Politics & Government

Alderman Mark Mulliner Recuses Himself From City's Electoral Board

Electoral Board hearing is scheduled for Monday to address a petition challenge in the 7th Ward race.

Elmhurst mayoral candidate and 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner has recused himself from participating in an Electoral Board Hearing scheduled for Monday, Jan. 7.

The hearing was called because Elmhurst resident Darlene Heslop is challenging the nominating petitions filed by 7th Ward incumbent candidate Pat Wagner.

In accordance with Illinois state statute, the city's Electoral Board is composed of the mayor, in this case interim Mayor Scott Levin, City Clerk Patty Spencer and the longest-serving member of the City Council.

The longest-serving member is 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner who, on Friday morning, let the clerk's office know he would not be participating in the proceedings.

"The hearing relates to a candidate that is running for alderman in the 7th Ward of the city of Elmhurst," Mulliner said in a prepared statement. "As the other duly elected alderman in the 7th Ward, I do not feel that I can fulfill my sworn duty as alderman for the constituents I have been elected to represent and at the same time sit in judgment fairly and impartially of who should be on the ballot for the Consolidated Election."

Mulliner said that while serving on the board might be allowed, "from an ethical standpoint, I believe I should, and thus will, avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest."

"Integrity, ethics and fairness are hallmarks of what I believe in while conducting the business of those I represent in public service," he said.

According to Illinois statute, the next in line for the spot on the Electoral Board is the alderman with the second longest tenure, 3rd Ward Alderman Michael Bram. Bram has been on Elmhurst City Council since 2001.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 209 N. York St.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here