No decision on Fountain County candidate

WILLIAMSPORT, Ind. (WLFI) - Democrat Sherri VanHook wants to be a Fountain County Commissioner in District Three. She ended up spending Thursday afternoon in a Warren County courtroom after she filed an appeal over the issue.

Warren County Circuit Judge John Rader won't have a decision until next Friday about whether or not VanHook can have her name on the November ballot.

The Fountain County election board is claiming VanHook didn't file her paperwork in time, which is why her candidacy was denied two votes to one earlier this year.

VanHook said she didn't receive a fair and bipartisan decision when she met with the election board in late July concerning the issue. She claimed it was a one-sided meeting.

"I felt that my concerns were not heard. Also, during the July 27th meeting with the election board, I was not able to cross-examine witnesses, therefore my concerns were not aired. It was a one-sided meeting," said VanHook.

Fountain County Circuit Court Clerk Patricia Gritten didn't want to speak on camera, but did tell News Channel 18 "it is what it is and we'll let the judge decide."

VanHook said she has no plans to sue the election board if she her name doesn't appear on the ballot.

"If that is the case, then it stops. And then I have learned a lesson. Some interesting research has been conducted. And I will know in four years what I need to do to get on the ballot," said VanHook when asked about what she would do if the judge denies her candidacy.

Next Wednesday, attorneys for both VanHook and the Fountain County Election Board are to turn in a summary of evidence presented during the hearing.

November ballots are due by September 13th in Fountain County. Judge Rader should have a decision around 10 a.m. next Friday on whether or not VanHook can appear on the ballot.