Months before voters head to the polls in August, the 2010 primary already promises to be an interesting election.With four Republican candidates vying for the Wyoming gubernatorial seat, a $14.2-million sales tax proposal from West Park Hospital and numerous local and county positions on the ballot, August's primary election plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Park County.This month, residents have the opportunity to consider if they want to pursue public office at the local, county or state level.The filing period for municipal, county and state offices is May 13-28.Locally, three seats are open for the Powell City Council. At the county level, three Park County Commission seats will be decided, as will the county attorney, coroner, sheriff, clerk, treasurer and assessor.Recently, there has been some rumbling among Powell residents about decisions made at the county level. True, most commissioners live in the Cody area — but it's worth noting that, in recent elections, no Powell-area candidates ran for the position. If we want issues important to Powell-area residents to receive more weight with the commission, we need to have more local representation on the commission. As Americans, we enjoy the privileges to vote, speak freely and to hold public office.This month's filing period provides opportunities for anyone interested in filling those or other local seats to serve their community. More details: For a detailed list of the public offices that will be considered at the primary election, visit www.parkcounty.us, e-mail voterinfo@parkcounty.us or call 754-8620.

Months before voters head to the polls in August, the 2010 primary already promises to be an interesting election.

With four Republican candidates vying for the Wyoming gubernatorial seat, a $14.2-million sales tax proposal from West Park Hospital and numerous local and county positions on the ballot, August's primary election plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Park County.

This month, residents have the opportunity to consider if they want to pursue public office at the local, county or state level.

The filing period for municipal, county and state offices is May 13-28.

Locally, three seats are open for the Powell City Council. At the county level, three Park County Commission seats will be decided, as will the county attorney, coroner, sheriff, clerk, treasurer and assessor.

Recently, there has been some rumbling among Powell residents about decisions made at the county level. True, most commissioners live in the Cody area — but it's worth noting that, in recent elections, no Powell-area candidates ran for the position.

If we want issues important to Powell-area residents to receive more weight with the commission, we need to have more local representation on the commission.

As Americans, we enjoy the privileges to vote, speak freely and to hold public office.

This month's filing period provides opportunities for anyone interested in filling those or other local seats to serve their community.

More details:

For a detailed list of the public offices that will be considered at the primary election, visit www.parkcounty.us, e-mail voterinfo@parkcounty.us or call 754-8620.