Worland mayor race down to two

WORLAND – Jim Gill and Keith McDonald will move on to the general election in November after voters in Worland picked Gill 569 and McDonald 376 in an unofficial vote count.

Worland voters narrowed down Gill and McDonald as their top two mayoral candidates from competitors Jerry Alexander, who received 149 votes, Kreg Lombard, who received 140 votes and Jody Thibodeaux, who received 53 votes.

Gill said he feels honored to be one of the two chosen to move forward in the general election and he’s ready to get more active in the second leg of his campaign.

“I’m ready to get out, and I’ve got some help to do it … we’re ready to get out and go knocking on doors a lot more,” Gill said.

McDonald said it is good news when notified of the results. He added, “I would love to debate Mr. (Jim) Gill on any occasion as far as progressive ideas and how to move the city forward. Other than that, it’s time to hit the campaign trial a little bit harder.”

Council member results

In the only contested Worland City Council race, Ward 3 incumbent Loresa Brinkerhoff received 127 votes for a two-year council term and Cain Torrez, seeking his first election, received 137 votes. Both advance to the general election.

Ward 1 Council member Lisa Fernandez received 406 votes for a two-year term. Keith Gentzler received 392 votes, and Jacquelyn Ernest, who is seeking her first four-year term, was received 198 votes.

Ward 2 Council members Mandy Horath and Dennis Koch are both seeking their second four-year term. Horath received 300 votes and Koch received 360.

Council member Marcus Sanchez, who is running for his second four-year term, received 190 votes.

All advance to the general election.

Washakie County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch said voter turnout was 64 percent overall, and the canvassing board will meet Thursday at 9 a.m. to verify the results.