Volunteers investigating one of the closest elections in area history have chronicled ballot irregularities to try to convince a judge that every vote cast in the Sangamon County recorder’s race should be recounted.
With more than 100,000 votes cast, Republican challenger Frank Lesko edged out Democratic incumbent Josh Langfelder by a mere 31 votes.
“What’s amazing is what you see on ballots,” Langfelder said. “You have coffee stains all over ballots. Or you have people who’ve colored in various colors on the ballot. Or you might have people who, instead of filling in the oval, they just kind of did a dash on the ballot or (put) a checkmark or an X.”
Such anomalies could interfere with the machines that count the ballots. And just a few ballots not being counted properly could make the difference in such a close race.
“I can tell you I have great confidence in the accuracy of our tabulation equipment. It’s brand- new, modernized and state-of-the-art equipment,” said Republican County Clerk Don Gray, whose office is responsible for administering elections.
But Langfelder was less sanguine. “This has really opened my eyes on the election process and the behind the scenes on the processing of the ballots,” Langfelder said. “It has been a tedious process,” he said.
State law is clear as to what needs to be done if a losing candidate wants to have a recount.
“Statute allows the losing candidates to review 25% of the jurisdictions. So, for Sangamon County, with 166 precincts, that’s 41 precincts (Langfelder) was able to select,” Gray said. “In his petition, he selected the 41 precincts. We’ve pulled together the materials related to that, and it was basically everything and the kitchen sink in terms of review and what we do in election administration.”
Once the initial review of the ballots cast in those 41 precincts is completed, Langfelder may choose to present the evidence to a circuit judge and request that every ballot cast in Sangamon County be recounted, Gray said.
Langfelder said he has until Dec. 26 to make such a request in court.
In the meantime, Lesko appears to be hedging his bets by assuming the position of county recorder as of Dec. 2 but not vacating his Springfield city clerk post, which he held when he ran for the new office.
At a Dec. 3 Springfield City Council meeting, Lesko said that he has held off on resigning from the clerk’s spot because he is concerned a recount might go against him and he would become unemployed.
“Let the process get to its completion. At that point, I will resign the seat, as I have intended from the very beginning,” he said in response to questions from several council members who asked why he was not stepping down.
Ward 4 Ald. Rockford said, “I don’t understand how this works… You take an oath as a city official to fulfill your obligation, then you go over to the county and take another oath.”
Rockford said he had met with corporation counsel Greg Moredock, who also addressed the council, explaining that there was nothing that would legally prohibit Lesko from holding both positions.
“Our city code and our consent decree do not define what creates a vacancy for the seat of an elected official,” Moredock said. “I do not believe that the election was a disqualifying event for the office of city clerk… there’s been no determination that the offices are incompatible.”
The discussion became contentious at times, with Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory addressing Lesko directly with his concerns.
“For the people – county and city – they need 100%… not 50% here and 50% on the county side,” Gregory said. He noted the city was preparing for budget season and that he wanted the clerk position filled as quickly as possible. “You hindering us, bro.”
In response, Lesko told the council, “I challenge anybody to qualify anything that hasn’t been done in the city clerk’s office. That office has been covered.”
Lesko did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Illinois Times.
Although Lesko has not quit the city clerk job, there are already people posturing to be appointed to the post, which pays $89,685 annually. One of them is Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath, who told IT that he has informed Mayor Misty Buscher that he is interested in the job.
Redpath was one of the 10 original city council members when Springfield converted to an aldermanic form of government in 1987. He represented Ward 4 for 20 years before the creation of term limits kept him from running for reelection in 2007. However, the term limit ordinance only prohibits serving more than three consecutive terms, so he was able to rejoin the City Council in 2015. Redpath’s third term representing Ward 1 would conclude in 2027.
Redpath said if the position does become vacant, the City Council would make the decision on who would fill the post. Nominations would come from aldermen and the council, along with the mayor, would vote on the replacement, he said.
Langfelder has filed a complaint, which is pending, with the Illinois State Board of Elections against both Lesko and the Sangamon County Evening Republican Club. A preliminary hearing was held Dec. 10, but Langfelder said he was told a decision could not be issued until January to give the group time to file the required disclosures. Langfelder said he has been offered the opportunity to come back on Jan. 22 to present his case.
