Geneva 5th Ward Seat Likely to Be Taken Off the April Ballot

In the wake of 5th Ward Alderman Ralph Dantino's passing on Presidents Day 2013, voters likely will not have a chance to decide who will fill his seat on the Geneva City Council.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns said Tuesday night that state law would require the 5th Ward seat to be filled by appointment for two years. Voters will have a chance to select a candidate for a two-year term in 2015.

Dantino was the only candidate who had filed for the four-year term that was to be decided by voters in the April 9 municipal election, and his name was the only one slated for the ballot.

His death came after the Feb. 7 deadline for write-in candidates to file with the Kane County Clerk's Office, Burns said.

"Right now, the city is focusing on mourning the loss of our friend and colleage, and we'll address the issues relative to the vacancy in due course," he said. "The process most likely wil be an invitation to interested citizens to seek an appointment for a two-year term. State law requires that an appointment be filled only until the next election, which is two years' hence."

Burns said he would recommend the City Council or subcommittee decide the appointment after April 9. The election includes a race for mayor, in which Burns faces off against TaxFACTS co-founder Bob McQuillan.

Burns said he wanted the appointment to be apolitical and that he would not be involved in the selection process, if re-elected.

"It's my preference that the city not act until after the election," he said."Alderman (Craig) Maladra, the senior alderman of the ward, will be involved and most likely take the lead."

Geneva Patch was unable to reach County Clerk Director of Elections Suzanne Fahnestock Wednesday morning to confirm the election process and determine whether Dantino's name still will appear on the ballot.