It's been a busy week just since the last post on the County Board's Committee of the Whole meeting and other County updates (available here). A lot of it involves another contentious Democratic appointment on the County Board so there are links to a lot of party inside baseball in this post. Here's a quick summary of recent events and updates:
- Sunday afternoon, the Champaign County Democratic Party Precinct Committeemen and women of Champaign County District 9 voted to recommend Jen Straub for the vacancy in District 9.
- Midday Wednesday, more bad news broke on the County Treasurer's office that it had dropped the ball with people who paid their property tax, but still got warnings that they hadn't paid and threatened consequences for non-payment.
- Wednesday night, the Champaign County Democratic Party had a contentious three hour meeting where they passed new bylaws, with specific revisions to respect the voting recommendations of Precinct Committeepersons for vacancies. There was also an impromptu debate after Chairman Giraldo Rosales' primary opponent introduced herself during candidate time. The Chairman's wife, Melodye Rosales began repeatedly questioning her husband's opponent, suggesting her vision for the County Board wasn't valid. The candidate, Emily Rodriguez acknowledge they had a different vision, but that the voters should decide their vision for the County Board.
- Also on Wednesday, Judge Bohm ruled against a potential Republican primary write-in candidate for Treasurer who had filed too late on the primary calendar, but could still potentially be slated by the party or run as a write-in candidate in the general.
- Cynthia Fears was appointed by Chairman Rosales for the vacant County Board seat in District 9 over the recommendation of the County Party for her primary opponent Jen Straub. Other Democrats on the board warned Republicans that they believed this sets a precedent for any future chair to ignore the recommendations of either party when they have a vacancy. Again a coalition of Republicans and a handful of Democrats on the board voted against most of the Democrats on the board.
This post expands on all of those items, including last night's County Board meeting. A few other County updates follow (jump to link here).
Sunday Democratic Party Vacancy Vote:
The party meeting was held at the Urbana Free Library on Sunday afternoon. Frustrations of various participants emerged afterwards. Jen Straub eventually won over the attending Precinct Committeepersons 3-1 with a weighted vote for their districts of 751-393. Given the recent party politics, many people seemed certain that Chairman Rosales and his coalition with Republicans would approve her opponent, Cynthia Fears, instead. That's exactly what happened last night at the County Board meeting. More on that below.
At the Sunday meeting the Party Chairwoman Maryam Ar-Raheem, who has stood with County Board Chairman Rosales with his coalition with Republicans for certain issues and appointments, was said to have made her displeasure with Precinct Committeepersons vote clear.
Jen Straub put out this statement the next day after repeated inquiries:
Wednesday Democratic Committee Meeting:
At a packed, standing room only Champaign County Democratic Committee meeting Wednesday night, the previous minutes passed out with the agenda foreshadowed the next three hours of deliberations. The October meeting's Precinct Committeeperson's report reiterated the Chairwoman's concern about diverse representation in the party:
This mirrors her public complaints the next day on October 24th after the District 10 vacancy was filled by the County Board Chairman also over the recommendations of the Precinct Committeepersons. That time it was in front of the Champaign County Board and leveling criticism generally against racism in the Democratic party and white Democrats challenging black Democrats for offices and political positions (more on that here, video here). County Board Member Charles Young has recently agreed publicly with Chairman Rosales and the Chairwoman Ar-Raheem. This is also in addition to a history where he has repeatedly implied other Democrats have attempted to block him on account of his race since joining the County Board. From August of 2018:
So... that's just some of the public spills of local Democratic Party inside baseball behind the current situation that can appear very odd to political newcomers to the scene. It's impossible to explain the full history and motivations of all the players along this power rift, and disagreements about that history and possible motivations is part of it. Which brings us to the bylaws passed Wednesday night that attempt to distribute party power among the heads of the standing committees and make it less centralized with the Chair and Executive Committee, while also laying out clarifying rules for advisory recommendations for filling vacancies.
Former Party Chair Al Klein had very specific amendments to address and debate issues he and others wanted considered and discussed, requested with roll call votes. He argued that he didn't want the bylaw changes to be done cavalierly and by voice vote. He also argued in favor of a strong Chair. The amendments eventually failed and the revised bylaws passed with the required two-thirds majority, with only a few nays, including Klein. Of all the arguments about the recommendation process, there was agreement that the ultimate decision for vacancy appointments was out of their hands.
As mentioned above there was a bit of an impromptu debate early on in the meeting during candidate time between District 9 candidate Emily Rodriguez and her opponent, Board Chairman Giraldo Rosales' wife, Melodye Rosales who asked a series of pointed question after Rodriguez spoke. The questions revolved around the statutory obligations of the board as opposed to services not currently within the County Board's purview or matters within the purview of Mental Health Board. The confrontation follows Melodye Rosales accusing Rodriguez and others of being part of a concerted effort against black people in positions of power within the Democratic party by predominately white progressive groups. More on that background on a Cheat Sheet post here.
