By: Diane Benjamin
The integrity of elections matter. The reason for filing petitions to run for public office is to show support from voters. If any part of the petitions are falsified, signed by citizens not registered to vote, or not properly notarized the election becomes a joke.
The Bloomington Election Commission is required to follow the Open Meetings Act so citizens have faith in their ability to maintain the integrity of elections. If they treat challenges to petitions as a joke, the entire election is a joke.
Refer back to the comments made by Tari Renner to WGLT: http://wglt.org/post/update-attempt-filed-knock-bloomington-mayor-ballot
“frivolous” “I think it’s unfortunate that some people, frankly on the extreme fringes of the right, want to cheat their way into elections”
Yes, “jokes” exist.
Then consider the lawyer for the election commission (Robert Day) who evidently doesn’t understand the law. Since MANY readers watched that video, you already know he was beaten by the two “hayseeds” from Edgar County. (They got that name during their take down of the President at the College of Dupage.)
Today the Bloomington Election Commission was forced to reschedule the Renner challenge by Kevin Gerrard for the second time in order to comply with the Open Meetings Act. It’s not difficult to comply, see a simplified version here: Open Meetings Act
Now for the real reason I was forced to demand the Bloomington Election Commission follows the law. In 2012 the petitions filed by former Alderman Jennifer McDade were challenged by her opponent, Matt Koetters. The Bloomington Election Commission threw her off the ballot, but she hired attorneys and got back on the ballot. One of the reasons Judge Lawrence cited in his ruling was Open Meetings Act violations by the Bloomington Election Commission. Two of the three members of this Commission are the same as in that case.
in 2014 McDade quit the Council and Tari Renner appointed Joni Painter. The City Council would have been much different if Matt Koetters hadn’t been defeated by an Alderman who didn’t file her petitions legally.
If any of the challenges to petitions filed result in candidates getting tossed and the BEC doesn’t do everything according to the law – the exact same situation can happen again. The integrity of the election is at stake.
Either laws matter or they don’t. On Monday they did. Today they did.
On Friday we will see. The agendas for all the meetings show “Adoption of Rules” and then the hearing. How can a meeting be held without providing time to read the rules and plan your case using them?
Don’t be surprised if more problems don’t arise.
Diane, So the meeting is Friday now at 9:00am?
Donnie Shields
>
2:30
Interesting that according to the agendas, Public comment is scheduled after the commission’s decision has been made. Their way of getting back at the “Tinfoil Hat Gang”?
Time will tell!
Thanks for all your hard work Diane, I weighed in with my phone call prior to 12:00 today thanks to your heads up.
Thanks!
Looks like some progress was made. Good for all those involved and a pat on the Watchdogs backs!
Proud “Hayseed.” 😉
You just cannot make up stuff THIS funny! Not once but TWICE the BEC violated or was going to violate the OMA! WHAT is the minim I.Q. to be in that office or affiliated? Do they get drug tested, because they sure ACT like they’re on something!
And their lawyer SHOULD recuse himself for ANY further business with ANY city body, until he shows a proficiency for the laws.
They are appointed…enough said.
Thanks for the clarification. I think a lot of people don’t understand the seriousness of what is going on and why it’s so vitally important the BEC follow the Law. As much as Tari Runner brushes off the OMA violations against him, don’t think he and his attorneys wouldn’t use it to their advantage should he get kicked off the ballot.
I’m kind of interested in knowing why the Edgar Co. Watchdogs are in McLean County. Nothing more to do there?
They now cover the whole state and Indiana, corruption is everywhere.