County Executive Candidate

Questions & Answers

What is the importance of the County Executive to residents in Champaign County?

The elected Executive will be the voice of Champaign County and have a powerful influence on setting budget priorities to determine the county’s future. Critical challenges to be faced in the next four years – deteriorating county buildings, outdated information technology, justice system reforms, political redistricting, economic and workforce development, shaky finances and a 20-year-old land use plan – will require a County Executive who can provide leadership for the well-being of all county residents.

Why are you qualified to be the County Executive?

An experienced leader with a strong connection to Champaign County, I consistently find innovative solutions to difficult issues. My proven track record includes:

• $120 million brought into the county for resident housing, workforce development, and youth and disabilities services
• diversion of youth from the justice system through the Youth Assessment Center
• experience from 8 justice facility re-design projects
• 35 years of innovative project start-up experience, including pioneering hospice care in the U.S
• a multi-disciplinary workforce expansion from 15 to 45 to provide needed community services
• on-the-job training opportunities for high school and college students

What is a key policy difference between you and your Opponent?

As the most progressive candidate for County Executive, I support the policy that government decisions should be made for the common good, not for special interests. Because people whose lives are affected should have a voice in decisions about services they receive, I will seek input from a wide spectrum of stakeholders prior to making decisions as County Executive. Since announcing my candidacy, I have held 12 Town Hall meetings and have visited face-to-face with residents in every city and village in the county to listen to constituent concerns. I will spearhead a 6-year collaborative strategic plan that will move the county in the direction of a shared vision for the future.

Is there anything else you would like to say to an undecided voter in Champaign County?

Champaign County deserves a County Executive focused on achieving long-term well-being for county residents. That’s one reason why from the beginning of my campaign I supported a lower starting salary for the County Executive than my opponent. I’m running for this office not because I have great political aspirations, but because the issues the county currently faces are too important to be delayed any longer, and together we can help the county reach its potential.