Town Council Candidates
Meet the four residents running for the SVR Town Council in 2024
In 2024 there are two Star Valley Ranch (SVR) Town Council seats up for election. Each seat is a four-year term. This post includes biographical information and platform statements provided by each candidate. The slate of 2024 SVR Town Council candidates are presented in alphabetical order.
Note that contact information provided below was pulled from the 2024 Municipal Candidates document publicly posted at this link on the Lincoln County Wyoming Candidate Information webpage.
Continuing to serve on the Star Valley Ranch Council is important to me because: I have seen significant change within Star Valley Ranch, and I believe my experience will be beneficial to the entire community as we move into the future. I have worked as a Town Councilman for the last 3.5 years and have been the liaison for the Planning and Zoning, Water, Natural Resources and Finance Boards. It is apparent to everyone that the demographics are changing rapidly. Many new working couples and families are moving into the town and are bringing with them new energy, purpose and needs for themselves and their families. In addition, those of us living in the northern end of Star Valley, are already aware of the many people moving here to enjoy our beautiful mountains and lifestyle, and this increase in population brings both challenges and opportunities. Also, the town of Star Valley Ranch is facing a future that will have to address increased budget demands with a resultant need to make critical budget planning and allocation decisions. This is due to several significant reasons; state funding cuts, increased growth, the need for better management of natural resources, and, as mentioned earlier, ongoing development. It is my belief that my background, combined with my experiences on the council, qualifies me to effectively respond to these issues in a manner that will be beneficial to all current and future residents. This is especially true given the direction provided by the Vision and Mission Statements and the 10-Year Master Plan. I want to continue to make it a priority to meet with residents to learn even more specifically about any additional concerns, current and future needs, and priorities that residents may feel are not being heard.
My Past Work Experiences: I have served as the Chief Operating Officer for the second largest Business School in the United States. My duties in this position included: curriculum planning for all academic disciplines, administering the technology infrastructure and addressing related issues, facilities schedules and services on 32 university committees. I was also responsible for the data analytics necessary to determine future trends and issues.
I am an experienced researcher and presenter on customer service, assessment, data management, and decision making. I have published three books and over 40 articles on a variety of topics including use of economic models for pricing decision, service recovery, and consumer satisfaction.
In the natural resources area, I have worked closely with Utah State Parks as a State Ranger and in providing planning information for a number of facilities. These positions have provided me with experience in both law enforcement and the layout, design and construction of large-scale facilities. I have also conducted public meetings for both the Forest Service and BLM to obtain input on proposed plans and policies. I have used these skills to develop commercial feasibility studies and design for commercial resort developments.
I have a strong background in databased design and development. I have been able to implement innovations such as the creation of a 350-computer testing center, a time scheduling system, the automation of numerous internal data related processes, the use of touch screens for providing directions and activities and dashboards for accessing critical functions.
I have started and managed six different businesses. This has provided me with necessary skills to manage tight budgets, funds flow issues, and staffing effectively.
I am eager to put my skills and experience to further use as I, again, seek to serve the residents of Star Valley Ranch in a time of growth, change and budgetary challenges.
Hello, my name is Martin Occhi and I am running for an open seat on the Town Council for Star Valley Ranch. I held a seat on the Town Council of Star Valley Ranch from 2017 to 2021. During my time on the council, I was instrumental in the purchase of our town hall, revised the water rates to spread out our loan payments to every lot in the town and established a town budget process which has allowed the town to predict surpluses and plan for more projects to enhance our town.
My wife, Pamela, and I purchased our house in 2011 and became full time residents in 2015. We also own two other lots in our great town. In 2017 I became the local Blue and Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy. In this role I interview local high school students that are interested in applying and assist them with the application process. I still enjoy meeting our great High Schoolers here in the Valley.
I am a retired Naval Submarine Officer. After the Navy, I ran a large high-tech organization for 17 years. In addition, after moving here full time, I was a consultant for the University of Wyoming, helping the state manufacturing base grow.
I am running for Town Council again to further enhance our budgeting process, long-range planning, continue to work the water budget and systems, reduce the inconsistencies in our town ordinances and increase the utilization of the entire Town Hall.
