Dan Powers for Teton County Commissioner, District 2

I moved to Jackson Hole in 1984, ostensibly to take a winter break from a career path in science. I never really left. I still think of myself as a ski bum.

After a few years working in the restaurant world, I took a job on a residential construction crew in Jackson. After about five years, I decided to make that a more permanent move and started my own construction business in Teton Valley, Powers Builders Inc. I continued with this business until 2025.

I first moved to Driggs, Idaho, in 1990, buying an old house on Wallace Ave. I built a spec house on Easy Street in Driggs in 1999 and sold it to my now wife, Lynne Wolfe. We still live in that house.

I’ve been involved with several non-profits in the area and have been an active volunteer on trail maintenance and building projects through TVTAP, the USFS, and Mountain Bike the Tetons. Improving our trail networks is another legacy of which I am very proud.

My first real political involvement was with the Driggs Planning and Zoning Commission, to which I was appointed in the late ’90s. I served on that board for about five years, eventually becoming chair. During that time, as a fully volunteer board, we rewrote the City Land Use Code. Then, in 2006, I was appointed to a vacant Driggs City Council seat, where I served for about two years.

Following my time on the City Council, I ran for and was elected Mayor of Driggs in 2009, serving one four-year term. After my time as mayor, I chaired the Driggs Urban Renewal Board for four years.

Folks, I thought I was done with politics. When the opportunity arose to apply for the Teton County Commission seat vacated by Mike Whitfield, I decided to take on the challenge. I stepped up and offered my name, was nominated by the Teton County Democratic Party, and was ultimately appointed by Governor Little. I’ve been serving as your Teton County Commissioner since April 2025.

In this capacity, I’ve served on a number of boards, including Eastern Idaho Public Health, Teton Basin Water Users, and the Driggs Urban Renewal Board. Another notable aspect of my time on the commission has been working with local non-profits and youth to improve our juvenile ordinances.

Serving as your Teton County Commissioner has been a great honor, and I hope to be elected this fall to continue the hard work here in District 2. I like to say it’s relentlessly interesting!