Lake County commissioner recount may start Monday
By Rich Bird Post-Tribune correspondent June 19, 2012 12:00PM
Mike Repay. | Provided Photo~Sun-Times Media
Updated: June 19, 2012 7:14PM
CROWN POINT — Attorneys for the parties involved in the challenge to Mike Repay’s Democratic primary win for 3rd District Lake County Commissioner have tentatively agreed to begin the recount on Monday.
Jim Wieser, attorney for the Lake County Board of Elections, told the board on Tuesday that he expects the recount to begin Monday.
The public event will take place at the Lake County Government Center.
Richard Novak, 60, of East Chicago, is challenging his 74-vote loss to Repay, 36, of Hammond.
The time and specific dates to be set aside for the recount are likely to be determined at a hearing at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in Lake Circuit Court.
The case will be officiated by Newton Circuit Court Judge Jeryl F. Leach. The Indiana Supreme Court appointed Leach after Lake Circuit Court Judge George Paras recused himself from the case citing conflicts of interest with both Novak and Repay.
Wieser said Wednesday’s hearing is designed to solve any pre-recount issues.
“The main one I view is the naming and appointment of a recount commission,” he said. “There may be some other items addressed at that time, housekeeping items.”
Attorney J.J. Stankiewicz, who is representing Repay, said he expects the recount to last three to four days.
In addition, a hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. on July 9 for the contest portion of Novak’s challenge.
