... wow. A convicted felon can get a FOID card, but he can't run for school board - how does that work?
Today in Judge Shore's courtroom, General Parker set out to fight for his right to run for the school board. Parker argued that he felt the State's Attorney brought this action to "intimidate, harass and cause him personal hardship".
Today the State's Attorney went to work on behalf of the people. It took two (2) judges; in two (2) courtrooms; and a two (2) hour trial to stop General Parker from "doing harm to the public by allowing them to vote for a person who can't hold office".
William Atkins, Lyons' chief Assistant State's Attorney, wanted it to be clear that the motivation of the State does not matter and for Parker to "claim other motivation muddies the issue". Atkins went on to say that the State's motivation is irrelevant and they have prosecutorial discretion. He told the judge they sought this action against Parker "on behalf of the public" - "nobody came forward to object, the State's Attorney had to do the right thing".
Several Parker supporters who were in the courtroom encouraged him to appeal. On appeal, Parker's case would go before the Third Distirct Appellate Court. Third District - isn't that where the Honorable Judge Mary McDade sits? It'll be interesting to see what she thinks about the lower Court's decision.