After officially accepting Hennessey Mayor Clif Vogt’s resignation, Hennessey town trustees discussed “nomination protocols” for his replacement during their Tuesday, June 11, meeting.

Trustees were reminded this month that they have only 30 days from Vogt’s June 30 resignation to appoint a new member.

If they don’t, they must hold a special election and voters would make that choice.

The KT&FP reporter asked board members why they didn’t consider the election route.

“Because we’ve always done it that way,” said Trustee Bert Gritz, the senior board member who served on that board from 1979-83 and 2002-present.

It appeared to be the consensus (there was no vote) to have those interested in serving as a trustee to complete a “nominating form” for the board’s consideration.

In the past, those interested in an open board seat had contacted board members.

Gritz said he couldn’t talk for other trustees, but he didn’t want to be contacted.

Vogt announced his resignation at last month’s meeting because he and his wife, Karen, are moving out of state.

How to Apply Forms are available at Town Hall and an interactive form is also available on the Town of Hennessey’s website: hennesseyok. org (Trustee Nominating Form Submission).

In addition to personal information, there are seven questions on the two-page form.

The first two questions are: (1) “Why would you like to serve on the Hennessey Board of Trustees?” and (2) “Are you willing to file for candidacy if the position is put up for election?”

Two Applicants So Far Frank Patton, who was also the only visitor in the audience at the June meeting, was the first to apply for the town board seat, doing so June 13.

The KT&FP got word late Monday, June 24, that Regina [Johnson) Wanzer has also applied.

Patton voiced his concerns during the board’s June 11 meeting. He said raising utility rates would adversely affect elderly citizens on Medicare, and those who qualify for state and federal assistance. He has also attended meetings in the past on financial issues, and is office manager at Iron Eagle Resources in Hennessey.

He was a candidate for the board in 2022 and 2023.

Wanzer has also attended past town meetings, and is currently the activity and social services director for Summers Health Services in Okeene. She was a town board candidate in 2007.

At The Meeting All Trustees were present: Mayor Clif Vogt, Vice Mayor Harold Shaw, Gritz, David Jones and Randy Bohnstedt as well as officers Clerk Kelley Vaverka and Treasurer Shelley Burch.

Staff at the meeting were Town Administrator Tiffany Tillman and Town Attorney Jared Harrison.