Would-be independent candidate out; 4 candidates appointed by parties
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Derek Reuter came up eight signatures short of being on November's ballot to run as an independent candidate for the Lafayette City Council.
Reuter entered the primary election to be a Democratic Party candidate last winter, but Tippecanoe County Chairwoman Jacque Chosnek challenged Reuter's candidacy because he has a felony conviction for possession of marijuana.
In February, the Tippecanoe County Election Board voted that, as per state law, Reuter's felony conviction prevents him from being a candidate in Indiana.
Reuter then started the steps to get his felony expunged, which was approved on June 9.
"Correspondence (about the expungement) ... was provided to J&C which if the story was ran, probably would of built trust and volunteer growth that would have locked in 8 more signatures," Reuters wrote Monday after asked for comment. "But I don't see anything positive out of local media for progressives, entertainment professionals, or outspoken advocates."
More: Democratic chairwoman files challenge candidate's eligibility
More: Reuter's candidacy denied by Tippecanoe Election Board; he claims 'electioneering'
Tippecanoe County Clerk Julie Roush said Reuter dropped off two batches of signatures. The first included many signatures from residents of West Lafayette. He needed signatures from people living inside Lafayette, and staff informed him of this.
When both batches of Reuter's signatures were tallied, he was short by eight.
Democratic and GOP parties slate candidates
The last week of June is the filing deadlines for party caucuses to slate candidates or for party chairs to — under certain circumstances — appoint candidates to the General Election ballot.
The Democratic Party slated Collin Lee to run for the 3rd District seat on the West Lafayette City Council and selected Laila Veidemanis to be a candidate for the 1st District seat on the West Side's council, Chosnek said Monday.
The Democratic party also slated Lori Stein Sabol, the incumbent, to be a candidate for West Lafayette City Court judge, Chosnek said.
The Republican caucus recently met and slated Pat Flannelly, former Lafayette police chief, and Brian Russell to run for the West Lafayette City Council at-large seats, Tippecanoe County Republican Chairman Tracy Brown said.
The two Republicans will run for three at-large seats, Brown said. The Democratic Party has three candidates who won the spring Primary Election vying for those spots, too.
This year's fall elections is when those living in municipalities elect their officeholders. Election Day is Nov. 7.
Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Would-be independent candidate out; 4 candidates appointed by parties
