Villa Park man appeals to get on ballot

Villa Park resident Brian Anderson says he will make his case to a DuPage County judge on why he should be on the April 7 ballot as a village trustee candidate.

A Villa Park election panel voted to remove Anderson from the ballot for failing to obtain the minimum number of required signatures. Trustee Richard Illian, who is running for re-election, filed a complaint alleging several of Anderson's signatures were invalid because they came from people who didn't live within the village's corporate limits.

But Anderson contends Illian's objection failed to meet statutory regulations because it did not specifically state the desired remedy.

"It's very simple, the law requires ... a request or prayer for relief," said attorney Charles Emery, who represents Anderson. "There was no prayer for relief. They acknowledged the omission. They decided they would somehow divine what his request would be. That's not the law."

Emery said he was filing a request for a temporary injunction Wednesday to delay the printing of ballots until the dispute can be settled. That request is expected to be heard Thursday.

The Villa Park election panel, meanwhile, has sided with Illian.

"The fact that I filled out the form means I want him out," Illian said. "It's a de facto thing. He's grasping at straws."

Anderson and his attorney are scheduled to make their full case before Judge Bonnie Wheaton on March 16.

"I'm confident we will prevail in the circuit court," Anderson said. "I think I have a lot to offer. I have a different perspective, a fresh perspective that will be helpful to the community. Let's let the voters of Villa Park decide."

If he succeeds in regaining a spot on the ballot, Anderson would face Illian, Trustee John Davis, Deborah Bullwinkle, Greg Hassler and Robert Taglia. There are three 4-year trustee seats available.