Oswego Trustees Vote to File Suit Against Village, County Clerks

Village of Oswego trustees on Friday night voted to file a lawsuit against village clerk Tina Touchette and Kendall County Clerk Debbie Gillette amid an ongoing battle to determine who stays on the April 7 election ballot.

Village Attorney Karl Ottosen on Friday said he met with Gillette and Kendall County State’s Attorney Eric Weis and the three agreed the legal action is the fastest way to resolve the controversy, Only Oswego reported.

Last week, the village’s electoral board voted 2-1 to allow all candidates to remain on the April 7 ballot, denying challenges against multiple candidates amid confusion over whether candidates had until Dec. 22 — the date incorrectly stated in candidates’ election packets — or a new Nov. 24 deadline established by a non-partisan election resolution. But challengers Terry Michels, a trustee seeking the village president seat, and trustee candidate Joe West have the option of appealing the electoral board’s decision.

Only Michels and trustee candidate Diane Selmer filed by the Nov. 24 deadline.

On Friday, trustees Michels, Tony Giles and Scott Volpe joined Village President Brian LeClerq in voting to move forward with the lawsuit, while trustees Judy Sollinger and Pam Parr voted no, Only Oswego reported. Trustee Gail Johnson, who is running for village president, refused to vote.

If a judge rules that the village must conduct a non-partisan election, a primary election could happen on Feb. 24.

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Also read:

• All Candidates Will Stay on Oswego Election Ballot: Electoral Board
• More Objections Filed in Oswego Election; Candidate Wants Panel Member Removed
• Who’s Running: A Roundup of Candidates for Village, School Board, Park District