West Cook News

Despite officially dropping out of the race due to growing harassment, Scott Hall appeared on his way to earning more votes than the teachers’-union backed candidate many suspected of being responsible for his troubles in the race for the River Forest District 90 school board Tuesday night.

With three of eight precincts reporting, Hall had 18.51% of the vote to tally leaders Kathleen M. Avalos (23.74%) and Stacey Williams (23.48%).

Meanwhile, Hall’s nemesis Sarah J. Eckmann was bringing up the rear with 15.67%.

With just days remaining before voters were set to go to the polls, the group Citizens for River Forest  launched a Change.org petition seeking the support of all seven River Forest board members on Hall’s behalf.

“We as citizens and voters of River Forest request that you, individually and collectively, publicly denounce candidate intimidation and abhorrent behavior targeting a fellow citizen,” the petition stated. “This is not the first time we’ve seen this conduct, but we are hoping this will be the last. Your strong voices are needed now to amplify the necessity for free and fair elections devoid of intimidation of any kind.”

Hall said he ultimately made the decision to end his candidacy after his rivals made the move to begin targeting his friends and family.

“While I set out with great purpose and noble intent, I, my family, my friends and even local businesses with which I associate have been repeatedly threatened, harassed and disparaged,” he posted on Facebook. “I can't continue to subject myself, my family and friends to this harassment.”

Eckmann denied having any involvement in the campaign to harass Hall, which reportedly included sending disparaging letters to his employer and to a local non-profit where he served on the board.