Injury from car wreck may affect District 158 race

A Huntley Unit District 158 school board member's injury in a recent car crash may affect his ability to campaign for re-election.

Larry Snow was involved in an accident last month that, by his account, left him with a broken pelvis and other injuries.

Snow said he still plans to run, but his injuries could hamper his ability to mount a successful campaign against former board President Mike Skala. Both are seeking a two-year term on the school board.

Snow declined to discuss the details of his medical condition, but said he hopes name recognition and his record on the board will help him in the voting booth.

"It's in God's hands as to how that goes," Snow said.

Skala said he wishes his opponent the best and hopes Snow will soon be able to physically attend board meetings. Snow has participated in recent meetings via speakerphone.

"My thoughts and prayers are with him," Skala said. "He's got viewpoints the board needs to listen to and take into consideration when making a decision."

The former board president said Snow's injury would not affect his campaign strategy and that he expected his opponent to mount a tough campaign despite his physical condition.

"I think he has the ability to reach out to voters, irregardless of what condition he's in," Skala said.

Snow was cited for failure to yield and for driving an uninsured vehicle after the accident at West Algonquin Road and Wentworth Drive, according to Algonquin police.

He was making a left turn from Wentworth onto Algonquin when he was hit by a 2006 Nissan Altima driven by Brandon Lakoma, 25, of Huntley, police said.

Snow was taken to the emergency room at Centegra Hospital in Woodstock and was released later that day, according to the hospital. Lakoma was not hurt. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Snow declined to discuss the circumstances of the accident.

• Staff Writer Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.