Election Commission & Election Administrator

By: Pat Hunter

April 13, 2009

Voters reverberated change in the Presidential election race and the balance of power shifted. In Tennessee's case from a Democratic controlled House and Senate to Republican leadership. As a result of this election, Republicans are now in charge of many state offices including the State Comptroller's office and Secretary of State and state and local election commissions.

For many years, Democrats have controlled the Election Commission and Election Administrator's job but that is about to change. Democrat Pat Ingram held that position until she retired and she was then followed by Dana Zehner, former Loudon County Democratic Chair. 

In anticipation of a change in the political winds and the possible appointment of a Republican Administrator of Elections, the Loudon County Budget Committee voted unanimously to decrease the salary by $18,000 if another person is appointed to replace Dana Zehner. The FY 2009-2010 salary schedule is $57,559 for the Loudon County Administrator of Elections. The salary is effective July 1, 2008 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2010. The salary is based on the last Census population. If and when a new person replaces Zehner, he or she will receive a reduced salary of about $39,559 until he or she receives certification to be the new Administrator of Elections. Other perks of the office will include good working hours and holiday pay and great health insurance and retirement benefits. Taxpayers pay about 91 percent of a $1000 health premium for single coverage or about $1200 for a family plan. 

Upcoming Election Commission Meetings

Dates, times and location:

April 6, 2009 - State Election Commission will meet in Nashville to make election commission appointments.

April 20, 2009 - 2:00 P.M. State Election Commission will meet in Nashville to make election commission appointments. 

April 21, 2009 - 6:00 P.M. Loudon County Election Commission will meet at the Loudon County Office Bldg., Election Office. No agenda at this time.

"Persons appointed to the County Election Commission shall qualify within twenty (20) days after their April 6, 2009 appointment date by filing their Oath of Office with the State Election Commission."

R Darlene Schrubb 4/6/2009

R Earl Ammon 4/6/2009

R Mary Sue Jordan 4/6/2009

D Betty Brown 4/6/2009

D Sue Jane Hartsook 4/6/2009