By Antonio D. French
Filed Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 2:41 PM
PUB DEF EXCLUSIVE
In the matter of whether the name of a candidate for alderman should be removed from the ballot less than two weeks before the election, the Election Board today opted to leave it up to to the courts.
As we reported yesterday, supporters of Alderman Frank Williamson (D-26th Ward) sent at letter to the Election Board claiming that his opponent in the March 6th primary, H. Lee Willis, was in violation of a state law which says no person's name can appear on the ballot if he or she is in arrears for any unpaid city taxes on the last day of filing for the office. Willis confirmed to Pub Def that he did owe $786.41 in real estate taxes and $59.49 in personal property taxes to the City.
Mary Wheeler-Jones, the Democratic Director of Elections for the City, said that since it is so close to Election Day — and if the Board did remove Willis' name from the ballot there would likely be a lawsuit filed and ultimately decided by the courts anyway — the Election Commissioners today decided to leave it up to Williamson to file a lawsuit to have a judge find that Willis does not meet the qualifications for the office.
When Pub Def reached Williamson by phone, he had not yet heard of the Commissioners' decision. After we told him what happened he said he would have to discuss with his legal team his next course of action.
In the matter of whether the name of a candidate for alderman should be removed from the ballot less than two weeks before the election, the Election Board today opted to leave it up to to the courts.
As we reported yesterday, supporters of Alderman Frank Williamson (D-26th Ward) sent at letter to the Election Board claiming that his opponent in the March 6th primary, H. Lee Willis, was in violation of a state law which says no person's name can appear on the ballot if he or she is in arrears for any unpaid city taxes on the last day of filing for the office. Willis confirmed to Pub Def that he did owe $786.41 in real estate taxes and $59.49 in personal property taxes to the City.Mary Wheeler-Jones, the Democratic Director of Elections for the City, said that since it is so close to Election Day — and if the Board did remove Willis' name from the ballot there would likely be a lawsuit filed and ultimately decided by the courts anyway — the Election Commissioners today decided to leave it up to Williamson to file a lawsuit to have a judge find that Willis does not meet the qualifications for the office.
When Pub Def reached Williamson by phone, he had not yet heard of the Commissioners' decision. After we told him what happened he said he would have to discuss with his legal team his next course of action.
Labels: 26th_Ward, Election_Board, Exclusive
9 Comments:
Just remember Williamson, God don't like ugly and that's just what you are. Why don't you focus on the issues. I spoke to Mr. Lee yesterday and said the taxes were paid. Mr. Lee hasn't said anything bad about you, I guess you're going to have to spend some more money if you want Mr. Lee gone. I think Mr. Lee needs to get a restrainting order against you because that seems to be your only next plan of action to get rid of him. You are a disgrace! Good Luck Mr. Lee and God does answer prayers.
2/22/2007 6:25 AM
The Board of Elections as usual is passing the buck instead of doing their job. What good is an Election Board if they don't administer the law. Don't pick on Williamson. He is not the one with the criminal record and is not the one who didn't pay his property and real estate taxes. How would you feel to have an alderman who don't follow the law, and an alderman whose taxes were paid by the public.
2/22/2007 9:35 AM
The Board of Elections was blindsided when the information at hand was presented to them. When you play with fire you get burned! The fact is very basic: one law superseded another. This information submitted by Williamson and/or his clan was looked upon as a very low blow and was not strong enough to hold Mr. Lee down! "How would we feel to have an Alderman who doesn't follow the law" (which is erroneous as it was based on a false assumption) OR How would we feel to have an Alderman whom actually cares about our community??? Whoever made such an unproven comment about the public paying Mr. Lee's taxes really needs not to let their mouth overload...what an absurd comment!
2/22/2007 10:23 AM
Dont you think its a problem if the BOE is blindsided by the very laws they're supposed to enforce?
And what "false assumption" are you talking about? Lee ADMITTED that he was delinquent on his taxes...
2/22/2007 9:01 PM
Frank Williamson is so consumed by Mr. Lee that he has yet to speak on any issues pertaining to his ward. As a new resident of this ward I find Mr. Lee to be very dynamic with a solid plan for this ward which is very much needed. Haven't been here long but the present alderman is not impressive at all.
2/22/2007 9:13 PM
Of course the BOE should have caught this, however, if Williamson was confident that he was doing his job and that the citizens of the 26th ward were 100% behind him, he wouldn't of spent time and money to dig up dirt. Yes, Mr. Lee did admit on being behind on his taxes, does that make one a dispicable person? Perhaps the history of politics in Mo should be evaluated since Lee is not the first candidate in a political race who's taxes were not up to date.
The "false assumptions" that was mentioned was pointing towards him being a convicted felon. From what I've incurred Mr. Lee took the blame for someone elses actions. Lee geniunly cares about people and would put himself on the line for his people.
If Williamson ever had to really stand up for someone, he would put his tail between his legs and run. Mr. Lee is a strong voice for this community and we are with him all the way!
2/23/2007 8:10 AM
When candidates file, they swear that they meet the legal requirements to do so. The Board of Elections cannot investigate the background of every candidate who files to make sure that he/she is not lying.
Also, if you were a candidate, would you want the Board of Elections to remove you from the ballot without a hearing, basing their decision solely on documents provided by your opponent's allies?
2/23/2007 9:34 AM
It's simple people if you don't know him or like either one just don't vote, but who are we to judge anyone. I'm sure many of you haven't paid your taxes yet and who hasn't bounce a check and if you haven't good for you. I must say I've seen Lee alot more than I've seen Williamson. Lee has a lot to offer and I think we should give the man a chance. Lee keep on trucking, no one said it would be easy and I think you knew that.
2/23/2007 6:04 PM
I be so glad when this election is over and may the best man win!!!!
2/23/2007 6:13 PM
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