Mayor Mangold re-elected

Posted 11/10/08

Powell has a history of not retaining its mayors, and Mangold said he knew it would be tough. He said the race against Sapp was low key, and the two didn't differ on many issues —other than the depth of the shallow-end of the new swimming …

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Mayor Mangold re-elected

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{gallery}11_06_08/mangold{/gallery}Mayor Scott Mangold, right, was at the aquatic facility construction site at Homesteader Park with Capstone Construction's Russ Whitlock on Wednesday. Mangold was re-elected as Powell's mayor on Tuesday. During his first term, Mangold worked on funding and designing the new aquatic center with city council and community members. Tribune photo by Toby Bonner Hillberry, Young, Hillman get council seatsThe “Voice of the Panthers” will be Powell's leading voice for another four years. On Tuesday, Mayor Scott Mangold led the race with 1,805 votes, or 67 percent of votes cast, compared to opponent Councilman Tim Sapp's nearly 32 percent, or 854 votes. There were 21 write-in votes. All numbers are considered unofficial until certified by the Park County canvassing board later this week.Mangold said the strong support encouraged him that “the direction that we're going in is the direction that the majority of citizens want.”

Powell has a history of not retaining its mayors, and Mangold said he knew it would be tough. He said the race against Sapp was low key, and the two didn't differ on many issues —other than the depth of the shallow-end of the new swimming pool.

Sapp agreed, adding, “We both want what's best for Powell.”

Sapp said Wednesday he appreciated the support he received and enjoyed his past eight years on the council.

“I'd like to thank the voters who did vote for me,” Sapp said. “I wish the new councilmen and Scott good luck.”

Mangold said he didn't plan to run for two terms four years ago, but after his involvement on many projects in his first term — the aquatic facility, the fiber-optic network, Centennial Park, the Plaza Diane renovation —he wanted to continue leading the city.

“A lot of major projects hit at the same time,” Mangold said. “It wouldn't be fair to switch gears and change leaders ... the transition would have been difficult for someone else.”

Mangold added he wants to see completion on these projects, “and if something goes wrong, then I'd be the one to blame.”

During his first year as mayor, Mangold had a ribbon on his office door that read, “I'm new.” This time, Mangold will have a target sticker, he said. If someone has a problem to solve or needs a referee to resolve an issue, Mangold is the target.

“I'm there to help solve a lot of problems,” he said.

Mangold, who is co-owner of MGR Media, said he is finding a balance between working at the radio station and serving as Powell's mayor.

“I learned to adjust my schedule at the radio station,” he said. “It's a juggling act, but it keeps me busy and keeps me off the couch.”

Mangold's focus during his first term was improving communication between the city and citizens, and he said communication continues to be his priority.

In addition to using the new Powellink fiber network to increase community communication, Mangold also plans on revamping his brown-bag lunch idea. Mangold may meet with people in the evening, since lunchtime turnout was low. He also likes the idea of meeting with residents in each ward.

Besides making communication a priority locally, Mangold said he wants to continue dialogues with other city governments in the Big Horn Basin and the Park County commissioners, especially when it comes to having a united voice among municipalities when addressing the Legislature and Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Mangold said he wants to encourage young people to stay in Powell, and he thinks there are ways to work with the state to invest in keeping a young workforce in Wyoming.

“There are a lot of legislators that want to save for the future, but you have to think about the present, too,” he said.

Three councilmen elected

Powell voters elected Floyd Young and Don Hillman and re-elected Jim Hillberry to the Powell City Council on Tuesday.

In Ward 1, Hillberry garnered 513 votes, or 64 percent, while opponent Shea Reel trailed with 280 votes, or nearly 35 percent. Eight write-in votes were received.

“I am very humbled and pleased with people in our ward who have continued to elect me into that position,” Hillberry said.

Reel said he learned a lot through his first time running for office and is thankful for the experience. Reel said he is interested in getting involved with local government in the future.

Hillberry said he supports anyone who is interested in engaging with city government.

“I appreciate his desire to run,” Hillberry said.

The two candidates didn't differ much on issues, he added.

“We differed on experience and age,” he said.

Young led the Ward 2 race with 683 votes, or nearly 75 percent, while incumbent Mark Senn trailed with 227

votes, or almost 25 percent. Three write-in votes were received.

“I'm encouraged by the support,” Young said.

Senn said he appreciated being able to serve on the council and may run again in the future.

“Floyd Young will be an excellent council member,” Senn said.

Senn said he is looking forward to seeing the completion of the pool and Centennial Park.

Hillman received 526 votes or nearly 67 percent, and John Sides followed with 262 votes, or about 33 percent.

Two write-in votes were cast.

Both men have previous council experience.

“I'm ready to return to the council, get back up to speed and get to work,” Hillman said.

Sides, who serves on the Powell Planning and Zoning Commission, said he plans to stay involved with city government.

“Don Hillman is a good man and the city will be served well,” Sides said.

Mangold said the new councilmen will bring a mixture of old school and new school.

“It's going to be a unique blend,” Mangold said.

Mangold and the three city councilmen will be sworn in on Jan. 5.

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