By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington city election commissioners will hear a challenge next Monday questioning the validity of nominating petitions filed by a candidate for alderman.
Regina Noland filed the challenge against Julie Emig, a candidate for alderman in Ward 4, which covers north central Bloomington.
Noland, a resident of Ward 4 and frequent critic of Mayor Tari Renner, said three of the pages submitted to the commission just before the November 26th filing deadline left blank whether the petitions were completed in either the State of Illinois or McLean County. Those petitions were circulated for Emig by Bloomington Planning Commission Chairman Justin Boyd and Michael Gorman.
“The paperwork needs to be filled out correctly,” said Noland.
“It was Julie’s responsibility, and if she can’t oversee signatures to run for the ward, how can she effectively oversee the whole ward?”
Tuesday’s hearing was delayed until next Monday because Emig, an Illinois State University professor, was administering finals.
Her attorney said the alleged errors are technical issues and don’t violate the Election Code. The commission ruling can be challenged in court.
The other candidate in Ward 4 is insurance broker Don “Chip” Frank, who lost four years ago to incumbent Amelia Buragas. Buragas is not running for a second term. She’s backing Emig.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
