Mayoral candidate accused of bogus endorsement claims

Round Lake Beach write-in mayoral candidate Fernando Salazar is drawing static over a mailer claiming he's supported by a state senator and other Lake County politicians.

Democratic state Sen. Michael Bond of Grayslake is one of at least three local officials contending they don't know why they're on Salazar's endorsement list because they don't support his candidacy.

Wadsworth Mayor Glenn Ryback and Grayslake Trustee Jeff Werfel are the other politicians who confirmed they didn't provide endorsements for Salazar to use on his campaign piece.

Salazar is challenging Round Lake Beach Mayor Richard Hill in the April 7 election. Hill has been mayor since 2001.

In the direct-mail piece sent to voters this week, Salazar listed his accomplishments, professional experience, campaign positions and 10 individuals who back him for mayor.

But Bond, the highest-ranking politician on the list, said he would never support Salazar as mayor. Salazar referred to "Senator Mike Bond" in the mailer.

"The guy is a total freak," Bond said Tuesday.

Salazar was miffed by Bond's reaction. He said he worked on Bond's 2006 state senate campaign, and contends the endorsement came during a conversation the men had a few months ago.

"I was essential to getting him (Bond) elected in the state senate," said Salazar, 48, who made an unsuccessful run for an Illinois House seat in the 2004 Republican primary.

State records show Salazar contributed $500 to Bond's state senate effort in August 2006. Salazar also was an aide to late Republican state Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis, who backed Bond in the November 2006 general election.

Also at issue is Ryback's reported endorsement of Salazar. Ryback's first name incorrectly appears as "Glen" on Salazar's campaign literature.

Salazar said Ryback previously offered support, but appeared to backtrack Tuesday. Ryback said he was direct when Salazar solicited him for an endorsement.

"He was someone I said 'no' to. I don't need to be in Round Lake Beach politics in general," said Ryback, a Democrat who lost in the 2006 Lake County treasurer race.

Salazar countered Ryback still has aspirations for countywide office and became skittish about the endorsement.

Werfel said he didn't realize Salazar is running as a write-in mayoral candidate, but he is among those listed as a supporter on the mailer.

Werfel indicated an endorsement in a conversation two or three months ago, according to Salazar. Werfel acknowledged talking to Salazar, but not specifically providing political support.

Salazar was kicked off the April 7 ballot after a Lake County judge upheld a Round Lake Beach electoral board ruling. He filed with the Lake County clerk's office last week to run as a write-in and is contesting his ballot removal in the state appeals court.