In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around the status of the City Clerk position, currently held by Clark Lesko, who has also been declared the winner of the Sangamon County Recorder race. The council is grappling with the implications of Lesko holding two elected positions simultaneously, as a recount of the county election results is underway.

Alderman Williams raised concerns about the apparent conflict of having Lesko serve in both roles, questioning the legality and ethical implications of the situation. He sought clarification from corporate counsel on the definition of a vacancy and the process for appointing a new city clerk. According to the counsel, a vacancy can only be declared under specific circumstances such as resignation, death, or if an election is declared void. Currently, no such vacancy exists as Lesko has not resigned from his city clerk position.

The council debated the timeline and potential outcomes of the ongoing recount, with some members advocating for patience until the process concludes. Alderman Rockford emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the compatibility of the two elected roles, while Alderman Gregory expressed concern over Lesko's ability to effectively serve in both capacities, suggesting that the city deserves full attention from its officials.

Lesko defended his dual role, asserting that he is committed to fulfilling his responsibilities in both positions and has not been neglecting his duties as city clerk. He stated that he would resign from the city clerk role once the recount process is finalized, emphasizing the importance of allowing every vote to be counted.

The council acknowledged the complexities of the situation, with Alderman Hanauer noting that there are limitations to what the council can do under the current statutes. The meeting concluded with a consensus that the council must wait for the recount to be resolved before making any decisions regarding the city clerk position, highlighting the procedural challenges and the need for a smooth transition for whoever may take over the role in the future.