The Carbon County commissioners have split opinions on whether to continue a contract with the former election director, acting as a consultant to train the new election director and assistant director.

The board, in a 2-1 vote last week authorized the solicitor to proceed with drafting the 30-day written notice to terminate the agreement with Lisa Dart of Jim Thorpe. Dart was hired as a consultant on March 2 after leaving the position earlier this year.

Jennifer Ketchledge has since been named the new elections director for the county.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein, who cast the sole no vote to terminate the contract, said he felt that the county was able to make it through the primary as smoothly as it did because of Dart’s assistance.

“I want to ensure that come the general election in November that everything is up and running. Everything is accomplished and we do not have any problems,” he said. “I can’t understand why you would want to terminate this at this time. Show me one good reason. I just want to be safe. I don’t want to be in the headlines like other counties with election issues.”

He praised the staff. “They did a great job, however they’ve been there less than three months and they have got some learning to do and they will be great employees when they’re finally totally trained.”

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said the primary was “very successful” under the new leadership and is confident in their ability.

Lukasevich, the sole commissioner on the election board this year since he did not file to run as a candidate in the primary, said the election board felt the contracted services were no longer required because the director has 66 other counties to be able to reach out to, as well as the Department of State.

“While one was providing assistance, and it was greatly appreciated, there were other actions taking places that were actually undermining in the eyes of the public, the new team’s ability to carry out the election process,” Lukasevich said. He said he wouldn’t speak of them publicly, unless Nothstein would like proof, then he would gladly open that can of worms.

Nothstein said that Lukasevich has done other things that undermined him before, such as placing items on the agenda without his knowledge.

“This is not the military,” Nothstein said. “ ... The way you come across to people, you intimidate and a lot of people on the boards and authorities and the employees are afraid to say anything because of what you might say to them. We have lost people on boards. We have lost employees because of you and the way they were treated. The way you attack people at public meetings is a problem and you have done nothing but ruin your own reputation as a commissioner.”

Lukasevich asked if there was a discussion that took place regarding this motion during the executive session, which Nothstein said there had been.

Nothstein then added that the problem is how people are being treated by Lukasevich.

“You appear, and from what I am being told, you are micromanaging or persuading boards or authorities to do certain things,” he said.

Lukasevich said that the county expects contractors to “conduct themselves in a professional manner” and “contractors have no authority to make decisions. ... Public comments have been made that serve to discredit the election team.

“I think in due time that the contract, given that we went through a highly successful nearly complete full election cycle, we have action today and five days from now that’ll take place ... the election team here in Carbon County is confident in our ability to no longer burden the taxpayers with a $100 an hour contract.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that while he appreciates the help Dart has given to the county after departing the post, he is confident in the people who are now in place in the department and thinks “it’s time that we start standing on our own feet.”