ELLIS COUNTY – Following the unexpected death of Ellis County Treasurer Cheryl Chambers on Aug. 18, the Ellis County GOP was left with the need to put a new name on the ballot and with little time to do it.
Chambers was the unopposed Republican nominee for the Nov. 3 election for Ellis County Treasurer.
Ellis County Judge John Wray’s office said of Chambers and her passing, “Ellis County has been blessed with dedicated public servants and county leaders who have committed themselves to serving our community.
“Cheryl Chambers truly exemplified that spirit of service throughout her years with Ellis County. Her dedication, friendship, and commitment to the people of this county will always be remembered.”
Since her death occurred on or before the 74th day before the election there were two options to determine what to do regarding the seat on the election ballot.
The first option was no one be elected and the ballot left blank.
For that option an interim would have been named by the Ellis County Commissioners Court and that person would have served until the next election in November 2028.
The second option, which is what occurred was the Ellis County GOP replacing Chamber’s name on the ballot with a candidate who will run unopposed with no possibility of a write-in since that deadline was Aug. 17.
The person named by the Ellis County GOP will hold the full four-year term until 2031.
That person was determined this past Friday night during a county GOP executive committee meeting.
Ellis County GOP Chairman Randy Bellamy said there were initially 11 people who had indicated interest in the position.
Only three of the 11 showed up to the meeting Garrett Bailey, Durai Pandithurai, and Lauri Hartley.
Bailey is a financial advisor for Chase Bank, Durai holds a doctorate in business administration and several other degrees, and Hartley has almost 20 years in the County Treasurer’s office.
Bellamy said, “After a vote to try and not fill the position, which failed 30 to 8 we went ahead with the nominations.”
After questions and discussion to all three interested parties who applied, a vote was taken and Hartley was named with 29 votes.
There were 12 precinct chairs who were not in attendance and roughly 100 people in attendance overall at Friday night’s emergency meeting.