Objections Filed Against Two Candidates Seeking Seats on Elmhurst District 205 School Board

Elmhurst resident Darlene Heslop has filed objections against the nominating petitions of two Elmhurst District 205 School Board candidates. Those petition challenges will be heard by the district's Electoral Board during a special meeting at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the District 205 Administrative Building, 162 S. York Road.

Heslop is objecting to the nominating papers filed by candidates Emily Bastedo and current School Board President Jim Collins.

The agenda for the meeting on Friday is as follows:

• Call to order
• Identification and introduction of Election Board exhibits into record
• Consideration and adoption of rules of procedure
• Hearing on objections to Emily Bastedo's nomination papers
• Action or decision
• Hearing on objections to James Collins' nomination papers
• Action or decision
• Adjournment

According to Illinois Election Code, the School District's Electoral Board would be composed of the board president (Collins), board Secretary Shannon Ebner and the longest-serving member of the board, Susan DeRonne. Since Collins is being challenged, his position on the Electoral Board will be replaced by the member with the second-longest service, Maria Hirsch, who will serve as chairman.

Collins was elected to the School Board in 2009 and elected president last year. The terms of both DeRonne and Hirsch also are expiring this year, but they have chosen not to seek re-election.

In addition to Collins and Bastedo, Alan Brinkmeier and Margaret Harrell each are seeking one of the three open seats on the School Board.

This is Heslop's second round of petition challenges regarding the April 9 Consolidated Election. She also challenged the candidacy of 7th Ward Alderman Pat Wagner in his bid for re-election to Elmhurst City Council. That challenge was dismissed Monday on the grounds that Heslop does not live in Wagner's ward.

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