Neumann seeks place on November ballot

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PRINCETON — Bureau County Circuit Clerk Laurie Abrahams, a Democrat, may face a challenger in her bid for re-election ... or maybe not.

On Tuesday, Barry Welbers, chairman of the Bureau County Republican Central Committee, confirmed former Manlius Mayor Jerry Neumann, now of Princeton, has been slated by the committee to fill the vacancy on the November ballot for the office of Bureau County Circuit Clerk. The vacancy was caused by the withdrawal in May of Jim Lilley of Wyanet as a candidate for the circuit clerk office.

However, Frank Mautino, chairman of the Bureau County Democratic Party, has filed an objection to Neumann’s name being placed on the November ballot, alleging the necessary paperwork and resolution were not filled out correctly.

Mautino says Neumann’s candidacy resolution fails to name former Republican candidate Jim Lilley and the date Lilley withdrew from the race. The resolution also does not include the date on which Neumann was selected. Plus, Neumann chose a Democratic ballot in the last primary, Mautino said.

In response, Welbers said he sees nowhere on the resolution where the Lilley information is required. All the blanks were filled in, Welbers said. The date of Neumann’s selection was included.

Welbers said Neumann presented his credentials to the Republican Central Committee on Aug. 28 and talked about his thoughts on running the circuit clerk office. Committee members in attendance voted unanimously for Neumann. There were also some call-in proxy votes for Neumann, Welbers said.

“He was impressive with his thoughts,” Welbers said. “We think the voters should have that opportunity to decide whom they want for circuit clerk.”

On Monday, Neumann was served with a notice to appear at a hearing before the Bureau County Electoral Board at 10 a.m. Friday at the Bureau County Courthouse.