It’s like court, but not court. The Electoral Board of Review and the parties concerned convened Monday morning for a tense, but uneventful gathering Monday morning. On Wednesday, November 20th, John C. Hanson of HeplerBroom law firm filed an objection on behalf of his client, Mayor Jeff Pollard objecting to Bill Stendeback’s candidacy. The hearing Monday was mostly procedural with City of Carmi Attorney and Assistant counsel Greg Stewart and Alison Cozart presiding over the gathering.
It only took about twenty minutes. The Board of Review is made up of Mark Blake, the longest serving alderman (by a couple months as noted by Stewart), City Clerk Cynthia Attebury, and Steve Winkleman, the second longest serving alderman, placed on the board because the mayor can’t rule on his own objection. After Winkleman gave opening remarks, Stewart, who chose a Yoo Hoo as his morning beverage, went over the procedures and process as well as the timeline that the objection needed to be adhered.
The objection surrounds Stendeback’s residency within the city of Carmi, namely how long and whether he legally resides at the address given in his nominating petitions. The property in question is at 206 South Walnut Street. Read more at https://www.wrul.com/local-news/not-so-fast-pollard-files-objection-to-stendeback-campaign-for-mayor
The only jockeying that took place Monday surrounded establishment of the hearing date. Initially, a December 5th date was suggested to accommodate what one could imagine may be a very stressful vacation already planned for Stendeback. Stendeback’s attorney, Jason Drew objected saying he needed more time to get affidavits and prepare his case instead suggesting the 12th or 19th of December. Hanson objected to the 19th, but said the 12th was ok, though the 13th was preferred. Stewart then checked his calendar and asked if the 11th at 9am would work for both parties as well as members of the Board who will act as a jury in the case. It was agreed that the 11th would suffice.
With about 16 gallery onlookers and 3 members of the media present, Stewart then asked for input on whether the location (Council Chambers) would be sufficient and whether more people could be expected to show up for the actual proceedings. The 225 East Main Street chambers can only hold 50 people, but the White County court docket is already chock full for the 11th, so seating will be at a premium.
So what happens if one of the three “jury” members are incapacitated and unable to serve their role on the Board of Review? Stewart tells us it goes to the 2nd Judicial court and a random voter from within the city of Carmi could be tabbed to serve. As for the timeline, County Clerk Kayci Heil says candidates must be certified and to her office by January 23rd. Early voting for the April 1st election starts on February 20th. Once the hearing is held and a ruling delivered, an appeal can be filed within 5 days from that decision which could result in more proceedings.
