The Schoharie County Democratic Committee has submitted a second name for Dems’ election commissioner:
Miriam McGiver of Schoharie, an engineer with the state and partner in McGiver Design Services, Architecture and Engineering.
The problem is, the Board of Supervisors has already reappointed longtime Democratic Election Commissioner Cliff Hay to the job.
That process, said Theresa Heary, chair of the Democratic Committee, was illegal.
Monday, Democrats, who’d previously recommended Michael Dugan for the post, submitted Ms. McGiver’s name.
That starts a clock ticking, Ms. Heary said—though she said it’s the same clock that started ticking with their recommendation for Mr. Dugan.
According to attorneys the Democratic Committee has consulted, the Board of Supervisors has 30 days to accept Democrats’ recommendation.
If supervisors don’t, then Democratic supervisors—there are just two: Sandy Manko of Sharon and Phil Skowoe of Fulton—get a second 30 days to accept the recommendation.
If that doesn’t happen, the Democratic Committee gets a third 30 days to submit a new person, in this case, Ms. McGiver.
“They have no authority to appoint one [election commissioner],” Ms. Heary said.
But that’s what supervisors did on January 2 at their reorganizational meeting when they reappointed Mr. Hay; Mr. Skwfoe made the motion, Ms. Manko seconded it, and it passed unanimously.
At the time, Democrats criticized Mr. Hay for his unwillingness to use email and said he can’t “demonstrate that he shows up to work,” calling that “taxpayer fraud.”
Ms. Manko said then that she stands by her—and supervisors’—vote, based on “what’s best for the county” and the importance of political parties being able to work together.
It’s fully possible that Democrats’ second choice will meet the same fate as their first.
But Ms. Heary said they’re not going to give up.
“Voting requires oversight and a safe election process and it needs to be protected,” she said.
“I want people to know this is wrong and illegal. This impacts everyone. Not just Democrats, but Republicans too.”
“I am honored to be recommended and look forward to serving Schoharie County with integrity, transparency, and a focus on ensuring 3every voice is heard,” Ms. McGiver said in a written statement.
“I am committed to making sure our elections are fair, secure, and accessible to all.”
Ms. McGiver has an extensive background in public service, environmental service, and local government.
She has served on the Village of Schoharie Planning Board and worked with the Delaware County Department of Planning & Economic Development and the Catskill Watershed Corporation.
She is also a member of the State Democratic Committee.