Write-in candidates coming forward for Batavia election
By Linda Girardi For The Beacon-News February 5, 2013 1:32PM
Updated: March 7, 2013 6:36AM
The field of write-in candidates for the April 9 election in Batavia’s 7th Ward has widened.
The seat was left open on the ballot after no one filed nominating petitions by the December deadline. Alderman Dawn Tenuta decided not to seek a second term in office because of personal reasons.
“What got me into it is knowing my experience in marketing and social media can help to continue to promote smart development and rebuild the sales tax base that’s been eroded by the economy,” write-in candidate Drew McFadden said Tuesday.
McFadden, 43, owns WindMill Next, an Internet marketing services and consulting firm.
“With some of that background, I can improve communications between residents of the 7th Ward and promote the benefits of raising a family and doing business in Batavia. I would like to be able to tell the story better,” he said.
McFadden, who filed Jan. 31, said he relocated his family to Batavia from Elmhurst six years ago because of the family atmosphere, schools and small town feel it has to offer. He lives on Twin Elms Lane.
Pat Purcell, of Wolcott Lane, is the most recent candidate, filing on Feb. 1. Attempts to contact her were unsuccessful.
Steve Holland, who declined to be interviewed, was the first candidate to file as a write-in on Jan 28.
According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the state refused to renew Holland’s real estate broker license in November 2012 “due to his failure to perform on a guaranteed sales plan and engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.”
The deadline to file as a write-in is Thursday.
