Incoming Mayor Arne Jorgensen addresses community concerns
JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson Mayor elect Arne Jorgensen looks forward to serving the community and is aware of the challenges ahead.
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, Jorgensen will vacant his remaining two-year term on Town Council to be sworn in as Mayor. The Town will then make a plan to elect a new Councilor to fill his vacate seat.
"It's going to be a pretty quick turnaround in January," Jorgensen said. "I am hopeful that people in our community will step up to apply or submit a letter of interest for the new Council to consider."
Jorgensen shared with Buckrail that it's important for people to come together after the additional stress of the national election.
"While we may not have a lot of leverage to push on a national and statewide level, that doesn't mean our community isn't under stress," Jorgensen said. "There's 30% of our community that is Latino or Hispanic, and I'm very cognizant of how do we conduct ourselves within the community to provide support to people."
In the coming months, Jorgensen plans to spend time with newly elected Councilors Kevin Regan and Devon Viehman to listen to their concerns. He said that he's optimistic that the new Council will share an vested interest in prioritizing housing, transportation, conservation and health and human services. He said that the challenge will be working with the Town's budget deficit when increasing investments in these core services.
Jorgensen said that Town Council will begin a more comprehensive review of the Land Development Regulations after the building moratorium ends on Nov. 20. He also looks forward to continuing a relationship with the County.
"I'm going to continue to work really hard to ensure that the interests of the Town of Jackson are being heard," Jorgensen said. "I also recognize that the County has their own challenges and I'm very much looking forward to further discussions about joint department funding and joint effort."
Jorgensen said that he hopes Town and County can work together to reopen the Comprehensive Plan process. According to Teton County, the Comprehensive Plan is a long-range plan — looking 20 to 30 years into the future — to address a wide range of recommendations relating to land use including transportation, housing and neighborhoods, parks, open space, agriculture and rural issues, community facilities, community character and economic development.
Stay tuned for information regarding how to apply for the opening seat on the Town Council after the new year.
