Dear editor:

While I don’t agree with everything in Robin Berry’s June 25 letter to the editor, I want to thank Ms. Berry for making a statement we all need to be reminded of. In her letter she says “In the public eye, it is not just the ability to complete the job’s tasks, but to do so with the community‘s best interest and not interest of oneself. Often to do the ‘right’ thing is not the popular thing and one must follow the laws set before the office, the city, the county, the state and the nation.” 

While this is true for any office, it could not be more relevant than for the office of county clerk, an office where partisanship and “degrees of party affiliation” have no place. It is an office that does not make laws or set policy. It simply executes and enforces them.

Ms. Berry’s definition also underscores why Park County has but one clear choice for Park County Clerk, and that is Hans Odde. Let’s examine Ms. Berry’s statement in evaluating Hans for the job:

Complete the job’s tasks: Mr. Odde is the only candidate who has actually performed the job. Hans served as Hot Springs County Clerk for 11 years with an impeccable record. During that time, Mr. Odde oversaw 20 elections and administered the funds for a $23 million replacement airport, among other great accomplishments. Since then, he has provided Park County with superior service during his 11 years as Deputy Park County Clerk. He is one of the most tenured county clerk officials in Wyoming and is regularly called upon as a resource by other county clerks because of his knowledge of the law and county clerk procedures.

Community’s best interest: Anyone who has done business with Mr. Odde through the Park County Clerk’s Office knows he has met every single person with dignity and respect. Throughout more than two decades of public service, he has never pursued a personal agenda. His focus has always been serving the public.

Do the right thing and follow the law: There is no one in the history of county clerks who takes this more seriously than Mr. Odde. I don’t choose my words carelessly; I’ve known Hans for several decades, and I am certain I’m correct in this statement. Hans is extremely dedicated to executing the duties of the clerk’s office based on exacting detail of local, state and federal law. His 22 years of experience demonstrate that commitment.

In her June 30 letter, Ms. Berry urged us to vote with integrity and knowledge.  By the very standard she articulated, the facts are clear — Mr. Odde exceeds the expectations of public office. He is the only candidate with a proven record that meets those qualifications. His experience and integrity are unmatched.

Hans hasn’t sought endorsements, nor has he “aligned” himself with any faction. He has no personal agenda. He is simply driven to provide the public with exceptional and impartial service in carrying out the duties of the clerk’s office. His record of integrity and commitment are all anyone needs to see that there is one clear choice for Park County Clerk.

Dusty Spomer

Cody