Anthony Jenkins Responds to Michael Nolan’s Election Objections

This statement represents the opinion of the author and not necessarily the position of Rockton-Roscoe News. It was written in response to a previous opinion piece by Michael Nolan.

Rockton, IL — Michael Nolan, Chairman of the Rockton Township Republican Central Committee, has raised objections against my candidacy for the Hononegah School Board District 207, as well as another candidate running alongside me. While Mr. Nolan claims these challenges are about transparency and fairness, the pattern of his actions and the broader implications suggest otherwise.

As a U.S. Marine, I proudly served our country to defend the freedoms and rights that make our democracy strong. Chief among these is the right of every voter to have meaningful choices at the ballot box. The objections raised by Mr. Nolan, while framed as a matter of transparency, risk undermining that principle by limiting competition and restricting voter choice.

The Consequences of Technical Objections

Election challenges should focus on serious concerns that impact the integrity of the process, not minor technicalities that disqualify candidates committed to serving their community. Across the country, similar challenges have been used to exclude Independent and nonpartisan voices from elections, and this trend undermines voter confidence in the democratic process.

At a time when trust in elections is critical, actions like these risk creating an impression of exclusivity, not inclusivity. In fact, just a day ago, the Rockton Township Electoral Board dismissed similar objections raised by Mr. Nolan against other candidates, finding no merit in his claims. Now, as we head to court on December 4 to address his objections to my candidacy, the stakes could not be clearer: This is about ensuring voters have a voice in deciding who will represent them.

Hononegah Deserves True Representation

The residents of Hononegah School District 207 deserve a fair and inclusive election process that empowers their voices. Disqualifying candidates on technical grounds, especially when those grounds have already been rejected by other election boards, serves only to limit voter choice.

As a Marine, I learned the value of service, integrity, and accountability. Those lessons drive my candidacy today. My commitment to the people of Hononegah is to bring that same dedication to our schools, ensuring every student has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

Transparency Should Mean Inclusivity

True transparency in elections is about ensuring that all qualified candidates have a fair opportunity to participate and that voters have real choices. A competitive election process is a cornerstone of democracy. Limiting access to the ballot, even unintentionally, diminishes the community’s ability to hear diverse perspectives and make informed decisions.

Our community deserves a process where every voice is heard, and every qualified candidate is given the opportunity to serve. That’s the kind of inclusivity I fought for as a Marine, and that’s the kind of leadership I want to bring to Hononegah School Board District 207.

A Call for Fairness and Inclusion

To the voters of Hononegah School District 207: This election is about your voice and your choice. It’s about ensuring that the decisions affecting our schools are made by individuals who are committed to serving the entire community, not advancing narrow agendas.

I urge all residents to stay engaged in this process, to question actions that seek to limit competition, and to demand an election that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Let’s focus on the future of our schools and the needs of our students—together, we can build a stronger, more united community.

Anthony Jenkins
Candidate for Hononegah School Board District 207

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