Editor:

I moved from Milwaukee to Kemmerer in the summer of 2020. With great anticipation, I researched the town and region. I discovered a very predictable human dilemma: when you have two towns right next to each other, there will be competition and sometimes even negativity about the “other.”

I am on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and I have researched urban issues. How do communities build on their strengths rather than be overly protective and defensive? In Iowa, seven towns created an umbrella identity, the Amana Colonies. This new identity did not detract from their individuality, but they better celebrated their region — to become stronger together.

In our own county we speak of South Lincoln County, but we do not speak of North Lincon County. They celebrate their togetherness — Star Valley. No need for Smoot and Afton and Thayne, etc., to push for better recognition. They have their own identity, but also a broader vision and support.

What about us? Isn’t it time we consider the advantages of bringing our larger community together under a name, to celebrate the skiing, the hunting, the fossils, the clean air and water and the peaceful country living, etc.?

It seems like Fossil Basin has become a popular choice; we already have the Fossil Basin Chamber of Commerce and the Fossil Basin Promotion Board. I appeal to all, including our mayors and elected officials, to consider the advantages of such a broader identification to promote and pull together our larger region.

Jacques du Plessis

Kemmerer