GOP Auditor Appointment

Champaign County Republicans put out an announcement for their appointment to Auditor to fill the vacancy being left by John Farney, who is resigning after being appointed to the County Treasurer office. Diane Michaels is a County Board member who will be replaced by appointment as well (detailed in the announcement below). More musical chairs if you're following along with the GOP County government shuffle. On the DNC side of the Auditor office, Democrat George Danos filed as a candidate for the office again. I'll be updating the election and county races page soon.

Champaign County Republicans Select Diane Michaels as Next Auditor

URBANA – Republican Precinct Committeemen from throughout Champaign County tonight selected Diane Michaels, currently a County Board Member, to serve as County Auditor starting January 1, 2018. Michaels will succeed John Farney, the current County Auditor who will assume the duties of County Treasurer at the first of the year.

“I am humbled by the support I’ve received throughout this appointment and petitioning phase,” said Michaels. “On the County Board, I have been a voice for transparency, fiscal responsibility and sound management, and I’ll continue to carry that flag as Auditor.”

Michaels currently serves as the Deputy Chair for Finance of the County Board. “She has a deep understanding of County finances,” said Board Member and Republican Caucus Chair Jim McGuire. “Diane will be ready to take action as Auditor on day one.”

“Diane Michaels is an excellent choice for County Auditor,” said Farney. “Diane has shown through her leadership at the County Board level that she will be a watchdog of County finances. She will continue my efforts to make sure County administration, elected officials and Champaign County Nursing Home management are held accountable for their practices.”

Diane is a long time resident of Rantoul with her husband, Bill. She has two adult children. Diane has a long career in the banking and finance industry, including management of facilities, commercial and personal banking, investments and settlements. She has served on the boards of many community organizations, including Hope Meadows, United Way, The High School of St. Thomas More and St. Malachy Church and School.

Initially, Michaels will serve through November 30, 2018. She is a declared candidate for election to a fill Farney’s unexpired term at the November 2018 General Election.

​NOTE:​
Republican Precinct Committeemen from County Board District 2 (Rantoul, Thomasboro, Gifford, Ludlow area) will be charged with selecting a successor for Michaels in County Board District 2 at a later meeting. Details for that appointment process will be released in the near future.
  --Mark Ballard​, Chairman

Follow up from a previous post on Potential Auditor Candidates and recent news in the Rantoul Press.