Highland Park's Mayoral Election: A City's Future Hinges on Write-in Candidates

Strategic Insights -

Despite only Councilwoman Glenda McDonald's name appearing on the November ballot, three write-in candidates - Carlton Clyburn, Jerry Massey, and Maurice Turner - have filed Declarations of Intent to run as write-ins for the mayor position in Highland Park. The candidates aim to tackle the city's pressing issues, including a $21 million water bill, public safety concerns, blight, and attracting revenue and businesses. Each candidate believes they possess the vision, passion, and experience necessary to guide Highland Park towards a brighter future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Highland Park City Clerk's Office reports that City Council President Carlton Clyburn, Jerry Massey, and Maurice Turner have filed Declarations of Intent to run as write-in candidates for the mayoral position.
  • The candidates aim to address the city's pressing issues, including a $21 million water bill, public safety concerns, blight, and attracting revenue and businesses.
  • Each candidate believes they possess the vision, passion, and experience necessary to guide Highland Park towards a brighter future.
  • Councilwoman Glenda McDonald, the lone candidate on the November ballot, has lived in Highland Park since 1971 and promises to bring the city back from financial difficulties, stating that she has a plan to move Highland Park forward.
  • Write-in candidate Carlton Clyburn, a fourth-generation Highland Parker, cites his experience as Council President and familiarity with the legislative process as qualifying him for the mayoral position.
  • Write-in candidate Maurice Turner, relatively new to Highland Park, sees his outsider perspective as a strength in addressing the city's challenges and issues.
  • The write-in candidates file Declarations of Intent to run by October 28, 4:00 p.m., with the General Election taking place on November 8.

Statistics:

  • $21 million: The amount owed by the city of Highland Park for their water bill.
  • 28 votes: The difference in votes between Mayor Hubert Yopp and Councilwoman Glenda McDonald in the 2019 mayoral election.
  • 10 years: The amount of time Council President Carlton Clyburn has worked for the city of Highland Park.
  • 9: The number of other candidates running for various offices in Highland Park who were also affected by the appeal court ruling on Clyburn's Affidavit of Identity.

Sources:

  • "Highland Park City Clerk's Office"
  • Donald James, " Highland Park's Mayoral Election: A City's Future Hinges on Write-in Candidates", Real Times Media