Endorsements
We believe Hulten has a clear, convincing vision for the office and how it can move the county forward.
Hulten, who as clerk helped build the county board consensus to sell the nursing home, said his first goal is to straighten out the county’s finances. That’s a heavy lift, but it should be made easier without the need for regular infusions of money from the general fund to support a nursing home that is weeks away from being sold to a private operator.
Second, he said he wants to help promote the county and all of East Central Illinois as an area for economic development.
We’d hope that our governor, congressmen and state legislators would already be doing that, but Hulten’s point is that he would make it one of his top priorities.
Finally, he says he wants to shake up the county government’s “poison of partisanship” by working collaboratively with county officials. He also pledged to have county board districts drawn up by an independent commission and to use experts from the University of Illinois to help in the process.
Hulten, who earlier in life was a Republican staffer in the Illinois Senate and helped direct GOP election campaigns, has more recently worked with Democrats on county initiatives and has been a statewide leader on election issues and improving voter access.
We believe his experience, vision and promise to work for bipartisan consensus make him the superior candidate to be the first county executive in Champaign County’s 185-year history.
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Business Empowered PAC:
“Gordy Hulten has a proven track record as a public servant as our County Clerk which we believe makes him the right choice for County Executive. Hulten’s platform focuses on economic development, including regional economic development with private sector partnerships. This is exactly the type of leadership the business community is looking for in a County Executive candidate. In addition to economic development, his plan to address the struggling county nursing home, create a long term, sustainable facilities maintenance plan and an independently commissioned redistricting process is why we believe he is the right choice to serve as Champaign County’s first elected County Executive. Additionally, he has a vision for how the county can be a leader, a partner and a driving force in our economy and in job creation.”
Champaign County Farm Bureau Political Involvement Committee:
“We have a long and outstanding working relationship with Gordy. He understands the issues that matter to our membership and is a committed partner. We agree with the priorities he’s identified for County Government and are excited to support his campaign.”
State Senator Chapin Rose:
“Gordy Hulten will do a phenomenal job as County Executive. We’ve discussed many ideas for the County Executive’s office, and I’m excited about his ability to lead County Government, particularly in the areas of regional economic development and other priorities that we share. I’m looking forward to teaming with Gordy on many issues.”
State Senator Jason Barickman
State Representative Chad Hays
County Auditor John Farney
Circuit Clerk Katie Blakeman
Coroner Duane Northrup
Sheriff Dan Walsh:
“I have known Gordy Hulten for years. He is a hard working, intelligent individual. Gordy has done a great job serving the public and running the County Clerk’s Office. He is dedicated to Champaign County. He understands the responsibilities imposed on Counties by Illinois Law. He knows the duties and authority of the elected and appointed County Offices. He will be able to work well with elected Office holders and the County Board, particularly in these times of declining revenues and increased expenses in fulfilling the statutory duties imposed on the County and its respective Offices.”
Treasurer Dan Welch
Champaign County Republican Party Chairman Mark Ballard
Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen:
“I am excited to endorse Gordy Hulten for the office of County Executive. I saw firsthand his commitment to the community when we served together on the Champaign City Council. He is bright, energetic and a problem solver, all qualities that will allow him to succeed as a County Executive. As a former County Board Member I understand the significance of the ability to compromise and the importance of moving beyond party politics to come together for the good of the County. Gordy’s professionalism combined with his ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle make him the best choice for County Executive.”
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges
County Board Member Jim Goss
County Board Member Brooks Marsh
County Board Member Jack Anderson
County Board Member Diane Michaels
County Board Member Aaron Esry
County Board Member Stan Harper
County Board Member Bradley Clemmons
County Board Member Jim McGuire
County Board Member Jon Rector
Former Circuit Clerk Linda Frank
Former County Board Member John Jay
Former County Board Member Gary Maxwell
Former County Board Member Alan Nudo
Former County Board Member Jon Schroeder
Champaign City Council Member Vanna Pianfetti
Parkland College Trustee Greg Knott
Ludlow Township Supervisor Jim Quinlan
Rantoul Township Supervisor Jim Rusk
Former Champaign Unit 4 Board Member John Bambenek