Teri Bowers was sworn in as a Lincoln County Commissioner earlier this month. She looks forward to the next four years, during which she plans to devote herself to the preservation of her constituents’ rights.

Bowers was born and raised in Afton, and has spent her adult life between Kemmerer, Cokeville and Star Valley. “Lincoln County is a great place to live and raise our families,” she wrote in an email. “We have great opportunities, some of which are unique in the world.” Bowers said that she ran for office to prepare Lincoln County for the future, and preserve Lincoln County’s uniqueness while doing so. “We live in a changing world and I want to be proactive by serving in our community.”

When asked which issues she found most pressing, Bowers wrote, “The rising property tax in Wyoming is of great concern.” She claimed that she hopes to join forces with local state representatives in search of a solution. Bowers said she also wants to ensure proper employee compensation and retention throughout the county. “My ultimate goal is to listen to the concerns of Lincoln County citizens and provide them with the best response and service that I can.”

This is Commissioner Bowers’ first venture into elected office, but not her first contribution to the community. “I have served on appointed boards, such as the Wyoming judicial nominating committee,” she wrote. “Certainly, I understand that there are many things I need to learn as a county commissioner, and I look forward to spending the necessary time and energy to do so.”

Bowers wrote that her foremost intention while in office is to uphold citizens’ rights. “We live in a great country, a great state and a great county,” she said. “However, we need to be aware and push back against those who would impose their policies that interfere and infringe our rights. As a county commissioner, I will strive to serve and protect all of the residents of Lincoln County and their rights.”

Kent Connelly, a former commissioner returning to office, said that he will work to keep Wyoming’s coal, gas and mining industry alive and fight for lower property taxes. He said he will additionally attempt to renovate outdated county infrastructure, which he said is “in desperate need of upgrades.”

Connelly spent 16 years on the Lincoln County Commission before eventually leaving. He ran in the 2022 election, placing first in the primary.

Connelly said he hopes in his new term to build industries that increase the tax base and “preserve our Wyoming lifestyle and values that make Wyoming great.” He also wishes to develop solutions to future community needs. “We have kept Wyoming a great recreation place with good land policies that give us access,” he said.

The Gazette made attempts to contact Commission Chair Jerry Hansen, but he did not respond.