Helen Funk was elected chairwoman of the Lincoln CountyDemocratic Executive Committee Saturday during a party leaders’meeting.

Funk, who represents the East Lincoln precinct, was chosen astemporary chairwoman during the Democratic county caucus March 13.With Saturday’s unanimous vote, she replaced Gerald Williams, whoresigned following the county caucus.

“I’ll do everything I can to do a good job and I want to do mybest,” said Funk, who has served on the committee for more than 15years.

Percy Rauls was elected as the committee’s co-chairman,replacing John Beacham. Long-time Sectretary-Treasurer Flora Kellywas re-elected to that office.

The Democratic Executive Committee is responsible for conductingand overseeing party primaries for local, state and federaloffices.

“It’s not a job that takes up a lot of time, but it’s a lot ofresponsibility,” Funk said.

Funk, 70, said she appreciated the assistance of District OneElection Commissioner John Hightower. She said he has helped inkeeping her up to date on election law changes and with theelection handbook.

“I know that thing almost by heart,” said Funk, adding that shewas looking forward to working with Circuit Clerk Terry LynnWatkins during elections.

Funk is familiar with Watkins already in that Funk works as abailiff during circuit court terms. Funk is also active with thecounty’s Neighborhood Watch and Crime Stoppers programs.

In her new role, Funk said she would like to focus on gettingthe county committee up to full strength.

“We have several precincts that don’t have a committee person,”Funk said.

Funk said the committee is supposed to be made up of sixcommittee members from each of the five supervisor precincts. Sixothers can be elected at large for a total of 36 members.

“That’s what we’re going to try to do: get the committee to fullstrength and work from there,” Funk said.