Benson knocked off Schaumburg library ballot, leaving 4 in race

It appears another candidate for the Schaumburg Township District Library District board is off the April ballot.

A review of David Benson’s nominating petitions at Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office Friday led to a ruling that 24 of Benson’s 60 signatures were invalid. That left Benson with 36 valid signatures, 14 short of the 50 needed to be placed on the ballot.

Former State Rep. Paul Froehlich filed the challenge. The electoral board now must formally notify Benson and Froehlich of their decision, something they’ll likely do via mail next week, Froehlich said. But after Friday’s examination, that appears to be a formality, he added.

Benson, of Hoffman Estates, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Froehlich said Benson argued that library staff misinformed him about petition requirements. He said he was told he didn’t need his signatures to come from only residents within the library district.

Those signing Benson’s petition came from villages outside the district, from Streamwood to Homewood, Froehlich said.

“I don’t think they’re going to buy that one,” he added.

Froehlich also filed challenges against two other candidates. On Thursday, his challenge to Schaumburg resident Gerald Bromley’s candidacy led to his removal from the April 5 ballot.

On Jan. 24, the electoral board will hold a hearing regarding the papers of Julie Wroblewski Bosshart, also a Schaumburg resident.

Froehlich’s run as state representative for the 56th District ended this week. His wife, Marilyn Froehlich, served as a library board trustee for more than two years before stepping down in 2009.

There are three seats with four-year terms up for election on April 5. Incumbents Debby Miller and Nicolas Scipione are running, as well as former trustee Richard Hetzer.