GILLETTE, Wyo. — Jack Clary and Chris Smith were both sworn into office Tuesday night, taking their seats alongside their fellow councilmembers on the Gillette City Council in the first meeting of the year.
With their swearing-in ceremony completed by Judge Wendy M. Bartlett, Clary will provide representation for Ward 2 residents alongside Councilmember Tim Carsrud while Smith will represent Ward 1 residents alongside Councilmember Jim West.
“It’s a unique experience,” Smith said after overseeing his first meeting, adding that it was a solemn moment when he was being sworn into office. “I don’t know that I have all the emotions that I think I would have had, but I’m certainly very appreciative to be given this opportunity.”
At his first meeting, Clary said that it went great and expressed appreciation for the community that placed its trust in him to represent it.
“That’s key,” Clary said, “because I could only do that in return for getting started.”
Clary and Smith both won their respective bids for council seats during the 2024 general election. Smith defeated opponent Darin Edmunds while Clary beat then-incumbent Billy Montgomery.
Smith has served on the Campbell County Rockpile Museum Board of Directors while also having served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Campbell County GOP.
Clary’s government experience includes terms on the Campbell County Senior Center Board and the Campbell County Planning Commission.
