Elections director resignation came after ‘reckless’ behavior

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County has 22 days until early voting begins for the midterm elections. County leaders say they are ready despite a change in elections leadership.

Brook Schreiner resigned on Sept. 14 after seven months as Chatham County elections director. Billy Wooten is coming out of retirement to replace her.

Resignation followed complaint

“If anything I think that we’ve gotten some of the politics out of that office in this space,” said Chatham County Commissioner Aaron “ADot” Whiteley.

Whiteley emailed the board of elections in July after what he described as a summer confrontation with Schreiner. He said she approached him and others, claiming they had called her a “racist republican.” Whiteley denies that claim.

“When she said that it was quite concerning because it made me curious as to where that rhetoric was coming from. That’s inflammatory, that’s defaming me in my role as a public official, it’s insulting,” Whiteley said.

Whiteley’s letter called the behavior reckless.

“It doesn’t bode well for the community, it creates a dangerous environment for our children and we all want to live and enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Whiteley said.

Board separation

Another point of contention involved a proposal to merge the board of elections and the board of registrars. Whiteley said keeping the boards separate helps keep registration issues with the registrars board and election issues with the elections board.

“I like the degree of separation there because it helps us compartmentalize the different aspects of it,” Whiteley said.

New leadership, state assurances

Elections Board Chairman Tom Mahoney and Whiteley both said they believe the election will run smoothly with minimal issues under Wooten.

“We have had great elections through that, we’ve actually made it through controversy and legal disputes with that director so I’m not afraid or concerned about this election cycle,” Whiteley said.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said the state is able and willing to help ensure that locally.

“We understand how important it is, Chatham county, this region is important to the state of Georgia, the economy, but also to have elections that you trust,” Raffensperger said.

In a statement received today, Wooten said he has no doubt this will be a safe and secure election.

The returning chairmen of the boards of registrars and elections, along with Wooten, make up what is described as an experienced crew taking over after Schriener’s departure.