Republican Convention

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Emery County Republicans met in their county convention on April 13 at the Huntington Elementary. Chairman of the party, Bill Dellos greeted the delegates and the candidates. The American Legion presented a flag ceremony and the audience recited the pledge of allegiance. Natalie Blackwell led the audience in singing the National Anthem. The main job to be accomplished at the convention was the electing of county commission candidates and six additional delegates to attend the state convention which will be held on May 8 in Salt Lake. Karen Dellos read the Republican Party Platform to the audience.
At the precinct caucuses held in March the state delegates that were elected are: Ann Marie Anderson, Evelyn Huntsman, Dixie Swasey, Jerry Hatch Karen Dellos, Neal Peacock, Randy Johnson, Mike Hurdsman Kevin Hurdsman, James Sherman, Tom Hansen, Art Hughes and Eric Anderson is the delegate at large. Chairman Bill Dellos, and Co-chairman Phil Fauver will also attend the state convention as delegates.
Nominations were then made by the audience for the six openings for state delegates. Those nominated included: Sylvia Nelson, Paul Jensen, David Hinkins, Ira Hatch Drew Sitterud, Val Young, Gary Arrington, James Gilson, Val Young, Sherrel Ward, Carol Ediger, Ross Hinkins, Jack Rogers, Glen R. Anderson and James Nielsen. This is a two year term. The three candidates for county commission spoke next to the delegates. Joe Macdonald was first to speak. He said he came to Emery County in 1976 and has seen many changes over the years. He worked in Trail Mountain mine and then in Deer Creek until his retirement in 2002. He said he stayed at the same place and worked for seven different companies over the years. One of his big concerns is that his kids may not be able to live here and raise their kids. He said he would work first and foremost to attract industry to the county.
Louis Sansevero said he would work to move the county forward and resolve the issues facing the county. He stressed the need for economic development and the need to diversify. He said he would work to recruit new companies and that Emery County has been the prisoner of a single industry. Sansevero encouraged delegates when they cast their votes to consider whether or not the county is in a better position than it was four years ago.
Commissioner Drew Sitterud said one of the biggest issues we are faced with at this time is the wild and scenic rivers. “If we lose our water, we lose everything,” he said. “Colorado was ordered to turn water down a creek because of wild and scenic rivers. We have a good committee for economic development and they are recruiting new businesses and are moving forward.” Sitterud also mentioned Hunter 4 which will become a reality sometime in the future. Sitterud said the county is in good shape financially and is one of he few counties that never borrows money to operate with.
The convention then heard from those nominated for state delegates. They introduced themselves and told a little about why they wanted to represent the party as delegates to the state convention.

The county delegates voted for the state delegates. Those six winning the election were: Drew Sitterud, Ira Hatch, James Nielsen, Ross Hinkins, David Hinkins and Sherrel Ward. The commissioner candidates will be Sansevero and Commissioner Sitterud. A primary election will be held on June 22 to determine the candidate who will run against the Democratic candidate for the office of county commissioner which is a four year term.
The convention heard from a number of the candidates running for state offices. A representative for Sen. Bob Bennett was present. Two state district 27 candidates, Phil Peay and Vickie Peterson addressed the group. The state auditor, Austin Johnson was there. John Swallow, David Wilde and Jeff Durrant representing Tim Bridgewater are the candidates vying for the second congressional seat currently held by Rep. Jim Matheson. House seat district 70 candidates Russ Chazell and current office holder Brad Johnson both addressed the audience.
A number of the candidates for governor also made their way to Emery County this night. There were other conventions held on the same night, but those choosing to attend the Emery County convention included Mrs. Gary Herbert, John Huntsman Jr., Fred Lampropoulos, rep. for Nolan Karras, rep. for Jim Hansen, rep. for Parley Hellewell, rep. for Marty Stephens, rep. for Gary Benson.
The concluding speaker for the evening was current Gov. Olene Walker who is also a candidate for governor. Gov. Walker said she loves the spirit of Emery County. She recalled the days when the Ferron golf course was made possible with the help of volunteers working on it. The governor said she has accomplished a lot in the five months she has been in office and needs four more years to complete the projects she has begun. She seeks accountability in education and wants children to read on grade level by the third grade.
She has been working for more jobs in Utah and making contacts in Vancouver and San Jose. She said she is continuing to work on RS-2477 road issues and will continue working until all 1,000 roads are back in. She believes the counties should decide what wilderness should be. Gov. Walker said she understands the backroads of Emery County and no other candidate can out smart or out work her on Emery County issues.