Rust elected as city's mayor

Green River residents overwhelmingly supported Pete Rust's bid for mayor of Green River.

According to unofficial election results released from the Sweetwater County Clerk's Office, Rust took 2,597 votes to win the election. Votes for Rust accounted for nearly three-fourths of the vote taken in Green River. His opponent, current Councilman Mark Peterson, received 882 votes, while 22 voters cast write-in suggestions.

Rust said candidates who win primary elections typically gain votes in general elections, explaining the large surge in support between his August and November victories. However, with his excitement, Rust said he feels anxiety as the reality of serving the city as its mayor, along with the work it entails, sets in. Despite that anxiety, Rust believes the city has a number of great opportunities. He said the city has excellent resources and a good governing body to capitalize on those opportunities.

Ward I

Former Parks and Recreation Department Director Allan Wilson won the race in Ward I, defeating his opponent Lyneen Murphy by 304 votes. Wilson said he feels great about having the opportunity to represent the city's residents. He said he will uphold the promises he made to voters, which include hosting a quarterly, ward-wide meeting to talk to residents and discuss their concerns.

Wilson said his early goals are to gain an understanding of the city's budget before the council begins its budget workshops next year and to help hire a competent city administrator.

"I guarantee I will read that contract," Wilson said about hiring a new administrator.

Ward II

In Ward II, the often mentioned joke between the two candidates was that Ted would win.

Last night, Ted Barney was the victor, defeating former Councilman Ted York after earning 475 votes to York's 388. Unlike Wilson and Rust, Barney will begin his term later this month after he's sworn in to fill the remainder of Adam Coppolo's term.  Coppolo resigned his position earlier this year and the council, fearing it would taint the election process by naming a replacement, decided to wait for the results of the general election and select the winner.

Barney plans to hit the ground running in regards to serving the city's residents. 

His main concerns involve revitalizing the city's retail offerings and he plans to meet with a friend to gather information about a grocery chain he thinks could be interested in Green River.

"I plan to start working on it this weekend," he said. "I'm not going in with an agenda aside from wanting to help Green River."

Ward III

The only incumbent councilman seeking election was given another four years to represent Green River's residents.

Gary Killpack won election against his opponent Ed Paisley in a very decisive victory. Killpack received 855 votes while Paisely received 334. Five write-in votes were also tallied.

Killpack said he was humbled and grateful to have received another term, but announced his next four years would be his last on the council. He said he hopes the council can do more good during his next term, which for him includes making sure the city hires a good administrator and watching the city's funding allocations as it continues to face declining revenue.