Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Cook County Clerk David Orr praised the decision of Circuit Court Judge Patrick T. Stanton that “Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Timothy Bradford’s unexpired term will be filled by the winner of the November election for his seat, and not by a political appointee.” The decision leaves the seat in the hands of the voters.
Mr. Bradford, 75, died on December 1, 2017, “the same day paperwork for the March primary was filed on his behalf for a fifth term as Rich Township Democratic Committeeman,” the Chicago Tribune reported at the time.
Clerk Orr’s full statement follows:
I am glad Circuit Court Judge Patrick T. Stanton ruled today in the interests of the voters in determining that Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Timothy Bradford’s unexpired term will be filled by the winner of the November election for his seat, and not by a political appointee.
It has always been my contention, as was affirmed by the State’s Attorney’s opinion, that following Commissioner Bradford’s untimely death last December, the remainder of his term should be filled by the winner of the November 6, 2018 election for the position.
More than 60,000 voters took considerable time and effort in April to find out how to vote for a write-in candidate and did so, correctly. Their dedication to the democratic process was incredibly impressive, and they will now be able to choose between two candidates on their ballot for that spot.
As Judge Stanton said in his ruling, “the public policy of Illinois is clear that an election is the preferred method of filling a prolonged vacancy in an elective office.”
Again, I am glad the court upheld my decision and democracy has been strengthened, giving the final choice to voters, which is where it should be.
David Orr,
Cook County Clerk
