SUPERIOR — Superior Volunteer Fire Department Lt. Dan Clemts was chosen Thursday night to fill in as Mineral County commissioner for the remainder of the year.  

Clemts was one of three nominated by the Mineral County Republican Central Committee to temporarily replace Commissioner Shawn Smalley, who resigned June 16, citing health issues. Gordon Hendricks and Carl “Rob” Robinson were the other two nominees. 

Commissioners Duane Simons and Roman Zylawy had until July 25 to fill the vacant seat until a replacement can be elected in November. The candidate selected at the November ballot box will begin serving on Jan. 1, 2027.

Commissioners pushed back the decision to July 23 after reaching a two-way tie last week between Clemts and Hendricks.  

The stalemate dissolved last night, however, after Zylawy said his preferred candidate, Hendricks, was discouraged by family members from taking the seat. 

“I appreciate Gordon’s effort. It feels like he let me down,” Zylawy said. “But, you know, if he’s got people pulling on the other side, I understand.”  

Clemts, 68, and his wife, Tamera Clemts, moved to Superior from San Antonio, Texas in June 2018. He’s a lieutenant volunteer firefighter, assistant chief of Search and Rescue of Mineral County and hosts the Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show, an annual event that raises money for scholarships.  

“We’ve raised almost $20,000 in scholarships for kids here in Mineral County — $10,000 this year alone,” Clemts said.  

Friends encouraged him to submit his name after Smalley’s spot opened up, Clemts said. He added that he hopes to run as the official Republican candidate in November. 

“I feel like I can do good,” Clemts said. “I’m at a point in my life where I want to give back.”   

This is Clemt’s first time holding elected office. His experience includes 10 years working in tech support, 10 years as a restaurant owner and five years as a mechanic shop owner. He was also a member of the Mineral County Republican Central Committee for several years before he dropped out to spend more time at the Fire Department. 

“I’m used to dealing with budgets and payroll and government entities,” he said. “I know how all that works.” 

Report for America Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 406-758-4439 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.