Candidates for Vacant Seat Appear Before Champaign City Council

A retired firefighter, a politically active businessman and a healthcare consultant all appeared before the Champaign City Council Tuesday night to state why they should be appointed to fill the seat left vacant when Dave Johnson resigned.

The three all hope to fill the vacant District Five council seat covering southwest Champaign. Retired Deputy Fire Chief Tim Wild says he knows Champaign well after working for the city for more than 30 years.

"I think my experience in working for the city gives me some insights into the different departments and how they work", says Wild, "and some of the people, some of the strengths and weaknesses. So I might have some insights that others don't have."

Gordie Hulten has worked on several political campaigns, and says he admires the City Council's ability to tackle tough issues without giving into partisan rancor.

"That you can address difficult and controversial issues like Big Broadband, Unofficial St. Patrick's Day, police-community relations, Olympian Drive --- all of these contentious things reflects how your collegiality can lead to more reflective governance", said Hulten.

Hulten helps operate and writes for the local political blog, "Illini Pundit". But he says he would give the blog up, if selected for the council seat.

Cathy Emmanuel says her experience as a health care consultant demonstrates her ability to foster collaboration.

"I have been in health care administration, working and trying to represent and collaborate between hospitals and physicians", said Emmanuel, "which isn't always an easy task. And I've been able to do that, and maintain a good relationship on both sides of the aisle over the last 15 to 20 years."

Afterwards, Mayor Jerry Schweighart said it was a strong field.

"I think you couldn't go wrong with any one of the three", said Schweighart. "All three of them I know, or met with. And they appear to be top-quality people, who would fit very well with this

Council members had given the applicants written questions earlier.

And in the replies --- released by the city Tuesday night, the three candidates all say they think City Manager Steve Carter is on the right track with efforts to improve police-community relations in the wake of the Kiwane Carrington shooting.

They generally support the extension of Olympian Drive --- although Emanuel wants more financial questions answered before making a final decision.

And, if given a million dollars of city money to spend, Hulten would use it to repair and replace aging city infrastructure. Wild --- a retired firefighter --- would use it to hire more police and firefighter personnel. And Emanuel says she would spend the million on needs identified in Champaign's Fiscal Sustainability Plan, in order to avoid layoffs and continue city services.

Champaign City Council members will vote in two weeks on their choice to fill the District Five eat until a mid-term election next year.