DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES ON TETON COUNTY BALLOTS

Nov. 2, 2010 General Election

Leslie Petersen,  Governor

               Petersen was born in Lovell, grew up in Dubois where she worked on her family's historic dude ranch and outfitting business, then moved to Teton County in 1975. She was executive director the Wyoming Environmental Institute,  a bi-partisan group seeking ways to balance mineral development and environmental protection. Petersen served as legislative liaison for Gov. Herschler for two sessions, was Teton County Commissioner for six years, served eight years on Wyoming Water Development Commission. Petersen worked in private real estate at same time she was active in environmental organizations including Greater Yellowstone Coalition, JH Conservation Alliance and Wyoming Outdoor Council. If she ever has spare time, Petersen might be found on a ski slope, golf course or hiking trail. 

www.peopleforpetersen.com -- 307-703-2010

David Wendt, U.S. House of Representatives

               Wendt was introduced to Wyoming as a youngster, then worked as ranch foreman and wrangler/guide for six summers, including at White Grass Ranch in JH. He has 30 years of experience working in the global policy arena in Washington, D.C., and here in Jackson, and another eight years as administrator in higher education. He founded the JH Center for Global Affairs, which has forged partnerships involving local and state government, non-profits and education institutions, working here and abroad on global issues from energy and environment to health and education.

www.WendtforWyoming.com -- 307-734-3913

Mike Massie, Wyoming Superintendent of Instruction

               Massie has been involved in education as a parent,  a school teacher and administrator. He served 16 years in the state legislature, elected from Laramie. Massie is the director of a non-profit organization of development pre-schools. He has worked to pass key education bills, such as the Hathaway Scholarship Program, funding for vocational education and gifted and talented courses, and full-day kindergarten.

www.massieforexcellence.com -- 307-742-5383

Tom Frisbie, State Senate District 17

               Frisbie's professional career has centered in the world of small business, including the insurance business in both Teton and Fremont Counties. He and his wife are partners in the Aspen Wellness Center, which includes the Teton Sports Club and 16 other businesses that provide health and fitness services. Active in community service, he is past president of Jackson/Teton County Parks and Rec Board and of JH Little League, was on boards of JH Chamber of Commerce, Teton Youth and Family Services and JH Housing Trust.  His district includes all of Teton County except for two Wilson precincts, and extends northeast into Dubois to cover a part of Fremont County.

www.tomfrisbie.com -- 307-733-2832                    

Len Carlman, State House District 16

               Carlman  spanned the Jackson Hole career spectrum since 1978 -- from waiter and bus driver, to grocery clerk and raft guide -- before becoming an attorney and active conservationist. He has been in private law practice for 14 years, and is editor and author of "The Land and Water Law Review." He is often spotted bicycling in town and on the road. He spent nine years working with the JH Conservation Alliance, including as executive director. His wide range of community activities include Rotary Club, Off Square Theatre Company, Friends of Pathways, Community Children's Project, Teton Science School, Center for Resolution, and many others. His district includes precincts from the airport south, through central and west Jackson and covers part of Wilson, Teton Village and Moose.

www.LenIn10.com

Jim Roscoe, State House District 22

               Roscoe is the incumbent seeking re-election for a second term. Drawn like many residents by Wyoming's beauty and outdoor recreation, Roscoe arrived in JH in 1970 and has been skiing ever since. He worked as a carpenter and in 1986 began his own small construction business, Roscoe Co. He and his wife bought a ranch in southeast Sublette County in 1993, and that same year his company began its first construction project there in the foothills of the Wyoming Range. He has served on the Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, the Select Water Committee and Brucellosis Task Force.  His district includes two precincts in Wilson, the Hoback area in the south and parts of Sublette and Lincoln Counties.

www.roscoeforwyoming.com

Hank Phibbs, Teton County Commission

               The incumbent commissioner is seeking re-election to one of three seats up for election this year. Phibbs grew up in Casper and has been an attorney in private civil law practice in Jackson since 1972. An outdoors enthusiast and active conservationist, he has been on the boards of Wyoming Outdoor Council, JH Conservation Alliance and Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Phibbs also has been active in Jackson Rotary Club, the Teton Science School,  the Teton County and Wyoming State Bar Associations, and served as a Court Commissioner, handling urgent domestic matters when other judges were not available.

307-690-5004

Ben Ellis, Teton County Commission

               Ellis is an incumbent seeking a second term on the county governing body. He works as an environmental and economic consultant for non-profits, private clients and public agencies. His focus on sustainable living extends across his public, professional and personal life. He and his family live off the grid, in an energy efficient home built in part with reused materials. Ellis has been active throughout the community and is a thorough outdoorsman.

www.benellis2010.com

Dee Buckstaff, Teton County Assessor

               Buckstaff has worked for two years in the assessor's office, and ran her own business, The Montessori School of the Tetons, for 12 years. She also was an administrator of the Community Children's Project. Activities have included working as an instructor for Red Cross, as a weather spotter for National Weather Service, with Grand Teton Kennel Club, in Youth Soccer, the Girl Scouts and Dancers' Workshop. Buckstaff's work in business and the assessor's office led her back to school to learn the best methods and practices for business and administration, including statistical analysis. She received anMasters in Business Administration earlier this year.

www.deebuckstaff.com -- 307-734-0099

Greg Blenkinsop, Teton County Attorney

               Blenkinsop has been a lawyer in private practice, worked as a regional supervisor in the Wyoming Public Defender's Office, as a deputy prosecutor and a part-time Circuit Court Magistrate and Municipal Court Judge.  He graduated from the University of Wyoming College of Law. An original member of Teton County DUI/Drug Court,  he also was a founding member of the juvenile-based Teton County Family Treatment Court. He has done volunteer legal work for various non-profit organizations, as well as pro-bono law related activities.

www.gregforcountyattorney.com -- 307-730-4734

These thumbnail sketches are based primarily upon campaign materials supplied by candidates. This section does not include candidates' views on issues. Those can be found by clicking on individual web sites or direct calls. This section does not include candidates for non-partisan offices.