Frank Seddio Secures Nomination to Board of Elections, Despite Criticisms
Frank Seddio, the former Brooklyn Democratic Party boss who once railed against reformers as “these f—ing progressives,” has shored up enough support from some of those reformers to secure the party’s nomination to be a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections.
Power Maintenance
If approved by the City Council, Seddio would fill the seat currently held by board president Rodney Pepe-Souvenir, who isn’t seeking another term.
‘An Invaluable Asset’
Seddio served as chair of the Brooklyn Democratic party for eight years, after taking over from the disgraced Vito Lopez. He passed the baton in 2020 to Bichotte Hermelyn, his chosen successor, who briefly united borough Democrats after years of intra-party squabbles. That détente was short-lived, and Bichotte Hermelyn, an Assemblymember who won another two-year term leading the party this fall, has ousted several of her fiercest critics.
‘Advancing Ethical Commissioners’
Seddio is seeking to replace Pepe-Souvenir, whose term is ending and who party insiders say is vying to be named the board’s general counsel – with the Brooklyn Democratic boss traditionally deciding who takes that job while the deputy counsel.
Jobs at the Board of Elections
The board, one of the city’s last bastions of nepotism and party patronage, has often faced scrutiny after poorly run elections and particularly in presidential election years when turnout is highest. In 2018, a two-page ballot caused unexpected scanner jams at polling sites across the city. In 2016, the board illegally purged the voter rolls of 120,000 voters ahead of that year’s election.
The Brooklyn Democratic Party’s District Leaders Voted on Seddio’s Nomination
The Brooklyn Democratic party’s district leaders voted on Seddio’s nomination at a meeting on Oct. 9, several leaders said. A majority of district leaders voted in favor of Seddio while several party critics abstained.
The Criticisms
For the reformer holdouts, who are pushing for more transparency and openness in the party’s operations, Seddio’s nomination was disappointing but not surprising.
A Solution
The city’s board in recent years has taken some strides towards professionalizing its staff, including hours of election administration training for party appointees, said Susan Lerner, the Executive Director of Common Cause, a good government group pushing changes to state law to modernize the Board. Despite that, she said, Seddio’s appointment and the potential appointment of Pepe-Souvenir indicate there’s a long way to go.
What’s Next
The outcome of Seddio’s nomination is now in the hands of the City Council. If confirmed, he will push for increased poll worker salaries and better recruitment efforts, along with expanded language access at Brooklyn polling sites.
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Conclusion
Seddio’s nomination has sparked debate about the inner workings of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and the need for more transparency and accountability in the political process. The outcome of his nomination will be a telling sign of whether the party is committed to real change or simply maintaining its grip on power.
FAQs
Q: Who is Frank Seddio?
A: Frank Seddio is a former Brooklyn Democratic Party boss who has been nominated to be a commissioner on the city’s Board of Elections.
Q: What is the purpose of the Board of Elections?
A: The Board of Elections is responsible for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the city’s electoral process.
Q: How did Seddio get the nomination?
A: Seddio secured the nomination by winning the support of some of his former critics within the party.
Q: Is the nomination likely to be approved?
A: The outcome of the nomination is now in the hands of the City Council, which will consider whether to confirm Seddio as a commissioner on the Board of Elections.
