(Above) Attorney Matthew Custardo and Jacob Lane address the media after Judge Goodwin’s Thursday Jan 19th decision.
Hopeful Danville mayoral candidate Jacob Lane has had his request for a temporary restraining order against the Danville Election Commission denied by Judge Mark S. Goodwin. While Lane’s attorney Matthew Custardo argued that the Danville Election Commission did not properly inform Lane about a December 14th meeting, Election Commission attorney John Beardsley argued that at the follow-up hearing on December 21st Lane was given his chance to argue that he should be left on the mayoral ballot, despite the claim about illegitimate election petition signatures filed by incumbent mayor Rickey Williams, Jr.
Judge Goodwin stated that Lane’s counsel did not provide adequate proof that a temporary restraining order was called for; meaning that with an inadequate amount of qualifying signatures, Lane’s name stays off the April 4th ballot, leaving Jackie Vinson as Mayor Williams’ only challenger.
Lane said afterwards, the Commission’s counsel focused on the 21st follow-up hearing, but the problems with the 14th meeting, in his eyes, are still there.
AUDIO: It’s like finding someone guilty, and then allowing them to plead their case after the fact. That’s what we’re fighting here.
A follow-up court date of February 22nd has been established. Lane says he will be exploring his options after this ruling.
