It’s been 3 weeks since incumbent Mayor of Carmi Jeff Pollard filed a formal objection to the candidacy of challenger Bill Stendeback. And now it appears we may never hear the evidence or case Pollard’s legal team had built surrounding the viability of Stendeback’s candidacy. On Monday afternoon, Pollard issued a press release announcing the suspension of his re-election campaign and signaling his intent to withdraw his objection though he stated there were still concerns encompassing Stendeback’s residency. Without any fanfare, fireworks, or Pollard himself present for the hearing, it took all of 5 minutes for proceedings to conclude Wednesday (December 11th) morning.
Read more at… https://www.wrul.com/local-news/pollard-stendeback-electoral-board-of-review-hearing-date-set
Stendeback was present. His counsel, Jason Drew, appeared by phone as did Pollard’s attorney John Hansen. Mark Blake, Cynthia Attebury, and Steve Winkleman were in attendance as the Electoral Board. A court reporter and our reporter were in the room. Board legal representatives Alison Cozart and Greg Stewart (YooHoo in hand) rounded out the gallery.
Read more at… https://www.wrul.com/local-news/not-so-fast-pollard-files-objection-to-stendeback-campaign-for-mayor
The in like a lion, out like a lamb chronicles of the last 3 weeks do leave us with unanswered questions still. Though the mayor has withdrawn the objection to Stendeback’s candidacy and he’s signaled his intention to suspend his re-election efforts, no formal paperwork has been filed to withdraw his own candidacy as of yet. The date for finalizing certified candidates is January 23rd according to White County Clerk Kayci Heil. Pollard had no additional comment after issuing the press release. Stendeback had no comment following the hearing Wednesday morning. The election is April 1, 2025.
