McHenry alderman files objection to opponent's petition

A McHenry alderman has filed an objection to an opponent’s petition to run against him in April.

Second Ward Alderman Andrew Glab filed an objection to candidate James Walsh’s petition Wednesday with the McHenry City Clerk’s Office, according to city documents.

Glab objected to the petition because Walsh didn’t specify which ward he was running for on his nomination papers, and a signature on his petition came from someone who doesn’t live in the 2nd Ward, according to the complaint.

“For these reasons, I ask the petitions be nullified and the name of James Walsh be removed from the April 2, 2019, ballot,” Glab said in the objection. “These aforementioned petitions do not meet state law.”

Seats in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th wards are up for re-election in the April 2 consolidated election.

Walsh, a member of the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, received an endorsement from Mayor Wayne Jett in September. Walsh gathered 21 signatures on his candidacy petition.

Glab has represented the 2nd Ward since 1997.

“It’s sad that Andy can’t just run on his own merit and instead is causing a circus around this small issue,” Jett said of the objection. “I hope the public notices the type of individual I have been dealing with in my time as mayor. Good luck to both candidates.”

The McHenry Municipal Officers Electoral Board will meet at noon Sunday at City Hall, 333 S. Green St., to conduct a hearing on the objection.

Jett serves as chairman of the board.

“I am a firm believer of checks and balances,” Walsh said. “I will abide by the decision that will be made this Sunday.”

Glab is the only other candidate who filed to run, McHenry City Clerk Debra Meadows said.

Signature requirements generally are not less than 5 percent or more than 8 percent – or 50 more than the minimum, whichever is greater – than the number of people who voted in the last regular election of local candidates.