Unanimous vote fills void left by the death of Mayor Don Hillman

Local businessman and long-time City Council President John Wetzel was sworn in as Powell’s interim mayor following a unanimous vote by the City Council.

The vote was conducted at Tuesday’s council meeting, filling the void left by the untimely death of Mayor Don Hillman. Hillman died Feb. 4 following a battle with cancer.

Councilman Jim Hillberry was named council president, also by a unanimous vote.

Wetzel began Tuesday’s meeting with a moment of levity, sharing a recollection of Mayor Hillman that always gave him a chuckle.

“Whenever we’d be waiting for the meeting to begin, Don would lean over and ask, ‘Is it time yet?’” Wetzel said, smiling at the memory. “I’d laugh and say ‘Nope, according to Verizon we have one minute to go.’ That’s the stuff I remember.”

Wetzel will serve as mayor for the remainder of Hillman’s term; the seat will open once again during the next general election, in November 2018. At that time, Wetzel can seek re-election for the final two years of the term should he so choose. The council will soon begin asking for letters of interest to fill Wetzel’s now-vacant council seat from Ward 2. Those interested in submitting a letter must live in that ward, which generally includes the western part of Powell.

Though it’s not how Wetzel would have wanted to become mayor, he said he’s honored by the support shown him by the council.

“I’m excited to get started and increase the learning curve I’ve been on for a while,” Wetzel said. “There are new things to learn about being mayor. Hopefully I can keep things moving forward.”

As he steps into his new role, Wetzel said the city has been left in good shape from Hillman’s tenure; it’s now a matter of maintaining that legacy.

“We need to make sure we keep communication going between the community and the city administration,” he said. “I don’t really have an agenda, per se. I will continue to support economic development and make sure we keep the city facilities and enterprises running smooth. Mayor Hillman left his post in good order, he just left it too soon.”

City Administrator Zane Logan said Wetzel’s experience on the council will serve him well as mayor, and the transition should be a smooth one.

“Being the president of the council for several years, it’s a natural extension that he would be mayor,” Logan said. “He’s been very involved in the process the last year or so as Don was dealing with his illness, so he knows where we’re at and what needs to be done. I think it will be good for Powell and the community as a whole.”

Having worked closely with Wetzel for many years, Logan said the new mayor’s priorities are in alignment with his predecessor.

“Don was all about the community and infrastructure, and I believe John looks at things pretty much the same way,” he said. “We’ll keep the priorities the same as we’ve kept them for years, I don’t see a change in that. Residents can expect more of the same, which is a positive thing.”

Wetzel is the general manager of the Buyer’s Guide, a Cody-based shopper that’s mailed to homes across the Big Horn Basin. The Buyer’s Guide is co-owned by the Powell Tribune and Cody Enterprise. Wetzel’s wife, Shelby, is a part owner of the Tribune.