During the final weeks of the election, television ads attacking Langfelder ran and they were labeled as being paid for by the Sangamon County Evening Republican Club. But Langfelder told IT that doesn’t reveal what people were funneling their money into the club to pay for the advertisements.
Related
Frank Vala helped fund recorder’s race
Langfelder said records on file at the State Board of Elections showed the Evening Republican Club had a little more than $900 in the bank. He contends the club did not comply with the law in disclosing its donors who indirectly paid for the ads, which cost much more than that.
Local businessman Frank Valla told IT he donated $40,000 toward defeating Langfelder. But that donation did not appear on the Evening Republican Club campaign donation disclosure form. Claudio Pecori, president of club, has said he was unaware that his organization did not file the necessary financial notifications but added the club’s treasurer position has been in a state of transition.
“I’m just saying these people need to comply with the law,” Langfelder said.
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Langfelder versus Lesko
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Not since Bush v. Gore has an election been this exciting! If only I could be in the room while Langfelder searches for ballots to disqualify.
Langfelder is going to have a lot of trouble finding Republican ballots to throw out, through. His constituents (democrats) are likely the ones who are spilling coffee on the ballots and marking them with crayons.
The city council democrats have been behaving shamefully on this issue. Looking for any little loophole to kick him out of his job before the election is fully settled.
Surely, Alderman Gregory has had plenty of time to compile a list of the ways that Mr. Lesko is “hindering” the city, no?
If Mr. Lesko resigns from his job and then loses the recount, leaving him unemployed, that would make the city council democrats HAPPY. Their goal is not to govern responsibly according to standards and morals. Their only standards are to help their political allies and to hurt republicans.
If Mr. Lesko weren’t performing his duties properly they would actually bring that up with examples. But they don’t, because they can’t. They look for dumb loopholes. Grasping at straws. “Call the attorney general!”
I think Mr. Lesko should not only not resign but he should start drawing two salaries, if he’s allowed by law to do that. The democrats attacking him will give him no credit for refusing the county salary – so just take both.
I’m happy to see that Mr. Lesko appears to be holding firm. He understands that he’s being attacked by political losers and that he’s not doing anything wrong.
The guy who ran on firing himself is now worried about unemployment irony!
Hes a bold face liar.
When will vala be asked about the years of continuous max donations hes made to Don Gray, who has never had an opponent for county clerk? Whats Vala paying for?
Hi T,
You wrote, “Whats Vala paying for?”
He’s paying for delicious Langfelder tears. Right now his cup is overflowing with them.
Legitimate question for Burger Addict or whoever wants to answer it, where does the disdain for the Langfelders come from? I’ve met both brothers and several relatives, and honestly don’t get where the hatred and distaste stems from. I’ve also researched the claims I’ve seen and haven’t found a single one that’s checked out. Disliking a politician due to fact-based reasoning is understandable, but the baseless, blind dislike due to political party lines is such an antiquated way of thinking.
As a taxpayer and someone in the younger generation of Springfield residents, the lack of respect for the democratic process, taxpayer dollars, and law is terrifying for our community and disheartening.
Hi John Smith,
You wrote, “Legitimate question for Burger Addict or whoever wants to answer it, where does the disdain for the Langfelders come from? Ive met both brothers and several relatives, and honestly dont get where the hatred and distaste stems from.”
I don’t personally know any of the parties. But according to this publication, former Mayor Langfelder tried to get Vala kicked out of some job at the Springfield airport. Only Mr. Vala can fully answer that question.
You also wrote, “Disliking a politician due to fact-based reasoning is understandable, but the baseless, blind dislike due to political party lines is such an antiquated way of thinking.”
Actually, bipartisanship is the antiquated way of thinking because democrats abandoned bipartisianship years ago. Today, democrats care only about raw political power and achieving their marxist goals. They don’t have fact-based reasoning for anything and they have no moral standards.
Republicans are finally starting to figure out that they need to play the same game that the democrats play if they want to actually win.
