Two new Democratic election commissioners on Tuesday night said they want former Commissioner Tyrone Waller to replace Fran Dzik as election administrator. But the third new Democratic commissioner, Karen Lee, did not second the motion.

Ms. Lee said she welcomes the applications of a number of candidates, including that of another former commissioner, Republican Luanne DeWitt. Mrs. DeWitt was at the meeting and submitted her application. Mr. Waller was not present.

The decision was delayed until Saturday, May 7, at 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, interim administrator Bud Knowles confirmed that the computer passwords for five employees have been suspended.

Mr. Knowles said that was done "after we found a lot of programs had been deleted and a lot of shredding of paper."

He said, "We are not accusing anyone, but we needed time to investigate."

He said the office has backups for most of the lost programs and documents.

Mr. Knowles said the office is operating smoothly and morale is up. He said steps are being taken to handle an upcoming election at Soddy-Daisy.

On the administrator issue, attorney Jerry Summers cautioned the commissioners to proceed cautiously, saying they could be opening themselves up to litigation about their allegedly violating the Sunshine Law.

New Commissioner Dorothy Eddington made the motion to install Mr. Waller as administrator, saying he had been on the commission 12 years.

Linda Morris Avila, who was chosen chairman, also pushed for the Waller appointment.

Bart Quinn, a new Republican appointee, said time should be given to hear from other applicants. He said he would like to interview Mr. Waller and others.

Mike Walden, the lone holdover from the previous commission, was absent.

Ms. Eddington, who is the sister of outgoing Commissioner Linda Johnson, said Mr. Waller was needed "to take control of the office and run it like it's supposed to be."

She said he had been on the commission 12 years and "he's got a master's degree in business administration at UTC. I don't think we could find a better candidate."

Ms. Avila said she had talked to Mr. Waller at length about the post. She said, "We are left without a registrar. We have so many problems and things going on here at the election office. It is expedient for us to appoint someone" to take charge.

She added, "I feel very confident that Mr. Waller can be an excellent registrar."

She said, "We have to pull this community together. We have to have unity in the community."

Mr. Quinn said it would be advisable to have an administrator who will be state certified. He said, "That will save the taxpayers $18,000 a year."

Ms. Dzik quit after reports that she was going to be ousted by the new Democratic commissioners.

Attorney Summers told the commissioners they are part of "an independent, autonomous body." He said they are appointed by legislators, "but their authority ends after that."

Mr. Knowles said he has no plans to hire or fire anyone during his brief interregnum.

He said employees Shannon DeFriese, Becky Bumgardner and Sherry Sivley took leave days on Thursday and Friday, but were back on Monday.

Ms. DeWitt said in a letter to commissioners, "This is my letter to announce that I am interested in the position of administrator of elections. I served as an election commissioner until it was observed that being an attorney as a commissioner could be beneficial.

"I was the only election commissioner to attend TACEO (Tennessee Association of County Election Officials) seminars in 2003 and 2004, which all commissioners are expected to attend. I was an election poll watcher from 1988 until 2003. I have served as a poll watcher during early voting. As an election commissioner, I have been in charge of this office in the absence of administrator Dzik. I have manned the phones in this office during election. I visited at least 20 precincts during the presidential election and answered questions from precinct chairmen on my cell phone all that day. I have had hands-on experience in the election process and due to my intellect and education I am well suited for this position.

"My goal as an administrator would be to provide fair and honest elections for the citizens of Hamilton County. Maintaining the integrity of this election commission is the most important thing we can do for the voters of Hamilton County. If you make me the administrator of elections, I know the people of this county can put their trust in me and you to provide fair elections."

Election administrator candidate Luanne DeWitt with Johnny Horne.
- Photo2 by John Wilson