Monday, September 19, 2016

Fischer for Zion 2017

Back in Campaign Mode

Multitasking


I had the day off and I decided to walk over to City Hall in order to get a couple of miles of steps in, and to pick up a petition packet for the April 2017 Consolidated Election.

City offices are behind a security door, so you have to call the extension for the City Clerk to gain entrance. I dialed Diane Burkemper's extension, left a message, and then sat down to wait. Rich Ianson, the Director of Building and Zoning, came through the lobby, said hello, and let me know that Diane was out at the moment. So I called the extension for Sheryl Spooner, the Deputy Clerk, and told her I was there to pick up a nomination packet.  A few minutes later, she collected me from the lobby and took me back to the office.

I checked the packet to ensure all the necessary documents were included, and put my contact information on a notification list just in case any issues arise regarding the petition forms, or the filing process, so that the Clerk would be able to let me know.  Providing the information is voluntary, and sometimes it is useful to see who else has picked up a packet and get an early read on the competition. Except in this case, it seems I am the first on the list.  Sheryl was very helpful, and soon I was on my way home with my papers secured in a portfolio.

The Magic Number

If you have read some of my previous blog entries, you will know, that according to the Illinois statute, the required number of signatures to qualify as a candidate for the office of Commissioner is based on one percent of the total votes cast in the most recent Mayoral election in the municipality.
The formula: 2,197 Votes x 1% = 22
This is confirmed by the cover sheet for the packet, which lists the minimum signatures required as 22. I will probably collect between 30 to 40, just to give myself a safe margin.

The Calendar

 As of today, it is 197 days until the April 4, 2017 election.  September 20th, is the first day that petitions can be circulated, with the first day of filing on December 12th, and the last day on December 19th.  Voting by mail for this election starts March 13, 2017, followed by the start of early voting on March 20, 2017. Then, of course election day on April 4, 2017.

I will be making a formal announcement in the next couple of weeks and sending that off to the local paper. Also I am working on an updated platform to address a range of issues concerning the city and it's residents. If you are a registered voter, live in Zion, and would like to show your support by signing my petition, let me know and I will arrange to meet you. Or, if you like, you can find me at City Hall tomorrow evening attending the City Council meeting that starts at 7:00 pm.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Website updates are coming:  www.fischerforzion.com

If you have a concern of issue that you want to see addressed and discussed in this upcoming election, I want to hear it. Leave me a comment here, or email me directly at fischerforzion@gmail.com