Democrats Hope to Reinstate County Board Candidates

Will County Democratic Party Chairman Scott Pyles said he still hopes to get six candidates back on the November ballot despite a circuit court ruling upholding their removal.

Will County Republicans filed a complaint alleging that party leaders filled ballot vacancies at a meeting without giving precinct committeemen adequate notice of the meeting. Eight candidates were designated to fill spots on the November ballot in districts where no Democrats had run in the March primary.

Will County Democratic Party Chairman Scott Pyles claimed the meeting was part of the Will County Democratic Convention, which was held April 18 and reconvened May 9.

In July, the Will County Electoral Board , including Donald Moran (District 3) of Romeoville, Chester Strelczyk III (District 7) of Lockport, Chris Griffin (District 11) of Naperville, Mario Carlasare (District 2) of Frankfort and Mokena residents Santino Lettieri and John Sanchez (District 12).

That decision was upheld last month by Will County Circuit Court Judge Bobbie Petrungaro.

"The trial court thought it was open and shut," Will County Republican Party Chairman Edward Ronkowski said, disputing Pyles' claim that he had given ample notice of the May 9 meeting. "He only notified selected people."

Pyles said Democrats are appealing to the Illinois Appellate Court to have six of the candidates reinstated.

“[The appeal is pending],” said Pyles, adding that a decision must be made in time to allow ballots to be printed before the start of absentee voting on Sept. 27.

Staff at the Will County Clerk's office said ballots are scheduled to be printed a week before the start of absentee voting.

Democrats are not appealing the removal of District 13 candidate Irene Garcia-Wittke, who did not receive enough nominating petition signatures to stay on the ballot.

Candidate Reed Bible has since been designated to fill another ballot vacancy left when District 5 candidate Mike Costello left the race, citing personal reasons.