BELVIDERE - Former Belvidere Township Assessor Diann Helnore cannot challenge Supervisor Bill Robertson in the April 4 election for township supervisor, township officials ruled today.
A townhip electoral panel voted 3-0 to support Boone County Clerk Mary Steurer's Jan. 11 findings.
In a report to the board, Steurer said Helnore was eight shy of the required 244 valid signatures on her nominating petitions. She had a total of 304 signatures.
Helnore said she may appeal in Boone County Circuit Court.
"I just have to wait and see how that turns out," Robertson said. "I don't believe she deserves to be in office. Certainly, that's why I pursued this. I will make every effort to win the election if she ends up on the ballot."
The electoral board will meet at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to approve its written decision. Trustees on the electoral board are Richard Nelson, Judy Schabacker and Bob Turner. They did not want to explain their votes.
"I would rather not," Nelson said. "We're not done. I'm one of those that, when I play ball, (I) don't celebrate until you win the game."
Helnore, who is running as an independent, served as township assessor from 2010 to 2013. She said she decided to run a few weeks before the Dec. 19 deadline.
Susan Vela: 815-987-1392; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela
