Put your name on a piece of paper and you can be interviewed for elections administrator

July 09, 2009 10:24 pm

— The Cumberland County Election Commission will be accepting applications for permanent elections administrator now through July 20 at 4 p.m.
Election Commission Chairman Cal Smart announced at Monday night's monthly meeting that he would entertain a motion to appoint Sharon York, present administrator, as interim director, and to take applications for permanent director until July 20.
York said she would be glad to serve as interim director and is expected to be one of the persons applying for the full time position.
Commission member Lisa Phillips reminded Smart that she suggested that the commission take applications the night they appointed York administrator.
"Yes you did," Smart replied. He went on to say that some mistakes were made and the action he was proposing was an effort to correct those mistakes.
Many in attendance called the plan a charade and that the end result would still be the same, with York replacing veteran elections administrator Suzanne Smith. Smith was ousted because of her perceived political party affiliation.
When asked if he wanted applicants to submit a resume with their declaration of interest, Smart said no. "We want to give everyone an equal chance," he said.
That is why he is proposing no formal application, but simply a piece of paper with the applicant's name and comment expressing interest in being appointed to the post.
All applicants will be interviewed on Aug. 3 during the regular August meeting and applicants will be judged at the time according to qualifications outlined in state law that addresses election administrators.