New commissioner hopefuls enter race

Voters will get to have a few more options running for Sweetwater County Commissioner in the upcoming General Election Nov. 4.

Randal “Doc” Wendling, who originally ran for commissioner as a Republican and withdrew has formally rejoined the race. Wendling, who will now run as an independent, originally withdrew because he sought to run for Sweetwater County School District No. 1’s board in Rock Springs and believed he could only run for one position.

However, after seeking legal advice, Wendling discovered he could run for and perform both roles if elected.

According to Dale Davis, Sweetwater County Clerk, Wendling provided more than 500 names on his petition to run as an independent. Davis said independent candidates only needed to provide 326 names this election cycle.

Wendling said he wants to give back to the community through service in both positions. Wendling was a principal in Sweetwater County School District No. 1 for 20 years, spending 17 years at Rock Springs High School and three years at Independence High School.

Wendling said he wants to support Sweetwater County’s growth in both positions and believes people need choices during elections.

“If voters of Sweetwater County feel they want another option, I’ll appreciate their vote,” Wendling said.

During the primary election, despite having withdrawn prior to the vote, Wendling received 1,662 votes on the Republican ballot.

Robert Hermann

A second name will also get added to the ballot in November.

Robert Hermann, a Jamestown resident, received the 25 write-in votes needed to be placed as a Republican on the Nov. 4 ballot. Davis said Hermann accepted the nomination last Thursday.