On Monday morning, May 22, 2006, Park County Clerk Debra Green (right) administered the oath of office to a new commissioner who will serve an eight month term. Lillian Wissel will serve out the remainder of the term of District 3 Commissioner Jim Gardner, who passed away on Friday, May 19. Under Colorado law, the Vacancy Committee of the incumbent's political party is responsible for filling a vacancy of a local elected office.

The Executive Board of the Park County Republican Central Committee, acting as the Vacancy Committee, unanimously appointed Lillian Wissel to serve as District 3 Commissioner until a new elected official takes the post in January of 2007. Jack Pullman, former Chair of the PCRCC, sent a letter to county officials on Monday morning notifying them that the Vacancy Committee had met in emergency session over the weekend and made their choice after serious deliberation. "We were operating under some time constraints," Pullman said. First, the appointment had to be made within ten days or they would lose the opportunity to make the appointment at the local level. Additionally, several board members were scheduled to go on vacation over the following weeks, so the decision was made while the members were available, according to Pullman.

The newly-appointed commissioner herself left Monday afternoon on a previously scheduled trip to attend family events out of state. The Bulletin was able to reach her on the road for comments on her appointment. "I will be trying to follow up on whatever Jim left unfinished and help support the county through the next eight months," said Wissel. "I am familiar with the budgeting process, which is underway now, and county operations in general." Wissel is a former county employee and has remained involved in county issues over the years, as well as the politics. She feels that there will be less of a learning curve for her because of her familiarity with the workings of county government and the issues facing Park County in particular.

Wissel's husband, David, currently holds the office of Park County Assessor. In regard to a possible conflict of interest concern, Lillian Wissel says that she will recuse herself from commissioners' decisions on matters directly involving the Assessor's office that might constitute a conflict.

The vacancy in the office occurred when County Commissioner James Gardner died at his home on Friday morning, May 19, following a long illness. Gardner was elected to the office in 2002 and was to retire in January 2007 after completing his first term. No one had stepped forward to compete against Gardner in the November 2006 election when he intended to run for the seat. After Gardner announced he would not seek re-election, several candidates expressed interest in running and four people are now competing to win the District 3 office.

District 2 Commissioner John Tighe expressed his deep sadness at the passing of his friend and associate Jim Gardner. "It's a great loss for Park County," Tighe said. "Jim's knowledge of county history, his passion, understanding and wit will be terribly missed." Tighe also said that he welcomes Lillian Wissel to the board and looks forward to continuing the board's positive work for the county. "Lillian brings experience from a variety of county departments where she has worked in the past, and a good knowledge of land use issues, which is important. I think she'll do a good job."

Leni Walker, Commissioner for District 1, voiced the sentiment heard around the county as well. "I'm really going to miss Jim," Walker said. "He was the embodiment of Park County. Jim was a joy to work with and his historical knowledge of the county is irreplaceable. Lillian is stepping up to fill a deep void and we will all need to work cooperatively to get through this difficult time."

Wissel will return later this week and is expected to participate in commissioner meetings beginning the week of May 29th.