You also wrote, “As a taxpayer and someone in the younger generation of Springfield residents, the lack of respect for the democratic process, taxpayer dollars, and law is terrifying for our community and disheartening.”
It’s funny you say that because according to Mr. Lesko, all he wants to do is wait until the recount is finished before he resigns his position as city clerk. So he is waiting for, as you say, the democratic process to play out. Meanwhile, the city council democrats are sniveling and trying to get him kicked out of his job before the democratic process fully plays out, so if he loses the recount he will have no employment at all.
You should be terrified and disheartened by the democrats, not Mr. Lesko.
The irony of Burger Boy accusing Langfelder of “looking for ballots to disqualify” while he typed out his long winded baseless comment wearing his matching MAGA hat and stop the steal shirt is incredible. So blinded by hyper-partisanism that he can’t even comprehend the hypocrisy and irony of his comments.
Hi Arthur Dunkin,
You wrote, “The irony of Burger Boy accusing Langfelder of “looking for ballots to disqualify” while he typed out his long winded baseless comment wearing his matching MAGA hat and stop the steal shirt is incredible. So blinded by hyper-partisanism that he can’t even comprehend the hypocrisy and irony of his comments.”
I have no problem with any candidate asking for a recount in an election, especially one that was decided by such a minuscule margin. Mr. Langfelder is doing the right thing. And of course he would seek to disqualify any republican ballot which was filled out incorrectly or compromised in some way. Why wouldn’t he? He only needs 32 votes.
What is disgusting to me is not the recount, it’s the behavior of city council democrats who are trying to kick Mr. Lesko out of his current position before the recount is finished. They want any republican scalp that they can get. The reason doesn’t matter.
My presumption is because Lesko took a second oath of office for a second full time position (Recorder). Both the city clerk’s office and the county recorder’s office are service offices available to taxpayers and both have the same hours of operations but at different locations and for different municipalities. Given that fact, how can Lesko carry out both at the same time and not be violating at least one oath (if not both oaths)?
To T Why are you so obsessed with trying to prevent me from exercising my constitutional right to support and vote for any candidate of my choosing? You seem to have a loser attitude. Am I the only person who has donated money to candidates or have you failed to read the State Board of Election reports containing donors and how much they have spent to support a candidate, or could it be that you are a Langfelder hiding under a fake name. If you had real concern, why aren’t you asking Josh Langfelder’s brother-in-law (Larry Rockford) why he is wasting City Council time trying to interfere in a matter that he has no legal right to interfere. To paraphrase Mr. Rockford why doesn’t he tell his brother-in-law to do what is morally right and concede the election?
Hi Arthur Dunkin,
You wrote, “My presumption is because Lesko took a second oath of office for a second full time position (Recorder). Both the city clerk’s office and the county recorder’s office are service offices available to taxpayers and both have the same hours of operations but at different locations and for different municipalities. Given that fact, how can Lesko carry out both at the same time and not be violating at least one oath (if not both oaths)?”
The council members who are attacking Mr. Lesko are not accusing him of failing to properly fulfill his duties. They are searching for a technicality in order to kick him out. It’s desperate and sad and purely political.
During Alderman Gregory’s juvenile anger outburst at a previous meeting, Mr. Lesko asked the city council to name one way in which he was not fulfilling his duties and accomplishing the tasks he is assigned. Nobody had an answer to that question then, and they still don’t.
Alderman Williams asked the corporation counsel to seek help from the Attorney General to kick him out. He didn’t seem to understand corporation counsel’s response that the state Attorney General won’t intervene in municipal disputes.
Alderwoman Notoriano asked the corporation counsel if holding two “full time” positions was a loophole they could use to kick him out. As if the majority of city council members don’t have two jobs. But democrats do have trouble looking in the mirror.
Previously, city council members were complaining that being a city council member is a full-time job with part-time pay. Now that they are attacking Mr. Lesko, their city council jobs are all of a sudden only part-time and it’s fine for THEM to have a second job.
Absolutely nobody has named one instance in which Mr. Lesko has failed to fulfill his duties. Mr. Lesko mentioned in one meeting that he had stayed in his office until 10PM the night before to complete his work.
The city council democrats are grasping at straws because they can’t actually attack him for failing to fulfill his duties.
