Two more file in Elgin council race

Another candidate has entered the race for three seats on the Elgin City Council.

Michael Curtain, 28, the vice president of the South West Area Neighbors community group, submitted his petitions to the city clerk's office this week. He is the youngest candidate in the field of the eight candidates who have filed so far.

He said he's running for a fairer government and because resources are only allocated to some parts of the city.

The other seven candidates waited with petitions in hand when the clerk's office opened last Monday, in an effort to have the first ballot position.

But since they were all there at the same time, a lottery will be held to determine who gets the top spot. The drawing will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 in the clerk's office, Room 202 of city hall, 150 Dexter Court. The lottery is open to the public; candidates need not be present.

The seven candidates are Manfred Czymmek, Tom McCarthy, Anna Moeller, Mike Robins, Toby Shaw, and incumbents John Steffen and Mike Warren.

On Friday, Mayor Ed Schock submitted his petitions for re-election. He had 171 signatures; 57 are required to be on the ballot, City Clerk Diane Robertson said.

He will be challenged by Councilman Dave Kaptain, who hasn't yet filed.

Anyone running in the council and mayoral elections has until Monday at 5 p.m. to submit petitions.

The general election is scheduled for April 5, 2011. A primary would be held Feb. 22 if there are more than 12 candidates for council or four candidates for mayor.