Niles Trustee Weel Concedes Election To Palicki

After losing the Niles trustee race in the April 5 election by 18 votes, incumbent trustee Alan Weel thought there might have been enough irregular ballots to put his candidacy over the top.

But after the , a process in which it lets the candidates examine ballots, last week, Weel decided not to pursue the matter further.

"I just spoke to Rosemary (Palicki) and congratulated her and conceded the election to her," Weel said Monday. 

He chose not to pursue his other option, which would have been to bring a lawsuit challenging the results of the election.  He said he saw nothing in the discovery recount to make him think that would change the election outcome.

"It's time for the village to move on. I think the village is moving in the right direction, and I don't see that changing," Weel commented.

"I mentioned to the mayor that if there's a position he thinks I'd be a benefit to I'd consider it. But I'm not planning on anything right now."

Palicki said Weel was very gracious in conceding.

"I certainly understand why he felt (the recount) was necessary. It was a close vote and he needed to consider that," she said. "I thanked him for his service and I hope he'll continue to be involved.

"The whole process has been respectful and professional and I appreciate that."

Palicki, who was present at the county clerk's discovery recount, said there weren't a lot of errors or irregularities with the ballots.

She will take office at the May village board meeting, and, although she regularly attends village meetings, says she is studying hard to get up to speed. 

"I'm glad this is over with and I can focus on the best interests of the village," she said.