North Liberty: Sides can't agree on run-off judge

North Liberty: Sides can't agree on run-off judge

I've been chicken on commenting re: the North Liberty election challenge. But I am going to pass along a few factoids.

The Press-Citizen headline today is

Sides can't agree on run-off judge

which is just wrong. The RECOUNT, which affected only the mayor's race, is done. There was no change on the numbers that came out of the machine; the panel interpreted three write-ins differently but that wasn't decisive.

What's going on now is the election is being CONTESTED which is a different breed of cat. It's two separate challenges - one for mayor, one for council - though the issues are similar. And, as noted, the two sides in each case can't agree on who to name as the neutral third party.

Meanwhile, the guys who won, er, got the most votes, want the council to hold off on a 200-acre housing subdivision - and other major development issues until this is sorted out. (It's worth noting that the previous mayor, a real estate developer, resigned in anticipation of conflict of interest questions.)

And while I won't stick my own neck too far out, here's County Supervisor (and former Democcratic Party chair) Rod Sullivan from his weekly e-mail newsletter yesterday:

I am concerned about recent comments and actions regarding the municipal elections in North Liberty. Run off elections were eliminated there in 1985. Since then, candidates need only get a plurality of the vote to be elected. Several former councilors (and at least one current councilor) would not have been able to be seated if a majority vote was required.

I am an unashamed booster of Johnson County Auditor Tom Slockett and his office. There is no question in my mind that this election was handled properly. People may not like the results, but to question the integrity of the Auditor's office is uncalled for. This is not blind faith; the Auditor's track record is excellent.

It is one thing to be disappointed following an election. Been there, done that. It is entirely another matter when you hire attorneys and call into question the integrity of the Commissioner of Elections.

The people of North Liberty have spoken, and they deserve better than they are getting. I hope this issue is resolved soon.