2 Prospect Hts. hopefuls filed too late

Kurt U. Giehler, candidate for mayor of Prospect Heights, and Gerald T. Anderson, seeking re-election as alderman for Ward 4, could lose their appeals to be returned to the April 5 ballot because they did not file in time.

The two must file explanations of their late filings by Feb. 18 in advance of a Feb. 22 hearing, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Robert W. Bertucci said Monday.

Giehler and Anderson both maintain the clock on their appeals should have started only when they received official copies of the decision by the Prospect Heights Election Board ruling them off the ballot.

They maintain city officials made it difficult for them to get the papers they needed to file the appeal.

Giehler filed his appeal on Feb. 4; Anderson Feb. 7.

Erik R. Peck, the Park Ridge attorney serving as the hearing officer for the board, said he issued the order on Jan. 27. Bertucci said the appeals were due five days later on Feb. 1.

The electoral board ruled that Giehler did not have enough valid signatures on his petitions to be on the ballot and that Anderson did not number the pages of his petitions.

Both have been certified as write-in candidates.