You say “how can he do both jobs?” but NOBODY who is attacking him is presenting a single piece of evidence showing that he is not doing both jobs.
The simple answer is because he took 2 oaths for 2 different offices and to fulfill the duties of each office. Like I said and the alderman have pointed out, he cant be in two places at once. Youre not fulfilling the oath if youre not in the clerks office because youre down the street at the recorders office and vice versa..
If this were a democrat pulling this kind of charade, youd be on this page going on a rampage about democrats being corrupt and abusing the system for their own gain. But as you even admitted, you hope Lesko draws 2 salaries if allowed. Dont worry, its not, but if left unchecked by the council, taxpayers will be paying 2 salaries and double pension benefits to a guy running an entire campaign on saving taxpayers money. The irony of the entire situation and individuals like you defending Lesko is baffling.
Frank, with all due respect, I’m pretty sure it is very much in the city council’s right and the alderman on the council to ask for clarity on what appears to be a very obvious case of double dipping by Lesko. The city is paying him a full time salary for him to be in the clerks office half the time. This is on taxpayers dime.
Given the fact that you funded his campaign and have also been pouring money to Don Gray, who just so happens to oversee the elections in sangamon county, I could see why you would just want Josh Langfelder to concede and all of this to just go away. But I think it’s only fair to all of those who voted in this close election to let the process play out, which is within Langfelder’s right to pursue a discovery recount under state law.
Thanks for the response, Burger Addict.
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. I don’t agree with nor do I identify as a member of either political party. I do believe in right and wrong. Taking an oath of office and salaries for two, full-time political offices is wrong, regardless of who it is or his/her political affiliation. These are both customer-facing offices with full-time staffs and conflicting, daytime hours. No one is capable of 100% fulfilling the responsibilities of both offices and the 80+ required/paid hours weekly while providing the care and services taxpayers deserve.
With any election, there is a winner and a loser. The issue is with Lesko taking the oath of office without resigning from his other taxpayer-funded position. The Attorney General determined City Clerk to be incompatible with County Board Member, which is only a part-time position. If he’s unable to hold the office of City Clerk and a County Board seat, why would a full-time County position be acceptable? Both entities are now setting the precedent that employees can work two full-time positions without repercussions. It wouldn’t be allowed for any other employee, so why is it allowed for Lesko? It’s been reported that his Deputy Clerk is also splitting her hours between the two offices, so where do we draw the line? Republican or Democrat, enough is enough.
As for the appointment of a new City Clerk, if and when Lesko resigns, a special election should be held. The City Council robbing residents of this right is yet another overreach by leadership in this town. Hopefully whoever is appointed is someone who cares enough to at least stick around for the entirety of the City Council meetings and doesn’t spend half of their limited time there in the bathroom.
Hi Arthur Dunkin,
You wrote, “The simple answer is because he took 2 oaths for 2 different offices and to fulfill the duties of each office. Like I said and the alderman have pointed out, he cant be in two places at once. Youre not fulfilling the oath if youre not in the clerks office because youre down the street at the recorders office and vice versa..”
He obviously can fulfill both duties because he’s doing it right now. The democrats who are attacking him have not presented one piece of evidence that he’s not doing both jobs.
Do you know how salary works? Mr. Lesko does not walk into his office and punch a time clock. He is not paid by the hour. He has certain tasks to accomplish and precisely when he accomplishes them does not matter.
I don’t know what his hour-by-hour during a work day looks like. Neither do you. I also don’t care. You are grasping at straws, just like the city council, because of your hatred for republicans, not because Mr. Lesko has done something wrong.
You also wrote, “If this were a democrat pulling this kind of charade, youd be on this page going on a rampage about democrats being corrupt and abusing the system for their own gain.”
If a democrat were in Mr. Lesko’s position, the story wouldn’t even be written, because there is zero evidence Mr. Lesko has done anything wrong. This publication is just as political as the democrats attacking Mr. Lesko. Democrats don’t go on witch hunts against other democrats. The witch hunts are exclusively against republicans.
But you can call me a hypocrite all you want – it falls on deaf ears. I’ve been called every name in the book by democrats. They have no moral foundation and all they care about raw power. So your insults are meaningless to me.
