As election season approaches, residents in Jackson Hole, Wyoming are debating whether or not to enact a moratorium on building more cell towers. Teton County Commissioner candidates met with constituents at an election forum to address this topic, reported the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Jackson Hole is a popular tourist destination for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts and the town made efforts to disguise its current cell towers to blend in with the scenic landscape. Some of the candidates spoke in favor of halting further development temporarily while they spend more time researching health and environmental concerns. Echoing this viewpoint, Democrat contender Saedar Rose Davis said, “I think we need to do more research. I think we need to be more involved in the planning process of these towers.”
However, Republican Andrew Byron worried that a lack of cell towers would put people at risk by making it harder for them to contact rescue services. Taking a pragmatic approach, Independent Wes Gardner pointed out that telecommunications companies are unlikely to suggest there could be health risks with towers. He would like to see towers sited in locations like parking lots rather than residential neighborhoods, reported the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
While the future of towers in Jackson Hole was a hot topic, it was not the only item on the candidates’ agenda. Temporarily tabling the debate, Independent Sandy Ress said, “It hardly seems like the most pressing issue to me.” Comments? Email us.
October 23, 2018
