GOP now in majority on election commission
HUNTSVILLE — “We were the minority for a long time, but we were always treated fair and decent, and as far as I’m concerned we’ll continue to be fair and decent.”
So said Scott County Election Commissioner William Claude Terry, Jr. Thursday afternoon as the Republican members on the board became the majority for the first time in 27 years.
The brief reorganizational meeting took place in the Scott County Office Building and saw Republican member Jim Potter elected as chairman, and Democratic representative Jerry W. Thompson chosen as secretary.
Other Election Commissioners are Republicans Terry and newcomer Chuck Valentine, along with Democrat Dick Smith.
Immediately following the election of officers, Terry made a motion to retain the present Scott County Election Commission staff, which consists of Administrator of Elections Gabe Lowe and her assistant Heather Seagraves, as well as voting machine technicians Church Beet (Republican) and Zach Brown (Democrat).
Echoing Terry’s opening remarks, new Commission Chairman Potter said: “People are people, not people of parties. We’ve had a good relationship on this board and that will continue.”
In the only other business of note, the Election Commission approved payment for the monthly bills and discussed the statewide annual seminar for election officials set for Memphis, July 28 through August 1.
Among those from Scott County expected to attend the event at the Peabody Hotel are Commissioners Valenine, Thompson and Smith, along with Administrator of Elections Lowe.