Warren at top of Elgin April 5 council ballot

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

ELGIN — Incumbent Mike Warren already has a victory of sorts at the polls. His name was drawn Monday morning in a lottery to determine the top spot on the ballot for next April’s city council election.

According to the city clerk’s office, seven candidates had qualified to be in the lottery by showing up two weeks ago to turn in their petitions when the clerk’s office opened for the day on the first day of filing.

Following Warren on the ballot will be incumbent John Steffen in the second spot, then Thomas McCarthy, Toby Shaw, Anna Moeller, Manfred Czymmek and Mike Robins. McCarthy, Shaw and Czymmek were present for Monday’s drawing.

Four other candidates filed after the first day, and they will round out the ballot based on who turned in paperwork earliest. Thus, after Robins, the April 5 ballot will list Michael Curtin, Shane Nowak, David Koldos and Tish Powell, who was the last candidate to file. The 11 candidates are vying for three spots on the council.

Incumbent Mayor Ed Schock turned in his paperwork before his challenger, Councilman David Kaptain, so Schock will have the top spot in the mayoral race.

There have been quite a few studies showing being listed first can have a positive effect for a candidate at the polls. Contacted by phone late Monday morning, Warren said he figured he would give it a shot.

“I don’t know if helps, but it doesn’t hurt,” Warren said. “I think what’s more important is trying to do everything right as a councilman and as a candidate.”