George elected mayor; recount expected in Ward 3 council race

Current Ward 1 council member Rebecca George was elected as the city's next mayor, unseating Mayor Jim Gill in Tuesday's General Election

Unofficial results had George winning 64% of the vote with 1,373 votes to Gill's 764 votes. There were also 117 undervotes meaning voters did not cast a vote in the election.

George said Tuesday night, "I am honored by the community and grateful for those who supported me in this race for the mayor of Worland. I am excited to be the mayor-elect. I encourage us to move forward and let's change the energy of our community and work together to create a positive change. I also want to thank Mayor Gill for a great race and for his 14 years of service to his community."

Gill, who is completing his second term as mayor this year said, "Congratulations to Rebecca. It was a well-run race. The people have decided and life goes on."

For George's seat on the council, Bill Glanz defeated Jeff Pomeroy 433 votes to 275 votes.

Glanz said, "I'm excited about it, and I'm anxious .... to go to work the first of the year. I appreciate all the people that voted for me, every one of them. I look forward to seeing what happens."

WARD 3

The Ward 3 seat likely will result in an automatic recount, according to Washakie County Clerk Lily Rakness Parra with less than 1% separating incumbent William Worley 237 votes and challenger Tony Wartman 235 votes.

With the likelihood of a recount, Worley opted not to comment on the results Tuesday night.

WARD 2

All three Ward 2 seats were up this year, one seat as a two-year term with Peter Calderon resigning in the middle of his term.

Sheryl Ley won the seat with 52% of the vote, with 397 votes, defeating Terry Batt with 365 votes.

Ley said, "Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I look forward to serving on the council and take that responsibility seriously and appreciate everyone's support."

For the two four-year seats in Ward 2, incumbent Wendy Fredricks was re-elected to her second term, and former council member Mandy Horath will return to the council. Horath served two terms before opting not to run in 2020. She accepted a write-in nomination following the primary election.

Fredricks garnered 546 and Horath received 297. Lawrence Meier earned 288 votes and Kassie Nolting received 266 votes.

Fredricks said, "I am incredibly honored to have been elected to represent Ward 2 on the Worland City Council. Thank you to everyone who voted for me and supported me."

Horath said, "I look forward to serving. I enjoyed my time when I was on the council and I am thankful people still think I can contribute to the community."

All results are unofficial with the canvassing board to meet at 9 a.m. today (Thursday).