“I did change my voter registration and will be attending the Republican Caucus tonight,” said Seth Oveson in an interview with the Sun Advocate Tuesday morning. The outgoing Carbon County clerk/auditor changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican on Monday.
Oveson announced last week that he will resign from office in August to accept a position with the Utah State Auditor’s Office. That would leave the party of his affiliation to appoint his successor. Oveson himself was originally appointed to the clerk’s office by the Democratic Party following the resignation of former Clerk Auditor Robert Pero. He was subsequently elected to the office outright after filling Pero’s unexpired term.
Upon announcing his resignation, Oveson hinted, “I want the county to be able to find the best candidate possible. Education is important. Experience is important.” But he did not disclose any intention to switch parties.
Now that he has changed party affiliation, it will be up to the Republican Party to fill the position until a new clerk is chosen in the General Election this November. The candidates who have declared for the office include Democrat Sulika Laulu Merrell, and Republicans David B. Petty, Glenna Etzel, and Seth Marsing.
“I have looked at the candidates that were put up as replacements and the Republicans were stronger. I have a vested interest in making sure the best candidate emerges. The Republicans have better qualifications,” said Oveson.
Carbon County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Chavez said he has no comment now on the development, pending legal advice from the State Democratic Party. Republican Party Chairwoman Kendra Seeley said she was “surprised.” She said, “We’ll have a good idea of who the candidates will be by August. We all really want who is best for the county.”
Both parties will hold county caucuses this evening (Tuesday) to choose delegates, precinct chairs, etc. The Republican Party will meet at Carbon High School, while the Democrats will meet at several locations around the county. Chavez said party members can contact the County Clerk’s office to find a Democratic Caucus meeting location. Or, he said they can call John Watkins at 435-650-2983 for more information.
Look for more details in the Tuesday edition of the Sun Advocate.
Outgoing County Clerk switches party affiliation
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