not imagine they one day would elect me.

Over the past few weeks, I was impressed by the numbers of particularly younger people paying attention to the races down the ballot and doing their homework on the issues. Yesterday’s massive turnout attests to that. Win or lose, I felt good about the effort and citizens’ participation.

I tip my cap to Hailey Morton, Phil Cameron and Jim Genzer for running a great race. It’s going to be difficult to reconcile all the conflicting opinions in town, but I promise to keep an open mind and welcome the dialogue, as always.

After a wonderful and surreal night, my most sincere thanks go out to all of you for your support, encouragement and your votes.

(Top photo by David Stubbs; Larkin statue by Phil Douglis)

Posted under From the Publisher, Politics, Town Government

Tags: barack obama, campaign 2012, Media, revolution

Teton Dems are gathering tonight at Betty Rock to watch the election results and congratulate candidates on a race well run.

There will be food and drink specials, and Betty Rock will stay open late on what could be a late night for the presidential decision. The party will start soon after polls close at 7 p.m.

I expect we’ll have local results around 9. Betty Rock has a TV for national coverage and wifi for the latest updates.

Come by for a burger and beer. I plan to be there at some point. On such a momentous night, the pull of home is strong.

Let’s hope we have a lot to celebrate, locally and nationally.

Posted under County Government, Democratic Party, Food, Politics, Town Government, Wyoming Legislature

Tags: campaign 2012, restaurants

There are two days left to cast a vote in the 2012 election. Today, residents can register and vote in advance at the county clerk’s office, 200 S. Willow St.

On Election Day, voters must go to their neighborhood polling place and can register before casting a ballot. A higher-resolution version of the above map, including the entire county, can be found here. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In town, there are four places to vote. Residents east of Redmond Street vote at Senior Center; those between Glenwood and Redmond vote at the Rec Center; everyone between Glenwood and Highway 89 votes at the Fair Building; and neighborhoods farthest west vote at the Presbyterian Church.

Only a photo ID is required to register. While a Wyoming driver’s license is preferred, other states’ are accepted, too. The clerk’s office is closed Tuesday.

Posted under County Government, Politics, Town Government, Wyoming Legislature

Tags: campaign 2012

As the campaign for town council enters the final week, indulge me in a little shameless self-promotion.

After months of talking about serious issues like the comprehensive plan, I decided it was time for some fun. Hence my appearance outside the Ski Swap in festive Halloween attire, pledging fresh tracks for all.

Throughout the forums and on my campaign blog, I have tried to lay out my ideas as clearly as possible and make the case that I am qualified to serve on the council and will do an effective job.

But don’t take it from me. Take it from the folks above.

For those still looking to dig deeper on the issues, visit my campaign website, listen to archived KHOL broadcasts or consult the News&Guide Election Section, which offers comprehensive coverage of every race and question on the ballot.

Thanks again to the friends and local dignitaries cajoled into making a cameo. Six days to go. I’m bound to have a big tab at Moo’s once the campaign is over.

Posted under Humor, Politics, Town Government

Tags: campaign 2012, capt. bob, new york mets

Of all the choices facing voters in the Nov. 6 election, none is easier than Proposition #3, the proposal to clean up and cap the old landfill south of town and begin planning a new trash transfer station.

The price tag is steep — $14.5 million in sales tax revenue — but the county has to take action, facing a deadline from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. As this video illustrates, toxic chemicals are leaching from old trash into groundwater and eventually could contaminate the Snake River.

County residents either can pay for the cleanup via sales tax — with tourists bearing their share — or property tax.

The ballot measure also would pay for planning of an improved facility on the site for trash transfer, recycling and composting. Expanding these services can help the community save money in the long run. The more waste we divert, the less we will pay for trash hauling to the landfill near Idaho Falls.

The proposal is one of three for specific-purpose excise tax, or SPET, revenue. Also up for vote are the proposal to buy the 10-acre Forest Service property on North Cache for $13.5 million, which I do not support, and Proposition #2, finishing the pathway connection between West Broadway and Wilson for $4.4 million, which I do support.

Posted under County Government, Environment, Politics, Town Government

Tags: conservation, recycling, snake river