Update: No Primary for District 12 Aldermanic Race
Erik Rhine, who filed nomination papers Tuesday, does not live in district.
A political hopeful who filed nomination papers to run in the District 12 aldermanic race on Tuesday will not be on the ballot because he does not live in the district, according to City Clerk/Treasurer Tom Neill.
Erik Rhine does not live in the district because new aldermanic district boundaries went into affect on Jan. 1. The redistricting has placed him in another district.
As a result, there will be no February primary, according to Neill.
Incumbent Alderman Rick Hastings, who was appointed in 2011, faces a challenger in Ron Kading.
Rhine said he first learned about the error on Wednesday. While the clerk’s office apologized to him, he said he is disappointed by the outcome and wished for more transparency in the process.
“Because there is no mapping available, I wouldn’t have known as a normal citizen that I was no longer in District 12,” Rhine said.
The problem was discovered, Rhine said, when the clerk’s office was checking his nomination signatures. Several of the neighbors who signed it also had switched districts, which threw up red flags into his candidacy.
“When they double checked my address, they actually found out that I live in District 7,” Rhine said.
Rhine is not sure if he will make another bid for alderman. However, he plans to use his time volunteering for local charities and political organizations.
In a news release Rhine e-mailed to media outlets, he endorsed Kading as a candidate.
Steve
4:46 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012
So, since the current district 12 candidate was appointed, and much of the district changed to district 7 (not up until 2014), the people in the new ward won't get a vote on alderman for 5 straight years when a single term is only 3 years. That doesn't seem very democratic!
Ron Kading
5:19 am on Thursday, January 5, 2012
Needless to say, my campaign committee and myself were stunned at the turn of events. I personally feel bad for Erik as I know the hard work that goes into running for public office. All of us thank him for wanting to get involved in our City. Hats off to a fine young man. I would encourage him to keep active and stay informed and his chance will come in the future. I thank him for his endorsement.