Pair needs to quit COD electoral board

I am writing regarding the recent candidate filings for the upcoming College Of DuPage Board election.

I am upset at the frivolous nature of board member Kory Atkinson's objections to several candidates' petitions, and see them for what they are - a transparent attempt to frustrate those people who stand in the way of his friends on the board. Even though he has chosen not to run again, he still wants to pull the strings for the current chairman and vice chairman.

Now an electoral board must meet to rule on these objections. This is where the situation becomes truly outrageous. The electoral board by law is made up of the COD board chairman, secretary and longest-standing board member.

However, board Chairman Michael McKinnon is also a candidate. The law is clear on one obvious point - no candidate running for one of the positions should rule on an opponent's eligibility.

The law also reads that the board will rule on "offices" involved in an election. Any candidate with integrity would adhere to that principle. However, Mr. Atkinson has obtained a ruling from legal counsel for COD that, because Mr. McKinnon is running for the two year term, he may chair the electoral board ruling on the 6-year term objections. In turn, Vice Chairman Mark Nowak, who is running for the 6-year term, may chair the electoral board that rules on the 2-year term objections.

I am outraged at this cynical detour around the law. Because many of the candidates for both seats are running in opposition to current board policies and behavior, it is obvious that the views of those who sit in judgment could be heavily tainted against any of them. Both men should refuse to serve on the electoral board.

Their withdrawal might help restore the College of DuPage board's badly damaged public image.

Julia K. Beckman

Darien