- November 14, 2024
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The county's three candidates for supervisor of elections addressed the public in a forum for the first time May 4, showing off their backgrounds and a detailed knowledge of the job. The event, held during a Flagler County Republican Club meeting at the Palm Coast Community Center, drew about 120 people.
The questions were detailed and technical, prepared by FCRC President Wes Priest — himself a longtime precinct volunteer — in coordination with other precinct volunteers.
The candidates — incumbent Kaiti Lenhart and challengers Kimble Medley and Abra Seay, all Republicans — displayed their knowledge of the elections office in their answers, often citing exact figures for things like budgets and numbers of voters. None, when given an opportunity to do so at the end of the forum, chose to correct or alter any of their earlier answers.
Each candidate spoke to how their background would affect their ability to do the job. Lenhart, appointed by the governor after former elections supervisor Kimberle Weeks resigned in January 2015, said she had a "record of strong leadership" in that office already, had already gotten $147,000 in federal grant money to update equipment, and had "restored civility and integrity to the office" after Weeks' resignation.
Medley, who has regularly attended county Canvassing Board meetings, and, several times during the forum, cited exact budget figures, said, "I have the education, I have the experience, and I have the passion to address each and every one of your needs when it comes to the election, and voting." She pointed out two problems she saw with the way the office is currently run: One voter she knew of, she said, was turned away from the polls after showing a current military ID; and, the Elections Office website shows who's running for mosquito control, but not Palm Coast mayor.
Seay, the coordinator of the Flagler County School District's Early Childhood Education Department and a 16-year School District employee, pointed out that she already manages a $1.2 million government budget and supervises a staff much larger than the Elections Office's, and that she has endorsements from former elections supervisor Peggy Rae Border and current School District Superintendent Jacob Oliva.
One question — what would the candidates do about current Elections Office staff members who may be loyal to former supervisor Kimberle Weeks — led to some rumbling in the audience: Weeks consistently made local headlines for her clashes with other officials, and is now charged with 12 felony counts.
Seay said she would "give them an opportunity to prove themselves and meet my expectations," and would institute employee evaluations, if they aren't done already.
Lenhart said that when she was appointed to the position by the governor, she had to do some reorganization after a staff member resigned. "I had to build a staff when I was appointed," she said. "I love my staff; I really couldn’t do it without them. They are the most dedicated team of people I have ever worked with."
Medley said she didn't believe that workers' former employer should be held against them. "I don’t believe that simply because you worked for someone who garnered so much attention, that that should be held against anyone," she said. "Everybody deserves an equal and fair opportunity. I believe in empowering employees."
As the forum concluded, the candidates were given a chance to pitch themselves to voters and explain why they were the right person for the job. Here's what they said (edited for length):
Kimble Medley:
Since 2009, I’ve been everywhere, growing my education and knowledge regarding elections, campaigns, budgets; networking with supervisors of elections throughout the state; conducting comprehensive research about new voter equipment; learning how best to address the needs of Flagler, and meeting with constituents. ... I enjoy Florida election laws. I’ve helped save my county, city and candidates thousands of dollars. And I’ve worked hard to establish relationships and earn the trust and endorsements of many city and county officials, many of whom are here tonight. I want to work for the voters. I love the elections process. I love voting. I want the next generation of voters just as energetic and excited about going to vote as I am. I want to make sure our seniors have ease of access to the polling locations. And those who are working moms and dads, let’s figure out a way to make sure you can either take advantage of early voting, get to your polls on time, or take advantage of absentee or vote-by-mail.
Kaiti Lenhart:
I want to be your supervisor of elections. I’d love to continue, because I know that I can do this job — something I really enjoy. I love the work that I do for you every day. I know that I have restored civility and integrity to the Elections Office, and I’ve made many improvements to improve your voting experience in just the short time that I’ve been appointed as your supervisor of elections. I work full-time, nights and weekends to serve you, the voters of this county. ... I’ve proven my ability to provide smooth elections through a time of crisis in this county. I rebuilt the Elections Office from the ground up. And there’s progress that’s happening in your Elections Office today that may have seemed impossible a couple years ago.
Abra Seay:
I love my county. I was born and raised in my county. I’ve raised my children in my county. My mom still lives in our county, in the home that I was born in. I’ve been a taxpayer, a homeowner; I have worked and gone to school, college and career — all at the same time, without skipping a beat — and I have invested my time and my heart into this community. And I will continue to bring that type of leadership to the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Office. A vote for me, Abra Seay, is a sure thing. There is no doubt that I’m here to stay, and I’m here to serve you, the taxpayers of Flagler County, like I have for the last 16 years. In 2009, I earned my master’s degree while working full-time as a teacher, owning and operating a childcare facility, helping my husband with his business, and raising five children. I will bring that work ethic and that commitment to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
