The process for replacing Mineral County Commissioner Shawn Smalley, who resigned last month, came to a stalemate at the commissioners' weekly meeting on Thursday, July 16. 

The Mineral County Republican Central Committee Commissioners offered three candidates for consideration to commissioners Roman Zylawy and Duane Simons, which is customary when a commissioner leaves their position before their term expires. The names sent to the commission were Dan Clemts, Carl ‘Rob’ Robinson and Gordon Hendricks. 

The commissioners have until July 25 to select the replacement, but the discussion will continue at its Thursday, July 23 meeting after the duo failed to reach a consensus last week.

Zylawy made a motion to appoint Hendricks that was not seconded, so it died. Simmons made a motion to appoint Clemts that was not seconded, so it died. 

Before the motions, all three candidates introduced themselves and explained their reason for wanting the appointment and the skill set they would bring to the table. 

Both Clemts and Robinson also said that if appointed, they intended to run in the general election in November to complete the entire term of Smalley’s position, which would be Dec. 31, 2030. Hendricks said his reason for running was to continue the continuity of three commissioners through the budget process and until Dec. 31, 2026, when the newly elected commissioner would take the reins. 

This was something that Zylawy liked because he didn’t want the public to think in any way that who they appointed was being groomed for the position permanently. Simons disagreed and said he felt Clemts was the most qualified and if he chose to run in the election, so be it. He comes with extensive technical and computer experience which both Simons and Zylawy said they lacked. 

Discussion from the floor favored Clemts as he was new blood and these technical capabilities would be added value. Hendricks agreed that his computer skills were elementary and agreed that this was an important characteristic of the position. He said that if it made the decision easier, he would withdraw his name. Zylawy wasn’t in favor of that option.