My name is Lars Robinson and I have called Star Valley Ranch my home for almost 18 years. I am a tradesman and construction manager. My life achievements include being a USMC veteran, earning a BS in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming and an AS in Construction Management from the University of Washington. I love it here and believe I need to participate more.
Though I never envisioned being in politics, my encounters with the current administration have changed my mind, more on that at a later time. It is also my belief that the current administration has overreached on certain matters that should’ve required a vote from the people rather than a Town Council decision. It is time for new voices in our Town government.
My campaign slogan is accountability and quality of life for all Star Valley Ranch citizens. Here are a few of the issues that I will address should I be elected:
Completing the water system project and infrastructure. I’ve driven around town; many roads are needing repair and the water project has been ongoing for about 10 years longer than the original estimate.
Ending short-term rentals permanently, it is my belief they have no place in this Town. I will go into more detail on my position as I campaign through the NextDoor platform. Dialogues are encouraged who feel the same way.
Community safety officers as long as short-term rentals are allowed.
More oversight of the Planning and Zoning committee. All members must have ICC certification.
The lack of business in the Town. I have a vision for business and there are a lot of parts to it, but it is plausible.
Clarify and define the ‘duties’ of TSVR and SVRA. My experiences with both entities have been quite mixed.
I would love to hear from fellow citizens and neighbors with their concerns because these are the matters that are in front of me. Email me svtechie1@gmail.com with your ideas and thoughts. I will be your voice should you entrust me with the position of Town Councilman.
Hello Star Valley Ranch Citizens~
My name is Katie Toolson and I am running for one of the Town Council positions for Star Valley Ranch. A lot of you may know me as the owner of Three Canyons Restaurant and the Pizza Shack on the Ranch. I have loved serving our community for the past 5 years in this capacity, and will continue to do so. I would like to expand my involvement here by becoming a representative of the citizens and help make decisions that benefit the majority.
I have owned property in Star Valley Ranch since 2006, and have lived here permanently since 2013. In that time, I have flipped and built several houses, become a mortgage broker and opened two restaurants here. I manage nearly 50 employees during the high season and cater to hundreds of people daily. I am an active member of this community and a recently appointed member of the Star Valley Ranch Travel and Tourism Board.
In my time here, I have realized the importance of uniting the Town and HOA. I am running on the belief of “COLLABORATION”. These two bodies need a coalition of alliances to help the citizens of SVR better understand their respective responsibilities, and work in unison on all future projects to benefit the residents of SVR. I would like to be your choice to champion the efforts of getting the Town and HOA into a harmonious working environment.
We all love this incredible place where we live and everything it has to offer. As your advocate, I want to continue to improve our relationships as citizens of the Town and the HOA, and to make Star Valley Ranch the best place to live!
Note: TSVR Council candidate Charlie Fritz (see below) was eliminated during the August 2024 Primary Election.
My name is Charlie Fritz; I need your vote!
As a member of this community for 10 years, I have one hope for the Town of Start Valley Ranch and a personal goal – for the Town to flourish in its rural splendor and I represent my neighbors, making well-informed, balanced decisions: delivering results. Over my professional career, I advanced from a worker trainee at an Army repair depot to a member of the Senior Executive Service at the National Institutes of Health. As deputy commander, I led an organization of over 1,400 and managed budgets exceeding $100 million. I retired from Federal Service in 2014. That journey taught me many lessons in leadership and fiscal stewardship; and it grounded me in the humility and joy found in hard work. Service to my local community started at an early age as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. I also served as a leader in Scouting at the national and local levels, most recently as the former Cubmaster of Pack 1307 in Etna. Until a year ago, I taught Doug Coombs Kids to ski in Jackson as a PSIA certified instructor. Currently, I help prepare our Air Force for potential conflict in the Pacific as a Senior Lead Technologist for Booz Allen Hamilton. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Management from Saint Leo University and I hold a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University. My training, career, volunteerism, and love of the outdoors places me in the right place at the right time to embrace challenges and exploit opportunities the town will face in the years ahead. My ability to form collaborative, well-functioning coalitions elevated me to the flag/general officer ranks within the federal government and will remain a hallmark of my interactions while doing the Town’s business. I look forward to serving my local neighbors once again. If you chose to learn more about me, please reach out at charles.fritz@outlook.com or call me at 307-880-0414. Thank you for your time reading about me and my fellow candidates. If elected, I am committed to your service.
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