Pledges to Improve Local Infrastructure, Champion Small Businesses & Protect Character of Teton County

Jackson, Wyoming — Citing his commitment to improving local infrastructure, championing small businesses and protecting the character of Teton County for local residents and families, former Teton County Commissioner Paul Vogelheim announced the launch of his election campaign for Wyoming House District 23.

“Those of us who have been blessed to call Teton County home know that we as a community face many challenges and the laws passed in Cheyenne have a direct impact on our ability to tackle those challenges,” said Vogelheim. “Teton County needs a voice in the state legislature who can advocate for our schools, hospitals, roads and bridges; who can champion our small businesses and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem; who can help facilitate creative solutions to our housing crisis; and who can stand up to protect the unique character of this county and the parallel priorities of community and conservation we hold dear.”

“As I begin my campaign and my listening, I understand our community’s challenges include dramatic property tax increases, the lack of affordable workforce housing, access to care for behavioral health issues, and the loss of key teachers due to our high cost of living,” says Vogelheim.

Vogelheim served more than a decade on the Teton County Board of Commissioners, including as the Chair. He currently serves on the boards of the Community Foundation Jackson Hole (Executive Committee); One-22: Resource Center & Jackson Cupboard; Saint John’s Health Foundation; The Center for the Secret of Peace (Rwanda); ConservAmerica and the Jackson Hole Friends of Scouting.

Vogelheim lives north of Jackson with his two step-daughters and our three dogs. He was one of the founders of the Jackson Hole Food Cupboard. He was a ski host for seven years at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, served six years as the Chair for Jackson District of the Boy Scouts, and volunteered on the boards of Rotary Club of Jackson, Jackson Hole Air, and Teton Youth & Family Services.  He is a graduate of Gonzaga University (the ZAGS), and he held a variety of senior management positions in the private sector for over 25 years–including Director of Proprietary Services for OTR Global, General Manager for the largest window manufacturing plant in California, and as the start-up manager for an Australian steel-decking manufacturer in Alaska.

“Paul will be an outstanding legislator for Teton County.  As a former Teton County Commissioner combined with his many years of service and leadership with nonprofits, he knows the valley, our business sector, our needs and our folks.  He will be an effective and common-sense member of the majority party in Cheyenne that sets the agenda and priorities.  He is a compassionate conservative who cares deeply about our environment and community,” said John Turner, past President of the Wyoming Senate.

“For too long, Teton County has been playing defense in Cheyenne,” said Vogelheim. “It is critical for our community to have a seat at the table with leadership and have the ability to chair important statewide committees, like the Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee. As a Republican, I will be in a position to do just that while representing Teton County’s core values.”

Paul will draw from his working relationships across the state to be impactful on day one in the Legislature. His fellow state-wide commissioners recognized him as Wyoming Commissioner of the year in 2016. He is a graduate of Leadership Wyoming’s class of 2010, and he served on the Governor’s Special Districts’ Taskforce.

“As a state, Wyoming is facing a number of challenges including a significant budget shortfall driven by the reduction of use of our fossil fuels including coal, oil and natural gas,” said Vogelheim. “This moment in time presents a unique opportunity for Wyoming to lead the way in the clean energy solutions. Here in Teton County, we know the importance of conservation and utilizing renewable energy — key tenets I’d like to see us embrace statewide.”

“There are many issues coming up that will require a strong Teton County voice with a track record of forming relationships in Cheyenne, who is able to work towards solutions that respect Teton County values. Paul Vogelheim is that person.”—Barb Allen, former Teton County Commissioner.

“I have admired Paul’s competent bi-partisan leadership during his years as a county commissioner and know he will bring those same winning skills to the Wyoming Legislature.”—Rob Wallace, Former U.S. Department of Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks.