Local Elections Items to Watch for

The local elections are as dirty as they come.  Some say that they are equal to Chicago style politics, while others say it is much worse.  Final objections will be arriving soon.  Bonnie has contributed some tips for the residents to watch for...

Hello fellow residents!  These are tips for the upcoming election.  Follow the local papers and the Brook Report for daily updates for issues that can present themselves this year.

1.  Once the petitions are filed, pay close attention to the political affiliations of the objectors. 
2.  Watch to see if the objector is present in the hearing, or if the objector is sponsored by an attorney.
3.  If they are sponsored by an attorney, will it be a rep from Tressler Law Firm (Village attorney office), or Richard Kavinaugh's offices (Du Page Township attorney office).  These attorneys are actually working in junction with Roger Claar, and not a random objecting resident.  They could potentially be billing the tax payers as well. 
4.  During the hearing, see who the board members are.  Are they really impartial, or do they sit on, or sponsor the slate running against the candidate.  For example, last year two of the three electoral board members that booted me off the ballot were on the slate of the Mayor's.  I was running against him.  The third board member had the Mayor as his main campaign contributor, and as the chair of this campaign committee.
5.  Are all the objectors using the same attorney?  This is a red flag for conspiracy.
6.  Do the objectors try to say that your signature, as a tax payer and voter, do not count?  Last year over 200 voter/ residents names were counted as "not allowed" and their votes/ signatures did not matter.
7.  Does the objectors attorney stay after the hearing to explain how the board can effectively remove the candidate?  (This is not only a closed door meeting, illegal by law, but the opposing attorney cannot speak to the board without the candidates attorney present.) This happened last year.
8.  When removed from the ballot, is the candidate given enough time to still appeal the decision in Will County? 

Once the ballot process is complete, I will update the residents of what to look for around town during election time. 

Enjoy the holidays!

Bonnie Alicea