Ed Schock files objection to Nance’s city council candidacy

Anthony Nance is the only one out of 23 people running for Elgin City Council who will face objections to his candidacy. And he’ll be facing two.

Former Mayor Ed Schock filed an objection to Nance’s petition, saying he owes the city $8,391.91 in costs tied to a discrimination lawsuit he filed against the city. Nance said he won that lawsuit in state court but lost in federal court.

“My interest in this matter is to see that the election laws are upheld and that only properly qualified candidates appear on the ballot,” Schock said in his objection.

State law says people who owe money to a municipality cannot run for office in that locale.

The filing deadline for objections against Elgin City Council candidates was Monday, when both Schock and Elgin resident Nikki Scott filed similar objections. Scott also referenced the $8,391 debt.

Elgin Corporation Counsel William Cogley said the city’s electoral board will convene to hear the objections at 10 a.m. Friday in the council chambers. Mayor David Kaptain and Councilman John Steffen will serve on that board along with Elgin City Clerk Kim Dewis.

“The hearing will be held on whether or not the objections are proper and whether Mr. Nance’s name should be on the ballot,” Cogley said.

Nance will have the opportunity to defend himself at the hearing, after which the electoral board will decide the fate of his candidacy.

Nance filed for a 4-year seat on the council against 13 other residents. Four 4-year seats are up for election along with one 2-year seat that nine people are vying for.