An uncommon opportunity at The Commons drew a crowd of about 100 locals as 23 candidates running for everything from Powell City Council on up to the U.S. House of Representatives were on hand Thursday to answer questions and introduce themselves to Big Horn Basin voters.

This was some voters’ first time ever having a one-on-one conversation with a candidate.

“Talking to them was great; I have never had this opportunity before,” said Jim Vanek of Powell. “Everyone was down to earth and friendly; it was like talking to a friend. ... I wanted to hear what the candidates had to say instead of someone telling me what they had to say.”

Vanek added, “The meet-and-greet in general is a fantastic idea. Hats off to Christine (Bekes) and everyone for putting this on.”

The event was organized by the Powell Economic Partnership. Each candidate was provided the same two questions about economic development prior to the event for them to answer during their two-minute introductions on the stage, said PEP Executive Director Christine Bekes.

“I’m very proud of the community we have because they turned out, and the candidates inspired me with their commitment to Powell and wanting to meet the community. The two things, for me, were off the charts,” she said. “The real work came from the candidates and the community who were there, and I was pleased with how the event went.”

Some of the candidates struggled to keep their introduction speeches within the two-minute timeframe, and some of the voters wanted to hear more from each.

“I thought two of the candidates did well in getting in that two-minute time frame,” said Powellite Diane McMillin, adding that she enjoyed her conversation with U.S. House candidate Liz Cheney. “Talking one-on-one is helpful, but they are people I have known forever. I am thankful they did this; it is a good thing and I wish more of the community would participate.”

Powell residents John and Theresa Willert said they spoke with Tim Stubon’s representative and enjoyed hearing each of the candidates speak.

“These guys are coming in trying to build a name, and it is hard to do against people like (Liz) Cheney — nothing against her, she’s just tough to beat,” John Willert said. “I’m so glad they did this, because so often you go to the ballot box and don’t know them. It needs to keep happening all the time. ... A lot of people are coming out of a slumber because of all the things happening in the country.”

“They were good speeches, but I am ready for more action,” John Willert said. “I am tired of hearing the same stuff over and over again and nothing happening.”

Powellite Tommi Williams said she didn’t know who she would vote for and didn’t know much about the candidates prior to the meet-and-greet.

“But I do now,” she said. “I thought it was a good overview of all the candidates. Getting to talk to the candidates was a great idea, it helped me choose who I am going to vote for.”

Bekes said she and the PEP board heard nothing but positive feedback from the candidates and the community.

“It gives people in a small town an opportunity to meet people they never would run into. We wouldn’t run into half of these candidates — even local people, you don’t get to meet them,” said Powell resident Shannon Brewer.

This was the first time PEP has organized a candidate meet-and-greet, and the organization might do more for future elections due to the positive feedback, Bekes said.

“Whether they win or lose, they are leaders in the community,” she said. “If you are unhappy or want something done, call the leaders — especially at the local and even the U.S. House level; they have open doors and just need to be engaged. Locally, and in Wyoming, it is awesome what we can do and the access to leaders is awesome here.” 

Videos of all of the candidates’ speeches can be watched on the Powell Tribune’s YouTube channel at tinyurl.com/MeetTheCandi

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