Des Plaines board removes candidate’s name from ballot

The Des Plaines Electoral Board on Monday removed Gregory Sarlo’s name from the April 9 ballot, determining he fell just short of the number signatures needed to run for city alderman.

Of the 72 signatures on Sarlo’s nominating petition, 19 were found to be invalid, leaving him seven signatures shy of meeting the 60 required, the board ruled, finding in favor of objector Brian Burkross.

The electoral board’s ruling was supported by the findings of the Cook County Clerk’s Office after it checked signatures on Sarlo’s petition against its voter records.

Sarlo was challenging incumbent 5th Ward Alderman Jim Brookman for the seat in April. The race is now uncontested.

Last week, the electoral board ruled that 6th Ward Alderman Mark Walsten’s name would remain on the April ballot as a mayoral candidate. The objection against Walsten’s candidacy was dismissed after the resident who filed it voluntarily rescinded the challenge.

Walsten is running against 3rd Ward Alderman Matt Bogusz and former mayor Tony Arredia for the mayor’s office. Former Mayor Marty Moylan stepped down to serve in his newly elected role as state representative.