Stifling the Election Commission's work
BLee gets booted from House subcommittee on Cuba; Lee's U.S. Senate poll numbers drop to 8%; East Bay councilmember joins DA Price's office, and more.
COUNTY NEWS
ELECTION COMMISSION
—ELECTION INTERFERENCE—The resignations of the Alameda County Election Commission’s newly elected president and vice-president, following its inaugural meeting last month, led to a redo at its second meeting on Thursday.
—The setback, however, was not the only issue yet again bedeviling the new Election Commission as some members expressed frustration with the slow pace of its proceedings and disorganization from the Alameda County Registrar’s office.
—Here’s some points of concern expressed at Meeting #2:
Election commissioners have not yet received training for the Brown Act and Voters Choice Act. When counsel said they are waiting until the commission is fully appointed, a commissioner blurted out, “This is ridiculous.”
The Election Commission was created last year to provide oversight of the Registrar of Voters in an advisory role to the Board of Supervisors. Yet, despite the March Primary being less than seven weeks away, the commission has not seen the registrar’s election plan.
Commissioner Zabrae Valentine, who was elected vice-president on Thursday, said there is no process for reaching out to a staff member for questions. Valentine said an email sent to Dupuis and others was never acknowledged.
Commissioners do not have access to each other’s email.
The sparse agenda for Thursday did not include an item allowing commissioners a chance to request future agenda items. Counsel for the commission repeatedly stifled them from discussing potential agenda subjects, but some leaked out. A commissioner requested a discussion about Dupuis leading two county departments—the registrar’s office and IT. “It’s a major issue,” the commissioner said. A similar request was made during the commission’s first meeting last month.
—The Election Commission elected Jim Lindsey as its second president in as many meetings. “Getting a commission started, and one that is breaking new ground, is tricky business,” he said. “But I’m happy to serve.”
—Lindsey once served as an Albany school boardmember and his ability to keep the hearing on task was quickly evident.
—Three at-large members were also nominated on Thursday, however, one of them is not old enough to vote. Leela Hensler is a high school student and will not be 18 for a few months.
—While her nomination was approved by the commission, the Board of Supervisors have final say. This means Hensler will not likely be added to commission until April, at the earliest. The other nominated candidates are Benita Tsao and Judy Belcher. A fourth at-large seat remains open.
—PARTY PREFERENCE—One of the most fundamental factoids for any county registrar is the breakdown of its registered voters along party lines.
—But Alameda County Registrar of Voters Tim Dupuis was flummoxed by the question posed by one of the county’s election commissioners on Thursday night.
—“I would have to look at the website,” Dupuis said. Here’s his answer:
Democrats 60.1%
No Party Preference 23.6%
Republicans 11.3%
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