The back and forth ended with Rodriguez repeating that she had a different vision for the County Board and felt that voters should decide what that vision should be. Rosales remained unsatisfied with the answer, but otherwise agreed to moved on.
Thursday County Board Meeting:
County Board Chairman Rosales confirmed suspicions soon after the County Board meeting began last night by announcing his own choice for the vacancy, Cynthia Fears. He listed off the reasons he felt she was better qualified and ideal for the position, highlighting her work with prisoners and legal assistance in light of upcoming jail and alternative programs issues before the Board. Other Democrats expressed their continued concerns about ignoring the recommendation of the County Party and the precedent that sets for future Chairmen appointing vacancies of opposing parties as well.
Rosales contrasted his work with County committees and his perspective versus Precinct Committeepersons who he argued don't show up and vote like it's a popularity contest. He stood by his right by statute to have the authority to appoint who he wishes. Republican Board Member Jim McGuire once again dismissed any concerns on the Republican side for a cross-party precedent.
The appointment passed with the support of Rosales' coalition and the Republicans over the opposition of the majority of the Democrats. Cynthia Fears was sworn in and took her seat on the Board immediately after.
Most of the rest of the meeting time was taken up by votes and discussions related to the County Treasurer's office which had even more bad news break the day before. From WCIA Wednesday:
A vote on approving the budget items, even though the money has already been spent was blocked by Republicans wanting to make a point that they refuse to approve of the situation. Democrats argued that it would only put another black mark on the budget, but Republicans dismissed that as insignificant compared to all the other problems and how they have hurt the County's financial reports. Republicans used the opportunity to encourage voters to vote for competent candidates as opposed to party affiliation in future elections.
The other items went through without any significant discussion beyond a technical question or two.
Other County Updates:
The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency is putting out the word that they're doing a warning siren test on the new system at unusual times and dates.
WCIA had an interview with the County Executive, Darlene Kloeppel (video only), on issues facing the County.
WDWS had an interview with Champaign County Clerk Aaron O. Ammons today on Penny for your Thoughts.
The Census is still doing outreach to hire Census workers in Champaign County at a higher pay than initially offered. From the News-Gazette today:
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to present my case for the appointment of Pranjal Vachaspati's vacated seat to the Precinct Committeepeople of County Board District 9. This appointment will fill the seat until the election in November decides a permanent replacement to take the seat in December.That statement available from her campaign facebook account here.
It was a pleasure to meet my primary opponent. I enjoyed the chance to speak with everyone about the issues currently facing the County Board. Because I have been at every County Board Meeting, Committee of the Whole, and Democratic Caucus since announcing my intention to run, I have a lot of ideas.
I am proud to say I won the support of 3 of the 4 voting Precinct Committeepeople in attendance. The appointment, however, is ultimately decided by the Chair of the County Board, and will be announced Thursday evening.
Wednesday Democratic Committee Meeting:
This mirrors her public complaints the next day on October 24th after the District 10 vacancy was filled by the County Board Chairman also over the recommendations of the Precinct Committeepersons. That time it was in front of the Champaign County Board and leveling criticism generally against racism in the Democratic party and white Democrats challenging black Democrats for offices and political positions (more on that here, video here). County Board Member Charles Young has recently agreed publicly with Chairman Rosales and the Chairwoman Ar-Raheem. This is also in addition to a history where he has repeatedly implied other Democrats have attempted to block him on account of his race since joining the County Board. From August of 2018:
It’s local Democrats’ second show of support this summer for Young, a retired education historian at the University of Illinois.That full article here. Young and Chairwoman Ar-Raheem have regularly pointed to Weibel's decision as a precedent that makes the turnabout fair play. More details about the controversy surrounding that decision, including the concerns about short notice and weighting votes from outside the district from the News-Gazette here, and from the Cheat Sheet with vote breakdowns here. The Board Member who vacated the seat accused the Party Chair of acting "crooked" in packing the vote, while the she implied the board Chairman was attacking her on account of her race. Young for his part blamed the decision on race and gender.
He was led to believe he was in line to take Hartke’s seat after precinct committeemen chose him in a vote on May 17. But a few days later, Democratic county board Chairman C. Pius Weibel announced he wouldn’t recognize the selection, pointing out that the short notice given for that meeting — 48 hours — violated the bylaws of the county party’s central committee and left several of the elected precinct committee members unable to attend.
That led Maryam Ar-Raheem, chairwoman of the county Democratic Party, to express in a letter her frustration over what she called Weibel’s repeated attempts to dictate how she performs her duties.
Young sat out the June 10 re-vote that went Douglas’ way. The night she was seated, he had strong words for Weibel "and his sneaky Democratic colleagues and friends," saying: "Your political process of voting with the new female candidate that you always wanted is illegal, unconstitutional, a scam, a hoax and a dishonor to the entire" party.
