Alex Young filed complaint challenging validity of nomination papers

BY KEVIN BONESKE

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

This spring’s race for Rhinelander mayor is now down to one candidate on the ballot after the only candidate whose name will be able to appear filed a complaint about the nomination papers of the other two candidates.

A press release issued Thursday from city clerk Val Foley noted Alex Young filed objections to the candidacy papers of Chris Frederickson and Scott Counter. Young alleged many of their nomination papers were invalid because of a provision in state law related to individual signatures not being able to be counted if the signatures are dated after the date of certification contained in the certificate of the person circulating the papers.

Foley informed Frederickson and Counter in memos sent to both of them that because of errors in the circulation date on the “Certification of the Circulator,” they have less than the minimum required 50 signatures and consequently their names won’t appear on the ballot.

A primary would be required for mayor Feb. 20 with three or more candidates allowed on the ballot. With Young being the only candidate on the ballot for mayor, his name would be the only one appearing for the April 3 spring general election. In the event Frederickson and Counter would continue to be denied a place on the ballot, they could still run for mayor as write-in candidates for the general election.

When Young was contacted for comment Friday afternoon, he issued a brief statement via email.

“I take everything I do for the city seriously,” said Young, presently the District 6 alderman. “I have always worked hard to understand the details and do things right, and I think we should expect that from a mayor.”

When Frederickson was reached by phone Friday afternoon, he said he is fighting to get his name placed on the ballot.

Counter did not immediately return a phone call when contacted for comment Friday afternoon.

Young, Frederickson and Counter all circulated nomination papers to run for mayor in their bids to replace Dick Johns, who is not seeking another four-year term.