County Elections Leader Retiring

By H.H. HOWZE Fayette County elections administrator Dina Bell has announced that she is retiring and leaving office just prior to the May 7 election. Bell cited health issues for her departure. She has held her position since July, 2006 according to the county auditor’s office.

County Judge Ed Janecka said Thursday that elections office employee Bernice Svec will fill in for Bell until after the May 7 election after which a new EA will be appointed by the County Elections Commission.

Bell’s office made state and national news last week when she told the Texas Tribune news site that Rick Perry had not voted in this year’s Republican primary despite having applied for and received a mail-in ballot.

Perry received the mail ballot and maintains he completed it and mailed it back within 72 hours, but Bell said she did not receive it. A Perry spokesperson said it must have been lost in the mail. 

Not having voted in the primary conveniently leaves Perry eligible to run an independent campaign for President.