 June 14, 2005 King County Recruits for New Superintendent of Elections
Huennekens to Oversee Implementation of New Federal Requirements
Effective July 11th, King County Superintendent of Elections Bill Huennekens will move to a new role in the Elections Section as Project Manager for the county’s compliance with provisions of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) – the federal election reform measure adopted by Congress in 2002 – and recent election-related legislation passed by the Washington State Legislature. The county will begin immediately to conduct a nationwide recruitment for a new Superintendent of Elections.
As a project manager, Huennekens will oversee the purchase and implementation of disability access voting equipment for each of the county’s 500+ poll sites. Federal and state laws require the additional equipment to be in place in early 2006. Huennekens will also prepare and administer federal grants provided to fund local compliance with federal and state election reform measures.
“This is a great match of skill and experience to a real need,” said Dean Logan, Director of the Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division. “Bill is uniquely familiar with the funding structure and policy directives of the Help America Vote Act. He was the primary drafter of the state’s implementation plan and is well positioned to ensure King County meets both the spirit and requirements mandated by Congress.” Huennekens served as a policy analyst in the state election division prior to his appointment as Superintendent of Elections in the fall of 2003.
“The challenges of the 2004 General Election highlighted the need to closely examine the structure of the Elections Section and to allocate resources where there is the greatest need,” said Logan. “This move accomplishes that in two ways. It maximizes Bill’s technical skill and elections expertise in responding to significant legislative changes and it allows us to re-focus the Superintendent position on core operational management and organizational development.”
Both Logan and King County Executive Ron Sims recognized Huennekens’ work as Superintendent of Elections. “I respect and admire Mr. Huennekens,” said Sims. “He has contributed to the improvement of elections administration in King County – and this appointment will allow the County to continue to reap the benefits of his expertise as we face the mounting workload associated with election reform.” Logan added, “Huennekens’ knowledge of state election laws and the new federal requirements is extensive.”
The county will pursue a contract with a professional search firm to assist in recruiting for a new Superintendent of Elections and Logan hopes to recommend a replacement in August. Other management and administrative staff within the Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division will provide oversight of the Elections Section during the interim. King County is the 12th largest elections jurisdiction in the country and second only to Los Angeles County, California in the number of absentee ballots processed and in the complexity of elections administration. The recruitment will focus on managerial background and demonstrated competency in the administration of a complex, highly scrutinized, public sector organization. The Superintendent is an appointed position and requires confirmation by the King County Council.
Logan indicated additional changes in the organization are likely. “Our commitment to improving the elections process in King County is not only about ensuring we have the resources to do the job right,” he said. “It’s also a commitment to allocating those resources strategically for maximum results.” |
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Updated: June 14, 2005 King County | Elections | News | Services | Comments | Search
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