Cesar Guerrero Defeats Will Co. Clerk, Name Will Be On April 1 Ballot

JOLIET — On Friday at 9 a. m., Will County Judge Victoria Breslan announced her decision in Will County's most controversial local election squabble heading into the April consolidated election. The judge ruled against Will County Clerk Annette Parker, who was represented in court by Assistant Will County State's Attorney Scott Pyles.

Judge Breslan announced that Cesar Guerrero, the outgoing Joliet City councilman, will have his name on the April 1 election ballot as the Democratic candidate for Joliet Township Supervisor. Parker wanted to keep Guerrero off on the ballot and only allow the Republican challenger's name to appear on the ballot.

"It is appropriate to grant the plaintiff's request (and) place Cesar Guerrero on the ballot for April 1st," the judge notified her courtroom on Friday.

On Friday, Jack Londigran issued a press release on behalf of Guerrero. “Voters have the right to a free and fair election. Today, that right was upheld,” Guerrero said in the press release. “We’re grateful for Judge Breslan’s decision today which ensures that the people of Joliet Township get to exercise their right to choose at the ballot box. I’m ready to get back to work and focus on the issues that matter to Joliet Township voters: effective government solutions to our community’s needs."

A copy of the judge's order is posted in the photos at the bottom of this Joliet Patch story.

During Thursday's courtroom hearing, Pyles argued that Guerrero's outstanding $6,500 fines were paid too late to the Illinois Board of Elections and that Guerrero should be ineligible to run for any offices in the April 1 election.

Guerrero filed a lawsuit this week seeking an emergency order from the judge in hopes of putting his name back on the election ballot after Parker removed his candidacy.

Guerrero was represented by Evergreen Park election lawyer Burt Odelson, who is regarded as one of the country's top lawyers on election law.