Challenger moves to kick senior trustee off Deer Park ballot

A Deer Park village trustee candidate has filed two objections against the nominating papers of incumbent David Kizior, a move aimed at removing the village board's senior member from the April 5 ballot.

James Denny's objections question the validity of a notary public seal on Kizior's nominating documents and whether the incumbent was clear enough in listing the office he is seeking.

A Deer Park electoral board consisting of Village President Robert Kellermann, Village Clerk Elizabeth Schroeder and Village Trustee Maureen Pratscher will consider the objection at 7 p.m. Monday at the Vehe Barn, 23570 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park.

Denny could not be reached for comment Thursday, but Kizior described the objections as they were explained to him.

The first questions whether the notary public seal on Kizior's papers — a physical imprint rather than an ink print from a rubber stamp — is valid.

“I know the woman who authorized my papers, who said you can't get an imprint-making notary public seal unless you're a notary public,” Kizior said.

The second objection claims Kizior improperly listed the office he's seeking as “Trustee” rather than “Trustee of the village of Deer Park.”

Kizior said he previously served on an electoral board when a similar issue was raised. In that case, the title of trustee was deemed to be adequate because there is no other “trustee” up for election in the village.

Kizior is seeking his fourth full term on the village board. Also running for the three four-year board terms up for election are recent appointee Alan Czarnik and newcomer Rita Finley.

Joel Thomason is running unopposed for the remaining two years left on the term of Joyce Trost, who resigned earlier this year.

Czarnik was appointed to Trost's seat, but is running a full four-year term instead of the remainder of Trost's.