Four Pingree Grove people still on ballot, fate of other two in doubt

Four of the six Pingree Grove village board candidates in danger of being knocked off the ballot will be allowed to stay, the town's three-member electoral board ruled Tuesday.

But the remaining two have to wait until Wednesday to defend themselves against challenges that could end their election hopes, the panel decided.

The decision leaves newcomers Joshua Cossiboon, Charles Jackson and Larry Gille, along with former trustee Jon Peschke, on the April ballot.

Objections against Patrick Whalen and Trustee Richard Stramaglia will be heard Wednesday, after Village Clerk Michelle Figuerola determines whether Trustee Ricky Popilek's objections to their candidacy were filed properly.

The electoral board swiftly dismissed Stramaglia's challenge against Cossiboon Tuesday because he had forgotten to state his interest in the race.

"I thought I'd have a chance to present my case," a disappointed Stramaglia said.

Similarly, the board dismissed Carol Peschke's objection charging that Jackson had improperly filled out his paperwork, after Jackson showed that she too, had not stated a clear interest in the election.

Peschke, the village's former clerk, is challenging both candidates who, with her husband Jon Peschke, are seeking a two-year board term.

Jackson's candidacy had been successfully challenged by the Peschkes two years ago, and he figured they would try to invalidate him again.

"I learned from it, grew from it and was prepared this time," said Jackson. "It'll be fun and it'll be an interesting race."

The panel sided against Carol Peschke a second time in rejecting her claim that Gillie had improperly stated what seat he was seeking.

The panel concluded that Gillie did not use confusing language on his election forms when he stated he wanted the "village trustee 2 year" slot. Gille was delighted with the decision.

"I'm ecstatic and looking forward to doing some good in Pingree Grove," he said.

The panel upheld Jon Peschke's candidacy, despite Popilek's claim he should be disqualified for having his wife notarize his forms. Panel members ruled those were not valid reasons to exclude him from the ballot.

"I think he'll be pleased," Carol Peschke said of her husband, who works as a truck driver and could not be in attendance Tuesday because he was on the road.

Popilek's remaining two objections will be heard Wednesday at 2 p.m.