Prospect Hts. ballot decisions due Jan. 19

Decisions on challenges to candidates for Prospect Heights offices are expected on Jan. 19, the city's electoral board said Wednesday.

The board opened hearings Wednesday and appointed Erik R. Peck, a Park Ridge attorney, as the hearing officer. He gave challengers until 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, to file their objections and candidates until Friday, Jan. 14, to respond. The board will meet again at 1 p.m. Jan. 19.

Kurt U. Giehler, candidate for mayor, will also have until Monday to file his objections to aldermen who are serving as members of the electoral board. The challenge to Giehler's candidacy was filed by Nicholas “Nick” Helmer, who is also a candidate for mayor. Mayor Dolores “Dolly” Vole is seeking re-election in the three-way race.

Giehler and Fourth Ward Alderman Gerald T. Anderson both said they were not properly notified of the challenges against them. Peck, however, said that by making an appearance Wednesday they waive any complaints about notification.

Eight people filed complaints against Anderson's candidacy, saying he did not number the pages of his petition. Anderson made public his response — he said the challenges were not made properly, and the failure to number the pages is “an inconsequential oversight.”

He also said that the electoral board ruled in a previous contest that letting voters have a choice is the “greater good.”

In the 1st Ward, Alderman Richard Hamen and Luis Mendez — who Hamen defeated four years ago — filed complaints against each other.

Peck said he will give the board a written opinion on the complaints, and the board will vote to agree or not.