Residents challenge Wheeling candidate petitions

Candidates vying for Wheeling village board seats may be whittled down even before the April 7 election.

The race for the Wheeling mayor's office was shaping up as a possible four-way challenge last week.

Now, sitting Trustee Judy Abruscato may end up running uncontested, if the other candidates, current Trustee Patrick Horcher, and David Kolssak, a member of the Chicago Executive Airport board, get thrown off the ballot.

Several residents are challenging signatures and other potential irregularities with their candidate petitions, as well as those of two trustee candidates.

Also, Acting Village President Dean Argiris, who filed for both mayor and trustee, decided to drop out of the mayoral race, as did trustee candidate Gregory Leyden.

Objections were filed against incumbent Trustee Michael Horcher and newcomer Charles Vallas.

An electoral board hearing is set for 8 a.m. Saturday to review all four candidates' petitions.

Argiris said he decided to stay a trustee because there was too much competition for the mayor's job. He added he has a proven track record as an 8-year incumbent.

"If I lose, guess what, Dean's done," he said. "I had a better shot truthfully being elected as a trustee. I am an asset being on the village board than not being on the village board in any capacity."