JANUARY 20, 2025|
Photo – Interim County Clerk addresses Republican Party members – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
The Carbon County Republican Party selected three nominees on Saturday to be considered by the Board of County Commissioners to fill the open county clerk position.
Interim Carbon County Clerk Lisa Smith was at the top of the list, winning easy approval from the local party officials. Smith was the only person to submit a completed nominee packet before the January 12th deadline. She previously served as Carbon County Deputy Clerk before being named Interim Clerk.
County Republicans gathered on Saturday in the Platte Valley Community Center to select nominees for the position after the former Clerk, Gwynn Bartlet, was elected in November to the Board of County Commissioners.
Republican Party chairman Paul Metevier explained that after Bartlett’s resignation, the local party members are required by law to recommend three qualified applicants to fill the vacant position. Commissioners will now select one nominee to serve as Carbon County Clerk.
Metevier invited Lisa Smith to explain what makes her qualified to serve as county clerk and answer questions from Party members. Smith stated that she has over 20 years’ experience in the Carbon County Clerk’s Office. She has a working knowledge of state and county operations.
Smith said that during her time in the county clerk’s office, she has gained experience in all aspects of the job.
If appointed, Smith pledged to uphold all Wyoming state statutes and conduct the duties of the office honestly and with transparency.
Chairman Metevier asked what, if anything, Smith would change to make elections more accurate and secure. The county clerk nominee responded that the office must remain up to date on all election laws, which she is already doing in her role as interim clerk.
Chairman Metevier also asked how Smith will ensure the county clerk’s office remains open and accessible to all residents. Interim Clerk Smith responded that she may post on social media more often and work to make county records easier to access online.
Finally, Chairman Metevier asked how Smith will ensure the clerk’s office operates efficiently while minimizing expenses. Smith said Commissioner Gwynn Bartlett can confirm that she always secures the lowest prices for items needed by the clerk’s office and for local elections.
A member of the Republican Party asked Smith what “transparency” means to her. Smith responded by inviting the public to visit the clerk’s office and observe how it, and local elections, are conducted.
Smith also assured the Republican Party members that she intends to run for County Clerk in 2026.
The party unanimously voted to nominate Smith for board approval. However, state law requires the Republican Party to nominate three applicants.
Since Smith was the only person to officially apply for the position, former Republican Party Chairman Joey Correnti and current Vice Chair Michelle Sidun nominated themselves to guarantee legality. The party unanimously voted to submit Smith, Correnti, and Sidun for board consideration.
The Board of Carbon Commissioners will interview each nominee and appoint one to serve as county clerk during tomorrow’s meeting.