The democrats play as dirty as they want to and so republicans should fight as hard as they can while maintaining their morals, and then govern morally when they win. Governing morally is something democrats are incapable of.
You also wrote, “But as you even admitted, you hope Lesko draws 2 salaries if allowed. Dont worry, it’s not, but if left unchecked by the council, taxpayers will be paying 2 salaries and double pension benefits to a guy running an entire campaign on saving taxpayers money.”
Yes, cashing two paychecks is not morally wrong if you have two jobs. By refusing the county salary, he’s attempting to operate well above the acceptable level of conduct like most republicans usually do. But he shouldn’t be so graceful toward people who will demonize him no matter what.
Like the city council democrats, you are willfully ignoring the fact that he’s going to resign as soon as the recount is completed and he’s officially declared the winner which is obviously the right thing to do.
I love when democrats play stupid. They can’t help but display their total lack of a moral compass.
To all, Never did I say that Lesko should take two salaries, and I strongly believe that HE IS NOT taking two salaries, prove me wrong and will say I am sorry. Second point is where in the laws concerning elected officials does it say they must work 40 hours a week. The most visible fact that 40-hour work week is required or not is the example that the highest elected official (JOE BEDEN) certainly did not work 40 hours a week
Hi John Smith,
You wrote, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
That’s a nice sounding phrase but it’s utterly meaningless in today’s political climate. If anything, that phrase is actually underhanded and devious when presented by a democrat because democrats won’t just poke out my eyes – they will throw me in jail and celebrate if I’m shot dead in the middle of NYC – all because I’m their political opponent. Democrats have no moral compass whatsoever so I don’t need to hear them quoting moral catchphrases.
You wrote, “I do believe in right and wrong. Taking an oath of office and salaries for two, full-time political offices is wrong, regardless of who it is or his/her political affiliation.”
That’s absolute nonsense. There is NOTHING wrong with having two jobs. Mr. Lesko is only collecting one paycheck, but he should collect both. Most members of the city council have two jobs, including some of the people attacking Mr. Lesko.
However, it would certainly be morally wrong to collect a salary from your job without actually doing the job. But the city council democrats attacking Mr. Lesko have not presented any evidence that Mr. Lesko is not doing his job. They would present evidence Mr. Lesko failing his duties if they had such evidence. They don’t.
You wrote, “These are both customer-facing offices with full-time staffs and conflicting, daytime hours. No one is capable of 100% fulfilling the responsibilities of both offices and the 80+ required/paid hours weekly while providing the care and services taxpayers deserve.”
If nobody is capable of holding two full time elected positions, then why haven’t the democrats attacking him shown any evidence that he’s not fulfilling his duties? It should be really easy to prove if he is failing if NOBODY is capable of holding two jobs. Instead, they are trying to get him on some type of technicality. “Please Mr. Attorney General, swoop in and punish the republican for us because we can’t!”
You wrote, “The issue is with Lesko taking the oath of office without resigning from his other taxpayer-funded position.”
No, the issue is that he defeated a well-connected local democrat in an election. So the local democrats released the hell that lives within them and are conducting a witch hunt. The fact that Mr. Vala is also being targeted proves it’s a witch hunt. His great sin is donating to a republican.
You wrote, “The Attorney General determined City Clerk to be incompatible with County Board Member, which is only a part-time position. If he’s unable to hold the office of City Clerk and a County Board seat, why would a full-time County position be acceptable?”
It’s acceptable because there’s nothing in the law that says he can’t do it and it’s not morally wrong. The democrats not liking it doesn’t make it un acceptable.
You wrote, “As for the appointment of a new City Clerk, if and when Lesko resigns, a special election should be held. The City Council robbing residents of this right is yet another overreach by leadership in this town.”
For democrats, following the law is an offense against them when the law doesn’t work in their favor. They love the law when it works for them and they hate the law when it works against them. When a republican gets to appoint, of course they want a special election instead.
Frank Lesko did not respond with a comment. Obviously he was busy doing both jobs which is different from his reputation of not working. Doing 50% in both jobs is more than taxpayers have ever gotten from Lesko. Next thing he will be saying is he is over worked and underpaid.
