Carrizales, Hyde elected commissioners; sheriff re-elected

The general election was a mirror image of the primary election with Felix Carrizales topping the ticket for county commission and John Hyde second to retain the seat he was appointed to last year.

[caption id="attachment_9430" align="alignright" width="199"] Felix Carrizales[/caption]

“I’m totally excited and overwhelmed,” Carrizales said.

Carrizales won 38 percent of the votes, winning 10 of the 13 precincts with 2,659 total votes. He won Basin, his hometown of Burlington, Otto, Emblem, Hyattville, Manderson, Greybull, Shell, Deaver and Frannie.

“It’s a great feeling,” he added. “I’m ready. I want to get ready to empower the people and have them more involved. I want to work to unite the county.”

He said he realizes he won’t agree with citizens on everything, but he is willing to listen to all sides.

Carrizales will have to step down from his position on the fair board. He said he hopes someone who is willing to help and willing to listen to the people will apply.

Hyde, who received 31 percent of the votes (2,151), said, “I’m delighted to have the support I’ve had and to be able to serve another four years. I’m grateful to the people who have supported me. My pledge is to do the best I can and always look out for the county’s best interest.

[caption id="attachment_9429" align="alignright" width="198"] John Hyde[/caption]

“I’m tickled I was elected. I’m delighted and honored and I’ll do my best for Big Horn County.”

Hyde won three of the 13 precincts, winning in his hometown of Lovell, along with Cowley and Byron.

The two Republicans were able to stave off challenges by independent candidate Linda Harp, who received 1,294 votes, and Constitution Party candidate Stanley Jones, who received 813.

Sheriff wins third term

Sheriff Ken Blackburn staved off a challenge by independent candidate Bill Brenner, winning 70 percent of the votes cast with 2,870 votes to Brenner’s 1,201 to be re-elected to his third term. Blackburn won all 13 precincts.

[caption id="attachment_9428" align="alignright" width="199"] Ken Blackburn[/caption]

“I’m very grateful for the faith of the people,” Blackburn said. “It’s time to get to work. I’m humbled and appreciate the citizens of Big Horn County. I’m going to get going to continue earning that trust.”

The other county officers were all unopposed in Tuesday’s general election.

Results are not official until the canvassing board meets later this week.

By Karla Pomeroy