Letter to the Editor: Filling the office of county sheriff

Dear Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to share about the process that takes place to replace county elected officials, including our retiring sheriff. According to the state statute that governs political parties (aside from the bylaws of the parties), W.S.S. 22-18-111(ii), the process begins with the county commissioners accepting the elected official’s retirement/resignation. 

When the office is officially vacated in such manner, “the board of county commissioners shall immediately notify in writing the chairman of the county central committee of the political party which the last incumbent represented at the time of his election.” – WSS 22-18-111(ii)

Within 15 days of the notice of the office being vacated, the chairman of the county central committee, which is comprised of precinct committeemen and precinct committeewomen, shall call a meeting. 

“At the meeting the county central committee shall select and transmit to the board of county commissioners the names of three persons qualified to hold the office.” – WSS 22-18-111(ii) 

Since our newly retired sheriff ran as a Republican, it is the duty and privilege of the Republican central committee to provide the names of three qualified candidates to the board of county commissioners. From those three names, the county commissioners will choose one person to fill the sheriff position until the end of the current term to which he was elected.

In an effort to guide the Republican central committee in selecting three qualified name to provide to the county commissioners, we are asking for two-page resumes and cover letters from each candidate to be emailed to bhcwygop@gmail.com prior to our meeting. Questions or concerns may also be sent to that email address, as well. At the meeting to select three names, we will be interviewing each candidate prior to voting, and each member is expected to be as impartial as jurors.

Sharon Hall, Chair

Big Horn County Republicans