Supervisors reappointed Ken Schweigard Republican Election Commissioner Friday, acting on the recommendation from the County Republican Committee.
But when it came to Democrats’ recommendation that Michael Dugan be given the job, replacing longtime Democratic Election Commissioner Cliff Hay, they reappointed Mr. Hay–a decision Democratic Committee Chair Theresa Heary said not only smacked of cronyism, but is illegal.
Ms. Heary said she will be asking the state Board of Elections for an investigation.
“It is a sad day for Schoharie County,” Mr. Heary said in a written statement after supervisors’ unanimous vote.
“Democratic Supervisors Phil Skowfoe and Sandy Manko have decided to squander taxpayer money and election integrity to appoint an incompetent crony over the explicit recommendation of the Schoharie County Democratic Committee.”
Mr. Skowfoe and Ms. Manko are the only two Democrats on the 16-member Board of Supervisors.
Ms. Heary said Mr. Hay can’t “demonstrate that he shows up to work,” calling supervisors’ decision “taxpayer fraud” and one she’ll ask the state to investigate.
Before supervisors’ vote, Brian Gallagher, a member of the Democratic Committee, took the mic to address them.
Mistaking Mr. Gallagher for Mr. Dugan, Supervisors’ Chair Bill Federice moved to stop him; they don’t let “potential employees” address the board.
But when Mr. Gallagher identified himself, Mr. Federice let him continue.
Mr. Gallagher said Democrats carefully considered three candidates before recommending Mr. Dugan the best candidate in the moment and well-qualified to face election threats.
“I object to any effort to circumvent the will of Democratic voters of Schoharie County” by letting Mr. Skowfoe and Ms. Manko control the process, Mr. Gallagher said.
“It’s the prerogative of the Democratic Committee to submit our own” candidate.
Mr. Skowfoe motioned for Mr. Hay’s reappointment, Ms. Manko seconded it, and it passed unanimously.
Afterwards, Ms. Manko said she stands by her vote and supervisors’ decision.
“My decision was based on what I feel is best for the County and also for the political parties involved who continually work very well together,” she said.
Ms. Heary said later Friday that case law provided by the Board of Elections shows the Democratic Committee is in the right.
Once a Democratic Committee submits a recommendation, the Board of Supervisors has 30 days to approve or reject it, she said.
“On December 17, 2024, I submitted a recommendation for Mike Dugan…the Board’s potential nomination of and approval of Mr. Hay not only appears to violate the letter of the law, but also undermines the spirit of democracy itself,” Ms. Heary said in a written statement.