Homer Glen Trustee Candidate Remains On Ballot After Challenge

HOMER GLEN, IL — After an objection was filed against Village Trustee Craig McNaughton's nominating papers, the Village of Homer Glen's Electoral Board voted to keep him on the ballot at its meeting on Tuesday.

McNaugton is running as part of the Integrity for Homer Glen slate, which also includes candidates Christina Neitzke-Troike for mayor, Candice Bielski for village clerk, Curtis Mason for Village Trustee and Susanna Steilen for Village Trustee.

"We thank the Homer Glen election board for their commitment to fair play and free elections in upholding Village Trustee candidate Craig McNaughton's right to appear on the April ballot. The board is a credit to our community and a testament to our ability to manage our local affairs wisely. The election board exercised proper judgment by rejecting a frivolous claim, thereby protecting the right of Homer Glen residents to choose the leadership of our village," the slate said on its Facebook page.

Village Administrator Carmen Maurella said that the objection was filed by Steve Balich. Balich currently serves as Homer Township Supervisor. Patch has filed a FOIA request for the objection documents.

Patch has reached out to Balich for comment.

According to Illinois state statute, a municipal electoral board is made up of the mayor, village clerk and the longest-serving village trustee. Current Village Clerk Neitzke-Troike recused herself at an earlier meeting.

The vacancy would typically be filled by the second-senior Trustee, which is Trustee Ruben Pazmino, Village Attorney Eric Hanson told Patch. However, Pazmino is running for Village Trustee as well, so cannot serve, per state statute.

Hanson said the next step was to seek appointment of a public member by the Will County Chief Judge, who appointed Thomas Knuth.