Des Plaines candidates could learn Friday if they’ll be on April ballot

Two aldermanic candidates in Des Plaines will have to wait until at least Friday to learn if they’ll be allowed on the April 1 ballot.

Hearings on objections to Brian Kowalkowski’s and Margaret Chlebek’s paperwork have been scheduled for 10 a.m. that day at city hall, 1420 Miner St.

A third candidate for the 1st Ward seat, current City Clerk Jessica Mastalski, filed the objections. Kowalkowski’s paperwork faces an additional challenge from current 1st Ward Alderman Mark Lysakowski, who is unable to run again because of municipal term limits.

If Kowalkowski and Chlebek are removed from ballot consideration, Mastalski would be left as the lone candidate for the 1st Ward seat.

The complainants allege problems with the candidates’ petitions should exclude them from ballot placement. Additionally, Mastalski alleges Chlebek doesn’t live in Des Plaines.

In an official filing shared with the Daily Herald, Chlebek’s attorney said the candidate is a Des Plaines resident and registered to vote in the city.

A three-member electoral board comprised of Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, 5th Ward Alderman Carla Brookman and 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad will decide the candidates’ fates. The board met Saturday but didn’t begin considering the evidence. That’ll happen Friday.

Officials expect decisions on the complaints will be made Friday, too.