November 27, 2023 |
Photo – Carbon County Commissioners – Courtesy Barkhurst’s Facebook
Elk Mountain Fire Department Treasurer Garrett Irene has been chosen to be the next county commissioner.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners voted unanimously to have Garrett Irene take over Byron Barkhurst’s vacant council seat. Barkhurst resigned in October, citing personal reasons.
Per Wyoming state law, the Carbon County Republican Party was tasked with selecting three nominees to present to the county commissioners. Out of a field of eight candidates, Joey Correnti, Emilee Berger, and Garrett Irene were chosen for board consideration.
After their regular November 21st meeting, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners interviewed the three candidates. The applicants were brought out one at a time, with the commissioners presenting the same questions to each nominee.
The commissioners opted to conduct the interviews in alphabetical order. Saratoga rancher Emilee Berger was first. During her two-minute introduction, Berger explained that she’s a 4th generation beef rancher with strong ties to the Platte River Valley.
Commissioner John Johnson asked Berger how she thinks she will fit in with the rest of the board, personally and politically. Berger said she is a team player but would speak up when necessary.
Commissioner John Espy asked Berger what she thought was the most important role of a commissioner. Berger said listening to the people is key to effective governance.
Commissioner Travis Moore asked Berger about commissioners’ responsibilities. The Saratoga rancher said the board has its hands full keeping a large rural county running.
Chairwoman Sue Jones asked Berger if she has experience handling finances. Berger said her career choices have provided her with extensive bookkeeping knowledge.
Former Carbon County Republican Party Chairman Joey Correnti was next. Correnti introduced himself by saying he is a combat veteran and small business owner.
Correnti was asked the same questions as Berger. Commissioner Johnson began by asking the candidate how he would fit in with the existing board members. Correnti said he will support the will of the people and uphold the constitution.
Commissioner Espy asked Correnti about the role of the board. Correnti said the state dictates that the commissioners’ most important duty is setting the budget.
Commissioner Moore asked Correnti what he thinks the board does for the people of Carbon County. Correnti said he won’t really know until he sits on the board.
Chairwoman Jones asked Correnti if he has experience working with budgets. Correnti said he handled large sums of money while serving in the military.
Elk Mountain Fire Department Treasurer Garrett Irene was the final candidate to be interviewed by the board. Irene said he was born and raised in Elk Mountain and has been a member of the fire department for seven years.
Commissioner Johnson began again by asking Irene what role he’ll play on the board. Irene said he will do the will of the people and keep the budget in check.
Commissioner Espy asked what Irene believes is the most important aspect the board plays in governing the county. Irene said the commissioners must listen to their constituents.
Commissioner Moore asked Irene what he believes a commissioner does and who the commissioners serve. Irene said the board uses input from the public to steer growth within the county.
Chairwoman Jones asked Irene about his experience with budgets. Irene said his large family and role as treasurer for the Elk Mountain Fire Department has made him familiar with allocating finances.
After the three candidates finished their interviews, the board held an executive session. When the board returned, Commissioner Johnson motioned to select Irene for the vacant council seat. Johnson said Irene will represent the next generation of Carbon County voters.
Speaking to Bigfoot99, Irene thanked his fellow nominees for running and the commission for choosing him to sit on the board.
Irene will be sworn in before the next Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting on December 5th.
