Election flier passes free speech muster, Lake County board says

by Rich Bird Post-Tribune correspondent February 23, 2012 3:34PM

Edgar Corns and his wife, Darlene at their home in Lowell. Edgar, a retired farmer, has been designated as Fraternal MVP by the National Fraternal Congress of America for his volunteer work and charities. Photo by Scott R. Brandush for the Post-Tribune

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Updated: February 23, 2012 6:36PM

CROWN POINT — Citing the Constitutional First Amendment right to free speech, Lake County election officials tossed out a complaint stemming from a campaign flier that called Lowell Councilman Edgar Corns a “part-time” resident.

Corns — a Republican — filed the complaint against former Ward 5 Councilman David Gard, current Ward 1 Councilman Craig Earley and the South Lake County Democratic Precinct Organization.

Addressing the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration on Thursday, Corns pointed to the flier, which he called a “hate letter” paid for by the organization and approved by Gard and Earley. He said he was humiliated at the polls when confronted by people about the part-time residency charge.

“They have no proof of any of this,” Corns said. “It’s all lies. … This was sent through the U.S. Postal Service, and I don’t think that’s right.”

Speaking in his defense, Earley said that Corns occasionally spends time away from his residence, and that Corns spent between four and five weeks in Florida last year. He said the campaign strategy was an attempt to show voters that Corns may miss meetings or be away during an emergency.

GOP Elections Board member Patrick Gabrione questioned Earley on the strategy.

“So you think anyone who goes on vacation is a part-time resident? I recently went out of town for a couple days. Am I a part-time resident?” he said.

Earley responded no, and said he believes a “normal” family will vacation for one to two weeks.

County Clerk Mike Brown, made the motion to dismiss the complaint.

“In free speech, people are allowed to say what they feel. That’s what makes the country great.”

Ronna Lukasik-Rosenbaum, chairwoman of the South County Democratic Precinct Organization, said she was happy for the board’s unanimous vote.

“This was a waste of everyone’s time,” she said.

Original post:
Election flier passes free speech muster, Lake County board says