Alyson Spery and Tom Holland were both raised in families that valued political debate and community engagement. Spery was raised in coastal Maryland in a college town and Holland was raised in Springfield, Illinois.
Spery began her political involvement as an eight-year-old by running for mayor of her elementary school. Tom chose to work with youth through his company, Wilderness Adventures, and as a head basketball coach.
Spery’s parents had opposing political views and debates that piqued her interest in politics at a young age. Holland’s father was the chief of staff for the Illinois Senate and was appointed by the Illinois State Senate as state auditor.
Spery is running to keep her seat on the Jackson Town Council. Holland is a longtime Jacksonite and runs his youth outdoor adventure camp company with his wife, Catherine. He is also the head coach of the Jackson Hole High School boys’ basketball team.
This conversation was recorded for KHOL’s One Small Step Program that brings people with different beliefs into the recording studio to talk and discover their common ground. For election season, KHOL paired candidates running for local office with the constituents they aim to represent.
This story has been updated to correct when Spery first started her political involvement. — Ed.