Burger Addict,
I don’t know how much clearer I can state that I’m not a Democrat. Your mindset is exactly why I choose not to affiliate with either party, you all operate in black and white. I care about people and the state of this community. I don’t care which party sits in positions of power, as long as they’re operating in the best interest of the citizens. I love that you play the Republicans are people with morals card though, apparently infidelity isn’t against your morals.
Both offices have publicly listed office hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., therefore he cannot be working both jobs and serving the people who put him in those positions. You continuously omit the fact that both of his positions are full time, not one part time and one full time like the comparisons you’re attempting to make. I don’t know how much more negligent one can be than not showing up during the hours they’re supposed to be available to the public they serve.
He IS collecting both salaries, federal law does not allow him to deny pay/the County not to pay him for time worked. I know people like Frank Lesko think they’re high and mighty in this town, but he’s not above the law and neither are the entities paying him. I’d be just as vocal if any other elected official were pulling the same stunt. It is wrong and taxpayers are the ones footing the bill for it.
John Smith Do the posted hours you state 8AM to 4:30 PM say the elected official has to be in that office during those hours and does your statement mean every elected official must be in their respective office during those hours?
Also I would like to know what federal law you are referring to stating that the elected official must be paid?
Lesko said he would resign when the discovery recount is concluded. Well it was announced on the radio that Josh Langfelder concluded the discovery recount today. If that’s the case is Lesko going to resign today?
Hi Taylor Sullivan,
You wrote, “Lesko said he would resign when the discovery recount is concluded. Well it was announced on the radio that Josh Langfelder concluded the discovery recount today. If that’s the case is Lesko going to resign today?”
When Lesko does resign, will you and the other democrats publicly apologize for attacking him on the internet?
UNLIKELY!
Hi John Smith,
You wrote, “I don’t know how much clearer I can state that I’m not a Democrat. Your mindset is exactly why I choose not to affiliate with either party, you all operate in black and white. I care about people and the state of this community. I don’t care which party sits in positions of power, as long as they’re operating in the best interest of the citizens.”
I don’t care what your political affiliation is. It’s obvious that you’re some kind of leftist whether or not you are a registered democrat. If you’re not a leftist, you are naive beyond belief if you don’t care whether democrats or republicans are in power.
You wrote, “I love that you play the Republicans are people with morals card though, apparently infidelity isn’t against your morals.”
Of course it is. Everyone knows that infidelity is wrong. Obviously republicans are much more moral than democrats. I could list 20 different ways that’s true but let’s not get too distracted from our local loser democrats who are showing their own lack of morals.
You wrote, “Both offices have publicly listed office hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., therefore he cannot be working both jobs and serving the people who put him in those positions. You continuously omit the fact that both of his positions are full time, not one part time and one full time like the comparisons you’re attempting to make. I don’t know how much more negligent one can be than not showing up during the hours they’re supposed to be available to the public they serve.”
I don’t care! Mr. Lesko could do BOTH JOBS from a LAPTOP AT HOME. I can only repeat, why don’t the aldermen who are attacking him present some evidence that he’s not completing his duties?
Also, stop pretending like government employees are feverishly working all day long. These people are bored out of their minds at work. Watch them walk around outside on their lunch breaks. You’ve never seen a more depressed group of people.
You wrote, “He IS collecting both salaries, federal law does not allow him to deny pay/the County not to pay him for time worked.”
You are correct that he is not allowed to be paid nothing. I think Donald Trump is technically paid $1 per year to be president. There are lots of arrangements he could make so that he doesn’t receive the money without violating federal law.
You wrote, “I know people like Frank Lesko think they’re high and mighty in this town, but he’s not above the law and neither are the entities paying him. I’d be just as vocal if any other elected official were pulling the same stunt. It is wrong and taxpayers are the ones footing the bill for it.”
This ridiculous paragraph has got me thinking. It’s so incredibly personal and absurd that I can only assume that you have some level of personal involvement with the situation.
@Burger Addict you said
When Lesko does resign, will you and the other democrats publicly apologize for attacking him on the internet?
