Teton County Commissioner Paul Vogelheim will run this year for the seat he was appointed to in 2008.

Before a crowd of people Monday evening at The Wort Hotel, Vogelheim, a Republican, said he will seek the four-year term. Three seats on the Teton County Board of Commissioners are up for election in November. Vogelheim is the first to announce his candidacy.

Chairman Hank Phibbs and Commissioner Ben Ellis, both Democrats, have not yet said if they will seek another term.

“In this critical time of economic struggles for many families in this valley, declining tax revenues to the county and clear community needs, I would like to continue to serve Teton County as commissioner with common sense, compassion and leadership,” he said in a news release. 

In August 2008, Vogelheim was ap-pointed to the seat, fulfilling the remainder of Bill Paddleford’s term. Paddleford died in July 2008 after battling cancer.

Vogelheim said his first vote was on whether to raise taxes.

“I was able to say no,” he said.

Vogelheim, 54, has lived in the valley for about 22 years.

He made his announcement Monday because he said he believes a timely campaign announcement is important. His platform is based upon being a fiscal conservative and conservationist with “the objective of common-sense leadership,” he said.

He said he will try to reduce spending, increase efficiencies and streamline critical government services.

Outside commissioners’ chambers, Vogelheim has served as a leader in the Jackson district of the Boy Scouts, including six years as chairman.

He helped create the Jackson Food Cupboard, serves as president of Ring Lake Ranch in Dubois and is on the boards for Rotary Club of Jackson Hole and Teton Youth and Family Services.

Vogelheim is also involved with the Teton County Republican Party’s executive committee and Republicans for Environmental Protection.

In 2006, Vogelheim ran for the Jackson Town Council, finishing third in a field of nine candidates and ahead of two incumbents.

In the business world, he held management positions for more than 20 years, including general manager of a window plant with more than 285 employees and a $30 million annual budget.

A native of San Francisco, Vogelheim is a graduate of Gonzaga University. He has lived in Alaska; Florence, Italy; and throughout the Northwest.

According to a news release, the Committee to Elect Paul Vogelheim includes Clarene Law, state Sen. Grant Larson, John and Mary Kay Turner, Phil Leeds, Clarke Nelson, T.R. Pierce, Chris and Carmel Tice, Jan and Tom Segerstrom, April Hankey, Maureen Murphy, Andrew Byron and Rick Stuck.