Judge to hear arguments next month on Naperville ballot challenges

A DuPage County judge set a January date to hear arguments seeking to overturn a decision to keep two Naperville candidates on the April ballot.

Judge Craig Belford said he expects to rule Jan. 6 on appeals filed by Naperville resident Arian Ahmadpour to remove mayoral candidate Tiffany Stephens and city council candidate Derek McDaniel despite the city's electoral board ruling in their favor.

Wednesday's hearing was necessary because Naperville officials needed to finalize the candidacy list by Thursday. If Belford issues a decision on Jan. 6, there's still time for further appeals before the ballot is certified on Jan. 26.

The objection to Stephens' candidacy focuses on her residency. Ahmadpour claims she hasn't lived in Naperville for the one-year minimum.

McDaniel's candidacy was challenged because of Ahmadpour's claim he violated election rules by not numbering the pages of his petition papers.

Naperville's electoral board voted 2-1 last week to reject both objections. Mayor Steve Chirico and Councilman Paul Hinterlong ruled in favor of the candidates, while City Clerk Pam Gallahue sided with the objector.

Stephens is attempting to run for mayor against Councilman Benny White and liquor commission member Scott Wehrli. In July, Chirico announced he wouldn't be seeking a third term. McDaniel would be one of 12 city council candidates vying for four open seats.

During the public comment portion of Tuesday's city council meeting, Stephens expressed disappointment to the council members that her candidacy continues to be questioned.

"I am standing before you today with some serious concerns regarding the new pay-to-play Chicago-style politics that has been playing out here in Naperville," she said. "The residents here in Naperville should be appalled and outraged."