Prospect Hts. board rules Giehler off ballot

One of three candidates for Prospect Heights mayor in the upcoming April 5 election was ruled off the ballot Monday by the city’s election board.

The board ruled that Kurt U. Giehler, who was running against Mayor Dolores “Dolly” Vole and Nicholas “Nick” Helmer, did not have enough valid signatures on his petition. The objection to his candidacy was filed by Helmer.

Giehler said he will appeal the decision in circuit court.

Giehler needed 137 signatures of registered voters to be eligible. The Cook County Clerk’s office ruled that 130 of his submitted signatures were valid. The election board accepted affidavits from Giehler reinstating 12 more signatures. But Anthony J. Jacob, a Chicago attorney representing Helmer, argued that 23 of the signers had obviously signed Giehler’s petition after signing a petition for either Helmer or Vole.

Erik R. Peck, the Park Ridge attorney serving as the hearing officer, ruled that the 23 signatures are invalid for Giehler, putting him below the number needed. The election board voted to sustain Peck’s decision.

After the hearing Giehler said the law that Jacob cited does not apply to this race. He argues that the last petition a voter signs should be the one that is legal, just as a last will signed is the one that stands. He also maintains that the elections board was not made up of the proper people. Vole recused herself and was replaced by Bree Higgins, ward 5 alderman. Alderman John Styler of ward 2 and City Clerk William Kearns remained on the board. Giehler objected to all three members.

Meanwhile, the election board also ruled that 1st Ward Alderman Richard Hamen will remain on the ballot.

Hamen’s opponent, Luis Mendez, who was the incumbent Hamen defeated four years ago, filed an objection, saying Hamen does not really live at the address where he filed. He subpoenaed papers that show a long-standing dispute between Hamen and the board of the condominium community.

However, Peck said that the documents Hamen produced, including voter’s registration and state identification card, prove his residency.

Mendez said Monday he does not know yet if he will contest the decision.

Last week the board struck 4th Ward Alderman Gerald T. Anderson off the ballot for failing to number his petition sheets. Anderson said Monday he will either contest the decision in court or run as a write-in candidate.

The board also ruled that Mendez should remain on the ballot, rejecting an objection from Hamen. Hamen said he will appeal that in court.