UNLIKELY!
First Id consider myself an independent. But of course when someone voices their opinion and it goes against what you think, they are democrats. Im just commenting on a story and pointing out what Lesko said he was going to do once this discovery is concluded. But sounds like it hit a nerve with you to actually hold people, especially politicians, accountable for what they say. Dont bother to cut and paste my post. I know what I said. Maybe cut n paste what Lesko said because he doesnt remember and neither do you.
Hi Taylor Sullivan,
You wrote, “First I’d consider myself an independent. But of course when someone voices their opinion and it goes against what you think, they are democrats.”
Sounds like a duck, walks like a duck, says he’s a chicken. Ok, whatever you say. So I’m assuming that’s a “no” on your apology?
Burger addict
Can you explain to me why I would be apologizing for something that someone says they were going to do? Evidently you were one of those people that got everything they wanted by throwing a tantrum. I guess if it will make you happy and not throw a tantrum I will apologize if Lesko resigns. I’ll also get you some cheese with your whine.
Taylor Sullivan, just because some news person says the discovery is over does not mean it is over. No official announcement has been made yet by the election office and in case you didn’t hear Josh Langfelder tell the news media he has until December 26 to make a decision. That means he still has an opportunity to file with the circuit court asking for a full recount. So don’t be telling the world that Lesko should have resigned tonight when you don’t understand the process
Burger Addict,
There’s no need to quote what everyone wrote, we’re all capable of scrolling to previously posted comments for context.
You’re absolutely right, my personal involvement is I know members of the Langfelder family and they’re great people. Which is exactly why I posed my first question, the question you conveniently dodged.
The same could be said for you, you’re oddly defensive when it comes to Lesko. Lesko was hardly showing up for work when he had one job. Have you filed a FOIA request with his office? You’re lucky for even half of your request to be fulfilled. How about Council and COTW meetings? There are issues weekly with the accessibility, technology, signing up for public comment, etc. He refused to come into the office following the pandemic because he had a dream he got COVID. I will say, I’d rather listen to him stumble through the ordinances every other week than Redpath.
To Frank and anyone else defending Lesko keeping both positions- do you understand if a judge rules a full recount should be done the process could take up to a year to complete (if not longer)? Are you going to be fighting for this man to keep both jobs on taxpayers dime while the taxpayers ultimately end getting the short end of the stick because a lack of service? What about the members of the council who are backing him like the Mayor, who went as far as to file an ordinance to change the city code so that the Clerk could take a leave of absence and in that event, the records responsibility becomes that of the Mayors office- do they realize this process could go on for quite some time if a judge orders a full recount? There seems to be no plan except fight blindly for this man who blatantly lied to taxpayers about running for another job to save taxpayers money. The full recount for Macon County Sherriff lasted about 2 years and that was only 38,000 votes, this election has nearly 100,000 votes.
Authur Dunkin, I understand what the laws and the United States Constitution allows and that is the elected officials have the same rights as everybody else in the United States. If you think you can be the judge and jury, try your best shot but remember Langfelder has no more special rights as Frank Lesko. We did not write the laws or the constitution but if America is to remain free then we should all abide by both of them. You, as an American can lobby to try to change the laws but right now we should respect and comply with them.
Remember it was the voters who felt that both Jim and Josh were not the best candidate, and they have spoken. As in the past, I will continue to support and help who I choose to support because that is my right under the Constitution. So, if the people who are accusing me, say I am the only one who can change an election I would suggest you get out of my way
Hi John Smith,
You wrote, “There’s no need to quote what everyone wrote, we’re all capable of scrolling to previously posted comments for context.”
Thanks for telling me how to write my posts, but I think I’ll do it my way because my way is far superior.
You also wrote, “You’re absolutely right, my personal involvement is I know members of the Langfelder family and they’re great people. Which is exactly why I posed my first question, the question you conveniently dodged.”
Thanks for not continuing the charade of being some disinterested 3rd party. I didn’t dodge your question. Unlike democrats, I answer questions which are asked of me. I don’t know any of the people involved in this non-troversy (unlike you) so I don’t know why this feud exists other than what’s been written in the Illinois Times.
