Races for Vermilion County Board in the March 19 primary are in two districts for Republican candidates.
There are two Republican candidates each in Districts 5 and 7 where voters are voting for one candidate to move onto the November general election. There are no Democratic opponents at this time.
County board seats up in those districts: District 5 – Crisi Walls; and District 7 – Craig Golden and a two-year unexpired term.
Walls is going against Jimmy Watson in District 5 for the four-year seat.
Golden is being opposed by Joseph M. Leonard for the full four-year term seat in District 7. Timothy Morgan filed for the two-year unexpired term in District 7.
The Commercial-News sent questionnaires to the candidates. Watson and Golden didn’t reply.
District 5
Walls, 45, of 3150 Maple Lane, Danville, graduated Danville High School, Class of 1997; and has an associate degree in business marketing from Danville Area Community College.
She’s office manager and lead examiner at Vermilion County Title, Inc.
Walls has been married to Chuck Walls for 24 years and they are both lifelong Vermilion County residents. They have three adult children: Madison Carlton, Austin Walls and Cheyenne Walls.
She was first elected to the county board in 2016 and this would be her third term.
She’s treasurer and executive committee member for the VCGOP, and member of the Vermilion County Republican Women’s Club.
1. Why did you decide to seek re-election to this office?
Walls: I first decided to run for the county board in my district when my predecessor ran for a county wide office leaving his seat available. I was looking for a way to be more involved in my community and could not think of a better way than to serve the public. Since I have been in office, I have learned that speaking up and speaking out is a necessary part of the job. I have a big voice and there is still much more work to be done so I am running for re-election!
2. What do you consider to be the most important issues concerning this office?
Walls: The county board sees a range of concerns from their constituents. Each one is equally important because it is important to the person having the issue. Whether it be tax assessments, possibilities of windmills being constructed, neighborhood cleanup, trouble with stray animals, etc. I take each one seriously and try my best to be part of a solution. While the Republican party does have the majority on the county board, I strive to work will all members and to find common ground to accomplish the tasks at hand. The welfare and best interests of the community are the most important issues to me. We are all here to serve you!
District 7
Joseph M. Leonard, 54, of 2009 W. English St., Danville, graduated from Oakwood High School and is employed at Carle hospital in Champaign.
He has a fiancée, and a son and daughter.
He served 30 years as a volunteer firefighter with Kickapoo Fire Protection District, retiring from the district approximately six years ago.
1. My reasoning for seeking office is to have the chance to throw my opinions, thoughts, concerns in the political arena. I want to help shape policies that improve life for hard-working constituents.
2. I think the most pressing issue or what could quickly become the biggest concern for this area would be a dramatic immigrant shift from Chicago to down here. The safety of our communities would be put in question, added to the regular issues we face in Vermilion County. Making sure the sheriff’s office always has a strong budget is very important. Outside of that I feel all other county departments are properly funded at this time.
Also, when infrastructure projects come up, those that would directly help local businesses and most likely contribute to employment expansion have priority unless there is a public safety issue involved in any projects needing done quickly.
Last issue is there are certain county appointments that I feel should be elected instead. Or at the least board members should look at all choices and not just appoint without talking to all options. Anyone who decides how tax dollars are spent should be decided by the voters. These processes should be looked at closer in my opinion.