DiPrima stays on Mount Prospect ballot; Hoefert recuses himself from upcoming electoral board hearings

Mount Prospect Trustee candidate Beth DiPrima withstood a challenge to her nominating petitions from a political rival Monday, but additional challenges to two other candidates were postponed until Wednesday.

Jeannie Lee-Macatangay challenged newcomer DiPrima’s nominating paperwork as well incumbent Trustee John Matuszak. Matuszak in turn, is challenging Lee-Macatangay’s candidacy.

While the Mount Prospect Municipal Officers Electoral Board ruled in favor of DiPrima Monday, the fate of the other two challenges will wait until Wednesday because Mayor Paul Hoefert recused himself from the panel.

A replacement now needs to be found.

Lee-Macatangay called for the recusal because Hoefert had circulated Matuszak’s nominating petitions. She also said Matuszak had circulated Hoefert’s petition for his mayoral bid.

Although Hoefert had not circulated the petitions being questioned for irregularities and the electoral board’s attorney, Mallory Milluzzi, said a conflict didn’t exist, Hoefert opted to withdraw from the two cases.

“Anybody who knows me knows that I am ethical and moral, and I can certainly be impartial about this,” Hoefert said.

He stepped aside to avoid any appearance of impropriety, he said.

Lee-Macatangay had challenged DiPrima because DiPrima’s name was “Elizabeth DiPrima” on her statement of candidacy form and “Elizabeth (Beth) DiPrima” on her nominating petitions.

But the board, consisting of Hoefert, Trustee Colleen Saccotelli and Village Clerk Karen Agoranos, determined DiPrima met state requirements.

DiPrima added Beth on the petitions for clarification, since she is known by that name.

The three challenged trustee candidates and incumbent Terri Gens are seeking one of the three open seats in the upcoming April 1, 2025 election.