You wrote, “The same could be said for you, you’re oddly defensive when it comes to Lesko.”
Nope, sorry. I’m a random nobody who is just interested in politics. I comment on most articles in which I can clown the democrat party because the democrat party is wicked.
You wrote, “Lesko was hardly showing up for work when he had one job. Have you filed a FOIA request with his office? You’re lucky for even half of your request to be fulfilled. How about Council and COTW meetings? There are issues weekly with the accessibility, technology, signing up for public comment, etc. He refused to come into the office following the pandemic because he had a dream he got COVID.”
Mr. Vala’s cup filled with Langfelder tears is overflowing again.
Hi Arthur Dunkin,
You wrote, “To Frank and anyone else defending Lesko keeping both positions- do you understand if a judge rules a full recount should be done the process could take up to a year to complete (if not longer)? Are you going to be fighting for this man to keep both jobs on taxpayers dime”
Sounds great to me. He should keep both jobs as long as it’s still annoying the democrats who are attacking him. From your mouth to God’s ears, may this recount take 2 years to complete!
Hi Taylor Sullivan,
You wrote, “Can you explain to me why I would be apologizing for something that someone says they were going to do?”
Mr. Lesko is owed an apology by you and every democrat who attacked him for this non-troversy because the attacks were outrageous and driven entirely by Mr. Langfelder’s hurt feelings about losing his election.
Mr. Vala is owed an apology as well, so don’t forget him.
Burger Addict,
Save any further responses for someone who cares about what you have to say. Typical Republican male, assuming the world values their small-minded insignificant opinions. If this is the mindset amongst you and your local pals, I’m glad I cut ties with the party. I hope you have the day and new year you deserve.
Burger Addict you said:
Mr. Lesko is owed an apology by you and every democrat who attacked him for this non-troversy because the attacks were outrageous and driven entirely by Mr. Langfelder’s hurt feelings about losing his election.
Mr. Vala is owed an apology as well, so don’t forget him.
First I’m not sure why you continue to say I’m a Democrat but that seems to once again be the way you respond to anyone who goes against what you say. Secondly I never attacked Mr Lesko, I just stated what he said in the paper. So holding someone accountable for what they say is not an attack.
Third owing Mr Vala an apology is weird since I have not mentioned him in my comments. Sounds like some egos are hurt and the only apology I give is that I’m independent and not kiss rings.
You also said “Nope, sorry. I’m a random nobody who is just interested in politics. I comment on most articles in which I can clown the democrat party because the democrat party is wicked.”
You are accurate there….a nobody. Way to back track.
Hi John Smith,
You wrote, “Save any further responses for someone who cares about what you have to say.”
I know you told me not to reply to you, but I hope you understand that when a democrat tells me not to do something, I feel a strong obligation to do exactly that thing.
You wrote, “Typical Republican male, assuming the world values their small-minded insignificant opinions. If this is the mindset amongst you and your local pals, I’m glad I cut ties with the party.”
WOW. I’ve been called deplorable, garbage, nazi, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynist, xenophobic, and a threat to democracy. But typical republican male…now that’s low.
You wrote, “I hope you have the day and new year you deserve.”
It will indeed be a great new year. Donald Trump will be the president! What could be better than that?! Four years of democrat meltdowns! Non-stop entertainment!
Hi Taylor Sullivan,
You wrote, “I never attacked Mr Lesko, I just stated what he said in the paper. So holding someone accountable for what they say is not an attack.”
That’s not true. This was your first comment on this article:
“Frank Lesko did not respond with a comment. Obviously he was busy doing both jobs which is different from his reputation of not working. Doing 50% in both jobs is more than taxpayers have ever gotten from Lesko. Next thing he will be saying is he is over worked and underpaid.”
You wrote, “Third owing Mr Vala an apology is weird since I have not mentioned him in my comments.”
That doesn’t matter, you owe him an apology on behalf of the democrats who you are siding with.
As soon as Mr. Lesko resigns I will be looking forward to your TWO apologies.
Burger addict
That’s not attacking that is stating facts. Once again I am not sure why I’ll be apologizing for lesko resigning. I think you live in a fantasy world. Good luck with that.