Chamber of Commerce hosts meet the candidates night

Theresa Davis, Gazette Editor
Posted 7/26/18

Several local candidates were present to introduce themselves to the public and answer questions about the issues and responsibilities of their respective offices. Lincoln County Commissioner Kent Connelly moderated the event.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Chamber of Commerce hosts meet the candidates night

Posted

April Corwin, who is running for Kemmerer City Council, addresses the audience at a Meet the Candidates night on Thursday, July 19. The primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 21. (GAZETTE PHOTO / Theresa Davis) 

The Kemmerer-Diamondville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Meet the Candidates night at Best Western on Thursday, July 19. Several local candidates were present to introduce themselves to the public and answer questions about the issues and responsibilities of their respective offices. Lincoln County Commissioner Kent Connelly moderated the event.

Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 21. The deadline to register to vote in the primaries is Monday, August 6.

County Commissioner

Jerry Harmon is running for re-election as Lincoln County Commissioner.

“Your perspective really changes as you serve more,” Harmon told the audience. “I enjoy being a commissioner, and we really get things done. It’s exciting to see changes happen for the county.”

Robert King is also running for re-election as Lincoln County Commissioner.

“Economic development is a huge thing in both the north and south of the county, so facilitating cooperation between the two areas is important,” King said.

“We have common goals as commissioners,” King continued. “As a commissioner it’s important to have a knowledge of how to work with state programs.”

Byron E. Baker and Robert Rex Meikle are also running for Lincoln County Commissioner, but were not present at the event. There will be two Commission seats up for grabs in this election.

County Clerk

Two names will be on the ballot for Lincoln County Clerk: April Brunski and Lance Oviatt.

April Brunski is running for County Clerk. She is currently the Deputy County Clerk.

“I’ve been working in the Clerk’s office for nearly 24 years, so I have a knowledge of all the inner workings and the technology needed to operate the Clerk’s office,” Brunski said. “I also know how to prepare the county budget and work with the Afton branch office.”

Lance Oviatt is also running for County Clerk. Oviatt spoke about the need for updated voting equipment for the county. In the question and answer portion of the evening, Oviatt said he would like to have satellite offices for the County Clerk in other areas of the County, not just Afton and Kemmerer.

“We have no money for satellite offices, and it makes sense for the clerk to be in Kemmerer,” Brunski offered in rebuttal. “We also don’t have the connectivity to make that updated voting technology work just yet.”

County Coroner

William Ball is running for County Coroner. Ball owns and operates Ball Family Chapel and Mortuary in Kemmerer. He is currently one of the Lincoln County deputy coroners.

“I have a passion for people and relationships and helping families,” Ball said. “I have nearly 26 years experience in various Wyoming county coroners’ offices, and I know how to operate a coroner’s budget.” 

Dain Schwab is also running for County Coroner. He runs Schwab Mortuary in Afton and Thayne. Schwab is also currently one of the Lincoln County deputy coroners.

“Most coroner cases happen in the north of the county,” Schwab said. “It’s important for the coroner to have an understanding of death and grief.”

Schwab said he is one of only seven coroners in the state who is certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).

Kemmerer City Council

April Corwin is running for Kemmerer City Council for Ward #3.

“I have a strong place in my heart for Kemmerer,” Corwin said. “I believe this job is to be a representative for the community and allow everyone to have a say. I have experience working for cities, including Kemmerer.”

State House of Representatives

Tom Crank is running for re-election to the State House of Representatives District 18.

“I’ve really enjoyed serving so far,” Crank said. “Between the House and my business I have worked with many communities and companies in the west of the state.”

Crank said the budget is a “sticking point, and the current cycle can’t go on forever.”

“As far as education funding, we have a good school system, and I’d like to keep it that way,” Crank said. “Economic diversity is a big issue, and that’s why I’m a big proponent of the governor’s ENDOW intiative.”

Scott Heiner is also running for House District 18, but was not present at the event.

Clerk of District Court

Ken Roberts is running unopposed for Clerk of District Court.

“Even though I’m running unopposed I wanted to let the voters know that I don’t take anything for granted,” Roberts said. “Accountability is a must in the court system, and we do a great job of being accountable and transparent. Updating technology takes time, and money is time, but we do our absolute best.”

For a full list of local, county and state candidates running for office, click here.