Frank Seddio, a former Brooklyn Democratic Party boss, secured enough support from reformers to secure the party’s nomination to be a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections. Despite some opposition, Seddio is known for his extensive knowledge of the Board of Elections. The Board has faced criticism for nepotism and poorly run elections in the past, and Seddio’s nomination has disappointed some reformers who seek more transparency in the party’s operations. If confirmed, Seddio plans to push for improvements in poll worker salaries, recruitment efforts, and language access at polling sites. The appointment process for the Board of Elections has drawn scrutiny, with concerns raised about party patronage and its impact on fair elections.
Former Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Frank Seddio, known for his controversial remarks about progressives, has secured support from reformers to be nominated as a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections. This nomination, if approved by the City Council, would see Seddio replace Rodney Pepe-Souvenir, the current board president who is not seeking another term. Pepe-Souvenir, a close ally of the current Brooklyn party chair, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, is reportedly eyeing the position of general counsel at the Board of Elections.
The appointment of the general counsel, a position responsible for ensuring the Board’s compliance with election laws, is traditionally considered a Brooklyn job within the agency. This appointment process, along with many other positions at the Board of Elections, has been criticized for being based on party patronage and nepotism. While the board’s commissioners are paid $300 per meeting, the general counsel earns a significant annual salary of $200,000.
The Board of Elections, often criticized for its nepotism and party influence, has faced scrutiny for poorly run elections in the past, including issues with ballot design and voter roll purges. Seddio’s nomination was supported by the Brooklyn Democratic party’s district leaders, with some reformers expressing disappointment but not surprise at the choice. Seddio’s supporters believe he can bring positive changes to the Board, such as higher poll worker salaries and improved language access at polling sites.
Critics, however, fear that Seddio’s appointment will further entrench party influence at the Board of Elections and hinder efforts towards transparency and fair elections. Despite his controversial past, Seddio has managed to garner support from some of his critics through promises of addressing their concerns, such as language access at polling sites.
Bichotte Hermelyn, the current Brooklyn party chair, has endorsed Seddio’s nomination, citing his experience in election law and fair elections during his tenure as party chair. The potential appointment of Seddio and Pepe-Souvenir to key positions at the Board of Elections has raised concerns about the need for professionalization and transparency within the agency.
Common Cause, a good government group advocating for election reform, has criticized the appointment of party insiders to election commissioner positions, calling for a competitive interview process for key roles at the Board of Elections. The lack of transparency in the recruitment process for the general counsel position has also been highlighted as a cause for concern.
Despite some efforts to professionalize the Board of Elections, the influence of party officials in key roles continues to be a point of contention. The push for more transparency and fair elections remains a priority for reformers within the Brooklyn Democratic party.
Source: TheCity.NYC
