East Dundee Responds To Political Remarks At Oktoberfest

EAST DUNDEE, IL — Village officials in East Dundee issued a statement Monday following questions and comments about the introduction of gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey at the village's Oktoberfest celebration over the weekend.

According to the village, Bailey was introduced during Saturday's event and subsequently made remarks. Village President Jeff Lynam Pearson also mentioned other political candidates during the event, prompting questions from attendees.

Village officials said neither Bailey nor any other political candidate was specifically invited to Oktoberfest by the village, village staff or an elected official. The event was open to the public and widely advertised, and some political candidates and elected officials independently chose to attend, according to the statement.

"The village does not endorse any candidate for local, state, or federal office," officials said in the statement.

The village also said any statements Pearson made while introducing Bailey or other political candidates did not reflect the views or positions of the village, its board of trustees or village staff.

Officials stressed that Oktoberfest was intended to be a community celebration rather than a political rally or campaign event. The village said officials will take steps at future village-sponsored events to ensure they remain welcoming to all attendees.

"Oktoberfest was, and will continue to be in the future, a community celebration for all residents of the Village of East Dundee and visitors," according to the statement.

The village did not specify in its statement what Bailey or Pearson said during Saturday's event or what specific steps would be taken at future events.