After months of controversy, political maneuvering, and legal wrangling, the saga surrounding the appointment of a new Weston County Clerk has finally reached its conclusion.
District Judge Matthew F.G. Castano has selected Michael Tooman to serve as the new interim Weston County Clerk, bringing closure to a debacle dating back to the 2024 election. The vacancy process itself has generated significant public attention and drawn comparisons to a nearly identical dispute that unfolded years earlier in Sheridan County.
According to the Weston County Republican Party, Tooman was the party's top choice among the three nominees submitted to fill the vacancy. Party leaders celebrated the decision, noting Tooman's extensive experience administering elections and expressing confidence that he will restore trust and transparency to the clerk's office.
The appointment comes after the Weston County Commissioners failed to appoint any of the three candidates submitted by the Weston County Republican Party, arguing that the nominees were "unqualified." That rhetoric sounded remarkably familiar to observers who followed the Sheridan County commissioner appointment dispute a few years ago.
In Sheridan County, commissioners likewise rejected all three candidates nominated by the county Republican Party, claiming none were qualified for the position. The dispute eventually landed in court, where District Judge Darci Phillips ruled that the commissioners could not simply disregard the statutory nomination process. Holly Jennings was selected to by Judge Phillips and is now running for her second elected term.
Faced with an almost identical set of circumstances, Judge Castano appears to have followed the precedent established in the Sheridan County case. By selecting one of the nominees provided by the Republican Party, the court reinforced the principle that political party vacancy-filling procedures established in Wyoming law are not merely advisory suggestions to be ignored when elected officials disagree with the candidates presented.
The similarities between the two cases are difficult to overlook. In both counties, Republican parties conducted candidate selection processes and submitted three nominees as required by law. In both counties, commissioners rejected all three candidates and characterized the nominees as unqualified. And in both cases, the presiding judge ultimately chose from the three candidates provided to them by the party.
The outcome in Weston County may now provide additional clarity regarding how future vacancies should be handled throughout Wyoming.
The Weston County Republican Party argued in Drost’s statement that the ruling represents a victory for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
"It is with great pleasure that I let you all know that the Judge has selected Michael Tooman as the new Interim Weston County Clerk," Kari Drost, Chairwoman of the Weston County Republican Party announced following the decision. "Mike Tooman was your Weston County Republican Party's top choice for Clerk and we are excited to see that the Judge came to the same conclusion as all of you."
Party leaders also praised all three candidates submitted for consideration, noting that each demonstrated a strong commitment to serving Weston County and presented substantial qualifications to the court.
The selection of Tooman is likely to be welcomed by many residents concerned about election administration. Tooman brings years of election experience to the position and has pledged to operate the office with openness and transparency. According to party leaders, he has committed to making office processes available for public scrutiny whenever possible, conducting fair elections in which every legal vote is counted, and treating citizens with respect.
The Open Range Record spoke with Chairwoman Drost about the judge's selection:
"Today was what I hope to be the beginning of rebuilding Weston County citizens' trust in elections. The Weston County Republican Party will never stop in their efforts to ensure this remains true in every election, and that all elected officials remember that they are accountable to the people they serve. The Party's role in filling vacancies is an important check upon the concentration of power and we are grateful that the Court chose to acknowledge that role. We are also grateful that the Court affirmed the Central Committee's decision that Michael Tooman was the best candidate to lead Weston County through the next election cycle."
Becky Hadlock, the former Weston County Clerk, eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of “violation of election code” under Wyoming Statute 22-26-120. For Hadlock’s guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the second count alleging falsifying election documents, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Hadlock was fined $500, will pay $150 to the Victim’s Compensation fund and $70 court costs. Per the plea agreement no jail time or probation was imposed.
For many Weston County residents, the appointment represents more than simply filling a vacant office. It marks the end of a contentious chapter that raised important questions about the limits of commissioner authority, the role of political parties in filling vacancies, and the importance of following established legal procedures.
With Judge Castano's decision now on the record and Michael Tooman already at work in the clerk’s office, Weston County can finally move beyond the controversy and focus on the work ahead. After months of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the clerk saga is over, and the voters of Weston County now have an experienced election administrator at the helm.