MARION, Ill. - For the first time ever in the city of Marion, two candidates are being challenged in the upcoming city election to be held in April.
Any Marion resident who is a registered voter is entitled to exercise their right to challenge a candidate, and that’s exactly what two Marion residents have done.
The first is Andrew Ball, who is being challenged due to the validity of his residency within the city. Ball's listed residence when he picked up his packet is a vacant lot. Ball says he can park his RV there since it’s his deceased mother’s property, which is in litigation with the appellate court (full disclosure: we should also mention Ball is attempting to sue the city for one million dollars for illegally demolishing his mother’s house). If Ball loses his place on the ballot he has 5 days to appeal. He tells Disclosure he has a backup plan but would not reveal what that was. He says he has his ducks all in a row and will have witnesses in his favor.
The other candidate being challenged is Jason Powell, who is one of eleven candidates vying for the four open seats on the city council. Another concerned citizen is also challenging the validity of Powell’s residence.
Today’s hearing (Friday, December 28) was to adopt the rules and appoint a hearing officer and clerk for the next proceedings on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 1 p.m. Attorney Rhett Barke of Carbondale was appointed as hearing officer and city manager Gail West was appointed as clerk.
A drawing was held on December 26 to see what order names would be placed on the ballot. Tentatively they are as follows; it is possible a new drawing will have to be held in case the two candidates are deemed ineligible.
For mayor
1. Andrew Ball
2 . Michael Absher
3. Anthony Rinella
4. Angelo Hightower
For Commissioner
1. Steven Lore
2. John Monroe Barwick Jr
3. Jim Webb
4. Doug Patton
5. Donald K Holman
? Jason Powell
? John Stoecklin
8. John Goss
9. Rick Herring
10. Ed Killman
11. Chris Sheffler