So... that's just some of the public spills of local Democratic Party inside baseball behind the current situation that can appear very odd to political newcomers to the scene. It's impossible to explain the full history and motivations of all the players along this power rift, and disagreements about that history and possible motivations is part of it. Which brings us to the bylaws passed Wednesday night that attempt to distribute party power among the heads of the standing committees and make it less centralized with the Chair and Executive Committee, while also laying out clarifying rules for advisory recommendations for filling vacancies.
Former Party Chair Al Klein had very specific amendments to address and debate issues he and others wanted considered and discussed, requested with roll call votes. He argued that he didn't want the bylaw changes to be done cavalierly and by voice vote. He also argued in favor of a strong Chair. The amendments eventually failed and the revised bylaws passed with the required two-thirds majority, with only a few nays, including Klein. Of all the arguments about the recommendation process, there was agreement that the ultimate decision for vacancy appointments was out of their hands.
As mentioned above there was a bit of an impromptu debate early on in the meeting during candidate time between District 9 candidate Emily Rodriguez and her opponent, Board Chairman Giraldo Rosales' wife, Melodye Rosales who asked a series of pointed question after Rodriguez spoke. The questions revolved around the statutory obligations of the board as opposed to services not currently within the County Board's purview or matters within the purview of Mental Health Board. The confrontation follows Melodye Rosales accusing Rodriguez and others of being part of a concerted effort against black people in positions of power within the Democratic party by predominately white progressive groups. More on that background on a Cheat Sheet post here.
The back and forth ended with Rodriguez repeating that she had a different vision for the County Board and felt that voters should decide what that vision should be. Rosales remained unsatisfied with the answer, but otherwise agreed to moved on.
Thursday County Board Meeting:
County Board Chairman Rosales confirmed suspicions soon after the County Board meeting began last night by announcing his own choice for the vacancy, Cynthia Fears. He listed off the reasons he felt she was better qualified and ideal for the position, highlighting her work with prisoners and legal assistance in light of upcoming jail and alternative programs issues before the Board. Other Democrats expressed their continued concerns about ignoring the recommendation of the County Party and the precedent that sets for future Chairmen appointing vacancies of opposing parties as well.
Rosales contrasted his work with County committees and his perspective versus Precinct Committeepersons who he argued don't show up and vote like it's a popularity contest. He stood by his right by statute to have the authority to appoint who he wishes. Republican Board Member Jim McGuire once again dismissed any concerns on the Republican side for a cross-party precedent.
The appointment passed with the support of Rosales' coalition and the Republicans over the opposition of the majority of the Democrats. Cynthia Fears was sworn in and took her seat on the Board immediately after.
Most of the rest of the meeting time was taken up by votes and discussions related to the County Treasurer's office which had even more bad news break the day before. From WCIA Wednesday:
Imagine you paid your property taxes on time, in full, only to have the county turn around and sell what it says are delinquent taxes...Full article here with video segment. After months and months and failing to live up to assurances made, the County Treasurer's Office still has yet to rectify the problem for the tax payers. This was raised along with continued issues for school districts and Republican frustration about their previous complaints and concerns being ignored in their view while the situation deteriorated in the office.
Four properties in Champaign Co. were impacted by what’s known as an “administrative sale in error,” Pilarski’s included...
It’s unclear how much Champaign Co. will have to pay to settle with the four tax buyers.
A vote on approving the budget items, even though the money has already been spent was blocked by Republicans wanting to make a point that they refuse to approve of the situation. Democrats argued that it would only put another black mark on the budget, but Republicans dismissed that as insignificant compared to all the other problems and how they have hurt the County's financial reports. Republicans used the opportunity to encourage voters to vote for competent candidates as opposed to party affiliation in future elections.
The other items went through without any significant discussion beyond a technical question or two.
Other County Updates:
The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency is putting out the word that they're doing a warning siren test on the new system at unusual times and dates.
C-U, Savoy, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign outdoor warning sirens to be upgraded and tested between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, January 27th-31st. See press release below for more information.More information at the link with a graphic of the full press release here. More at the Champaign County EMA website here.
WCIA had an interview with the County Executive, Darlene Kloeppel (video only), on issues facing the County.
WDWS had an interview with Champaign County Clerk Aaron O. Ammons today on Penny for your Thoughts.
The Census is still doing outreach to hire Census workers in Champaign County at a higher pay than initially offered. From the News-Gazette today:
If you’d like a temporary job paying $20.50 an hour and you’re willing to talk to people on their doorsteps, has Uncle Sam got a deal for you.Full article here. More information at the Census 2020 hiring website here.
Hundreds of census workers are still needed in Champaign County and others in the area, and the jobs come with paid training and flexible hours across days, nights and weekends, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The application process is being handled online.
Lower unemployment is making it somewhat more challenging to hire enough census takers compared with a decade ago, according to Jeanine Beasley, media coordinator for the regional Census Bureau office in Chicago.
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