Hansen takes his seat on commission

Mysti Willmon, Gazette Editor
Posted 1/27/21

Then the ceremony began. Hansen stood and held up his right hand as Lincoln County Clerk April Brunski had him recite the oath of office for the Lincoln County Commissioners. This was on Monday, Jan. 4. Since then, Jerry has had some time as a commissioner and says that it’s busier and there is much more to be done than he thought.

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Hansen takes his seat on commission

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Jerry Hansen and his wife Jennie sat in the front row of the Commissioners Meeting Room in the Lincoln County Courthouse. Behind them was a full house with standing room only. More people could have fit in the room if not for COVID-19 guidelines.

Then the ceremony began. Hansen stood and held up his right hand as Lincoln County Clerk April Brunski had him recite the oath of office for the Lincoln County Commissioners. This was on Monday, Jan. 4. Since then, Jerry has had some time as a commissioner and says that it’s busier and there is much more to be done than he thought.

“I had a glimpse of it beforehand but there’s nothing like diving in,” Hansen said. “There’s much to it.”

Hansen moved to Lincoln County when he was one year old. He grew up and graduated from high school in Lincoln County. He was near the position of Lincoln County Commissioner even while he was growing up. Alan Linford was Hansen’s basketball coach and teacher before becoming a Lincoln County Commissioner. Additionally, Hansen used to work for Harry Bruce, another former Lincoln County Commissioner, at his gas station in Afton. His neighbor is Boyd Eddins, who also served as a county commissioner

“I’ve been interested [in running for Lincoln County Commissioner] for quite some time,” Hansen said, his main reason being his family.

“I like having my family nearby,” Hansen said. “I want them to have a viable option to come back to Lincoln County.”

Hansen and his wife Jennie have seven children together and are now the grandparents of five grandchildren.

“We always had to balance time available,” Hansen said. “I felt like now was the time.”

Hansen said his main goal is to help create a job climate that attracts and sustains families, especially those who grew up here.

“Right now, we export our finest resources, our children,” Hansen said. “They graduate, move and work elsewhere to raise their families.” He said he wants people to stay employed and to help viable businesses keep running strong in Lincoln County.

Hansen said the County Commissioners represent the county as a whole and would love to hear from residents. He acknowledged there has been division between north and south Lincoln county but hopes cooperation and kindness will bring the county together as a whole.

“If one side of the county is not happy with their representation, let’s talk,” Hansen said. He said that a message to talk would be greatly appreciated and even a zoom call can be arranged.

“Please get in touch with the commissioners,” Hansen said. “If there are concerns, let us know.”