Official abstains from vote

A county voucher approved to pay a company owned and operated by a Sweetwater County Commissioner illustrates how a politician’s personal business can get involved with the politician’s public office.

Last week, the commissioners voted to approve a voucher submitted by Alpha Petroleum, a company owned and operated by Commissioner John Kolb, for $967.83.

The voucher was approved with a 4-0 vote, with Kolb abstaining. Kolb’s company specializes in petroleum contracting work.

According to Gene Legerski, public works director for the county, the work involved the replacement of an inspection hatch...