Renner’s hearing to be next Monday

Posted on December 15, 2016

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The Board of Elections has set Monday as the hearing date for Bloomington mayor Tari Renner on a challenge to his nominating petitions. .

Bruce Meeks has filed objections regarding the validity of the signatures on Renner’s nomination petitions for next spring’s election. Meeks has also filed complaints on the signatures of alderman Joni Painter’s and alderman candidate J. Alan Balmer’s nomination petitions. Board Chair Denise Williams explained that Monday will be the time for both Renner and Meeks to support their arguments.

“We’ll hear all the evidence that both Teri has and that Mr. Meeks have, and once everything is gathered together then the three commissioners will make a determination,” said Williams.

Regarding his hearing, Renner expressed confidence that the hearing will go the way he hopes.

“The complaint from Mr. Meeks is that the notary did not give an oral oath. There is nothing in the law that requires that,” said Mayor Renner. “This should be a slam dunk. It’s frankly patently absurd.”

The hearings for Renner, Painter, and Balmer will begin at 9 a.m. Monday.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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