McHenry County, Illinois (ECWd) –
A petition objection was filed today in McHenry County objecting to the petitions of McHenry County Sheriff Candidate Antonio “Tony” Colatorti.
The objection alleged Colatorti has not obtained the required training certificate, did not file such a certificate, and falsely swore he was eligible for the office of Sheriff.
From among the objection:
- Calatorti failed to file a “certificate attesting to his or her successful completion of the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers 1 raining Course as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or a substantially similar training program of another state or the federal government” as required under Section 3-6001.5 of the Election Code. This is a new requirement, passed several years ago, but did not apply until this upcoming election.
- In fact, the Candidate has no such certificate because he has never completed the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course or a substantially similar training program of another state or the federal government
- the Candidate falsely swore under oath in his Statement of Candidacy in the present tense that he is legally qualified to hold such office, by attesting:
- “I, Antonio “Tony” Colatorti (Name of Candidate) being first duly sworn (or affirmed), say … that I am a candidate for Nomination/Election to the office of McHenry County Sheriff . . . that I am legally qualified (including being the holder of any license that may be an eligibility requirement for the office to which I seek the nomination) to hold such office … . ” Candidate’s Statement of Candidacy (emphasis on “Nomination” omitted).
- On or about May 20, 1999, the Candidate received a certificate for “Law Enforcement Officer Part-Time” from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. 50 ILCS 705/8.2. However, that certification is not the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board required for the Office the Candidate is seeking. 50 ILCS 705/8.1.
- The Candidate’s Statement of Candidacy is false and invalid, and he is ineligible for the office of McHenry County Sheriff.
6 Comments
somedood
Posted at 21:49h, 13 AprilThis requirement will almost certainly fail a constitutional challenge. Logically the training requirement is similar to requiring a candidate to pass a test, own property, or be a man.
We don’t require candidates for other public office to be trained in any special way to run for office. It may sound like a great idea at first, but look back at how such requirements historical go and I think most people will realize that such qualifications ultimately end up being bad for society.
John Kraft
Posted at 10:38h, 14 AprilYes, we do. Look at the requirements for a County Supervisor of Assessments.
Kirk Allen
Posted at 11:50h, 14 AprilAdditionally, the constitution permits the legislature to make such a provision in the law so it appears it WOULD pass such a challenge. The question now is how can a person become qualified if the police academies are not open to the general public but rather through sponsorship from a police department. That we believe is wrong and should be challenged.
SITBD
Posted at 15:30h, 22 MarchHe’s qualified!
Kathiann
Posted at 19:58h, 21 MarchWhite County had an objection filed today too for the supervisor of assessments position. The Democrat candidate failed to file a pre election certificate that was required for filing for that office..
John Weaver
Posted at 16:00h, 21 MarchIt is important for Canidates to be qualified for the office.