Taylor Jones sworn in

Taylor Jones took his seat among the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners this week after being appointed and sworn in at the end of Tuesday's meeting. Jones fills the vacancy on the board left by Lauren Schoenfeld after her recent resignation. 

"I appreciate your confidence in me," Jones told the rest of the commissioners after sitting down in the empty chair. "I'll work hard and we'll see great things happening."

Jones was one of three candidates chosen by the Sweetwater County Republican Central Committee during a special meeting last Saturday. A total of eight people applied for the commissioner position. The applicants gave presentations and answered questions during the committee meeting, after which the committee narrowed it down to three choices to present to the county commissioners for the final choice. The commissioners also attended the committee meeting, and several of them expressed their gratitude for how well the process was conducted.

In addition to Jones, the other two candidates were Jon "KC" Doak and Jeffrey Ramaj. All three candidates were given time during Tuesday's commission to present one more time and answer questions.

During his presentation to the commissioners, Jones noted that he has been in business for over 30 years and been on commissions for over 20, including the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Board of Trustees and Rock Springs Planning and Zoning.

"I've worked with a variety of people and personalities in those years and those roles," Jones said. "One thing I've learned is that it's valuable to have different opinions, different ideas. It makes people think a little bit, it creates conversation, and that's where good decision making comes."

Jones said he's had experience with making difficult decisions, planning for the future, working with budgets, and working in executive sessions, which he believes are major parts of what the board of county commissioners does. He said he believes his past helps him be uniquely qualified to fill the position.

Commissioner Mary Thoman brought up the question of whether the candidates had plans to run for the position again in the next election if they were selected. Jones said that he does intend to run.

"I don't feel it's fair for me to stand up here and ask you to put me in this vacant position and in a year and a half I walk away," Jones said. "I know after speaking with all of you that you've got a heavy work load, you need help, you need some consistency."

The commissioners expressed their gratitude and respect for all three candidates.

"We really can't go wrong today with any of the three candidates, which is a good thing for Sweetwater County," Chairman Keaton West commented.

All three candidates were nominated by various commissioners, with Jones being nominated first by Commissioner Thoman. Thoman then made a motion to appoint Jones, which was seconded by Richards. In a roll call vote, all four commissioners voted to appoint Taylor Jones. Judge Richard Lavery led Jones in a swearing in ceremony.

"Welcome aboard, commissioner," Chairman West said.