Ladd mayoral candidate suspends campaign over previous incident

LADD – Jeffrey Erickson, 45, has suspended his campaign to be Ladd’s next mayor.

Erickson, one of three candidates to throw his hat in the ring for office, has decided not to go forward with his campaign after learning that a state statute would bar him from being sworn in if he was elected.

A 1999 La Salle County felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance makes him ineligible to be seated as mayor. Erickson said he was unaware of this law, having turned in an uncontested petition for the race and found out only when an unnamed person contacted Bureau County State’s Attorney about the matter.

“I was unaware that I did not meet the requirements due to an isolated incident way back in 1999 in which I was protecting my mother,“ Erickson told Shaw Media.

“I am in the process of taking care of this issue, so I am eligible to run for trustee in 2024. When things have gone bad for me is when I have learned the most,” he continued. ”Those tough times have built my character and solidified my beliefs in fairness and equal treatment for all. I will learn from this just as I learned from my one mistake in 1999 as a 23-year-old kid. I would like to thank all my supporters for standing behind me during this unfortunate time.”

Erickson’s name was certified by the county clerk so it will still appear on the ballot, Ladd Village Clerk Diane Chandler said. It is not standard procedure to do background checks on those who submit petitions for office, she said.

The race will now be between candidates Frank Cattani and Andy Ruggerio.