More than a dozen candidates for countywide elected positions participated in the Park County Republican Women forum on Wednesday in Powell.

It was the lead-off event in the 2022 election year, culminating in the Aug. 16 Wyoming Primary Election. 

Nearly 200 people were in attendance at The Commons in downtown Powell. Questions were prepared in advance by members of the local GOP Women’s group.

Candidates for most county elected positions were introduced first, followed by state legislative candidates and then six of the eight candidates for three open seats on the Park County Commission (see separate story on Page 1).

Clerk of District Court

All three candidates — Debra Carroll, Logan Christie and Robin Martin — for clerk of District Court appeared at the GOP forum.

Candidates introduced themselves before being asked specific questions relevant to the position.

Martin suggested making the office “more efficient” as a key priority.

Carroll noted her 18 years of experience working in the county courts. She stated outgoing clerk of District Court Patra Lindenthal has endorsed her as successor.

Christie focused on his educational background and experience in the county’s juvenile justice system.

“I’m familiar with the legal system here in Park County,” Christie said.

Martin cited her versatility and experience.

“I’ve worked in just about every area of law there is,” Martin said. “Obviously, I understand procedures and living by rules.”

Expanding on the concept of rules, Carroll pointed out the clerk of District Court position is obliged to follow specific guidelines.

“Our office is run by statutes and rules, so there is only so much we can do,” Carroll said.

The moderator asked how each candidate plans to work with individuals they may not like.

Pointing out it’s a common scenario in workplaces, Christie said setting aside differences is a necessity in any environment, but particularly within the public domain.

“The greater good is a lot more important than the bickering of the people” with whom you are working, he said.

Noting the clerk position must work closely with countywide law enforcement and courts personnel, Carroll said, “We do our very best to work with everyone.”

Candidates were asked about their Republican credentials. Among the clerk of District Court candidates, only one identified as a life-long member of the GOP.

Christie said he registered as a Republican when he was 18, but has registered as a Democrat, independent and Republican over the years.

Carroll said she first registered as a Democrat, but has been a member of the GOP for 24 years.

Martin said she registered as a Republican at 18 and has remained in the GOP ever since.

County Attorney

Both candidates for prosecuting county attorney attended the forum in Powell.

Leda Pojman, who is challenging current county attorney Bryan Skoric, spoke first.

“I want to give people a choice after 19 years,” Pojman said, claiming a high turn-over rate among staff in the attorney’s office is an important issue to address.

Skoric, who was born in Cody, said he remains devoted to keeping the community an attractive place to live and raise families.

“Park County is a unique place,” he said. “I will work hard to keep this county what it is.”

Asked to explain what they think is the most important mission of the office, both candidates said equal treatment of all county residents is vital.

“To serve all of Park County with integrity … and not waste taxpayers’ dollars,” Pojman said are priorities.

After pointing out that citizens of Park County pay his salary, Skoric said he could not pinpoint one specific area as most vital. All of the cases he prosecutes “are important,” Skoric said.

County Coroner

Emily Denney was the only candidate of the four vying for county coroner who attended the PCRW’s first forum in Powell. She was given an opportunity to make a brief introductory speech, but was not asked any questions.

Denney currently serves as the county’s deputy coroner. She listed her background in law enforcement, the U.S. military and local real estate — as well as serving under current county coroner Tim Power — as complementary to the elected position. 

“My role as a coroner is to share accurate information with family members,” Denney said.

County Clerk

Both candidates for Park County Clerk attended the PCRW forum in Powell.

Tim Lasseter, who is challenging incumbent Colleen Renner for the position, spoke first. He said having the “necessary communications skills” is important to the office. Then, Lasseter dove into his conservative credentials, saving taxpayers money and overseeing the elections process.

“Government should live within its means and cut spending,” Lasseter said. “I will work to keep polling places open … and ensure [elections] integrity.”

With many Park County residents upset about the use of automated ballot-counting machines instead of hand-counting them, Lasseter struck a chord with constitutional conservatives who have questioned the accuracy of electronic machines.

Renner, who has served as Park County Clerk since January 2015, pointed out the clerk is bound by statutes established by state lawmakers — including the Wyoming Attorney General — to follow strict guidelines for counting votes.

The candidates’ answers differed when asked to explain the most important function of the county clerk’s office.

Lasseter said ensuring elections integrity is the most crucial function of the position.

“Free and fair election-vote counts,” he reiterated.

In addition to elections, Renner listed a litany of important functions the clerk is responsible for fulfilling, including automating all office operations and handling payroll for all county employees.

Asked if they would support paper balloting, both county clerk candidates answered, “Yes.”