While reviewing the Rules of the County Board on Thursday, county supervisors revisited the April 15 election of Lee Rymer as chairperson and Paul Bednarik as vice chairperson.
According to County Board rules, the chairman and vice chairman are elected in a secret written ballot — the only election in which a secret ballot is allowed.
However, with only Rymer nominated for chairman and only Bednarik for vice chairman last April, supervisors elected them by unanimous approval with a voice vote. There were no audible votes opposing either election.
Corporation Counsel Cheryl Mick ruled the election was valid because the board, in moving to close elections and cast a unanimous ballot, suspended its rules to take the vote, which is allowable.
“In the situation in which you only have one person running for office, it just makes common sense to shorten the process,” she said, although she recommended the board adhere to its rules in the future.
“Whether it’s legal or not, it should not be done,” Supervisor Gary Frank said. He said a secret ballot should be used in all upcoming chairman and vice chairman elections.
“It’s critical for new members to have their voices heard on an issue like this without being identified immediately as someone who doesn’t go with the crowd,” he said.
“If we can do it by personal vote, I think there’s some people who will reconsider what they’re voting for,” Supervisor Alan Sleeter said.
Supervisor Diane Nichols asked for a change in the rules, so a secret paper ballot would be used only if two or more supervisors are running for chair or vice chair. Her amendment was rejected, 17-13.
Categories
