With a focus on working to diversify the economy, protecting education funding and public lands and creating opportunity, former Teton County Commissioner Barbara Allen announced she is running to serve in the Wyoming State Legislature.
“I’m committed to making sure that Jackson residents have a seat at the table when it comes to tackling challenges. Here in Teton County, we are not isolated from the decisions made in Cheyenne,” said Allen. “The issues of education funding, the cost of healthcare and health insurance, creating business opportunity or protecting our public lands, all impact us locally.”
Allen filed to run to serve as the Representative for Wyoming House District 16 on Friday, June 1st. The District encompasses East, West and Mid-West Jackson as well as Cottonwood Park.
“Experience matters. Knowledge matters. Tested leadership matters,” said former Representative for Wyoming House District 16, Ruth Ann Petroff. “At this critical time in our state, it is more important than ever for Teton County to have a seasoned voice in the legislature. Someone who understands the unique challenges the Jackson community faces. Someone with a proven track record of experience in local government. Barbara Allen is that leader.”
Allen brings a strong knowledge of the mechanisms of local government and a long record of environmental stewardship and community service. She previously served as a Teton County Commissioner from 2013-2017, finishing her tenure on the board as Chairman. Before that, Allen served for 6 years on the Town of Jackson Planning Commission. She is a successful businesswoman and brings 23 years of land use background to the table.
“My focus is on making sound investments that protect our community. Investing in education is investing in a more stable, diverse economy and a better quality of life for our future,” said Allen. “Protecting our public lands is not only our responsibility, but supports two of our stable drivers: outdoor recreation and tourism. Spending on preventative healthcare saves the tax payer $7 for every $1 invested. Partnering to provide social services on the front end drastically reduces later community costs. Leveraging these public-private partnerships saves significant tax payer dollars. It is not only compassionate, it is fiscally responsible.”
Allen is a former member of the Wyoming County Commissioner’s Association (WCCA) legislative bill review committee, former co-chair of the WCCA state elections and land use committee and is the past president of Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited.
Together with her husband, Peter Dittmar, Allen has two children, Maren, 3, and Sam, 1, and several furry friends.
