When Champaign County Recorder Barb Frasca announced she would retire at the end of her current term, it generated plenty of interest from possible candidates. With the filing deadline now behind us, four Republicans and one Democrat submitted the necessary paperwork and are expected to be on the ballot. Four republicans will square off in the March 15 primary with the winner to face Matt Duco in the November general election. The four republicans seeking the $86,328/year position include Rex Bradfield, Sherry Janeski, Rob Meister, and Mark Shelden.
Not sure what the Recorder does? Click here.
(Photo of Barb Frasca)
I mention that $86,328/year county salary because many have made that amount central to any conversation whenever this race is discussed. Earlier this summer, there was plenty of buzz surrounding the possible elimination of the Recorder’s office and merging it with the County Clerk’s office. The County Board soundly dismissed the idea with a 3-15 vote against, even though the News-Gazette advocated for elimination of the office. When that effort failed, conversation shifted to the possibility of reducing the Recorder’s pay. On Tuesday, the County Board firmly rejected (6-16 vote) Josh Hartke and Sam Shore’s proposal to reduce all countywide officials pay (who are running for reelection) by 11%. The conversation was deferred until next month so we’ll have to wait and see if the board will do anything noteworthy.
While the amount we should pay our County Recorder is certainly debatable, the N-G reported how the pay in Champaign County compares to other counties in downstate Illinois:
“But in most other comparably sized counties in downstate Illinois, the county recorder is paid more than in Champaign County — from a high of $109,990 in Madison County to $90,000 in Rock Island County. McLean County has no county recorder; the position was merged into the county clerk’s office.”
While this policy discussion isn’t very sexy on its own, the politics behind it all has been very fun to follow. Once again the Young Dems are in the middle of things. Watching Matt Duco and friends play politics thus far has been like watching over-served partiers attempt to play pin the tail on the donkey. Big Debbie’s house didn’t last very long. Josh Hartke’s failed ‘to the victor go the spoils’ campaign for County Board Chair resulted in a “civil war”. Without comment, Scott Redenbaugh resigned from the County Board just days after taking office. Most recently, this group helped turn a nonpartisan mayoral race in a hyperpartisan **** show. With past political mistakes in the rearview, Gerard’s former campaign manager and adviser is hoping to finally hit the mark. It will not be easy as he is likely to square off against Mark Shelden in November, who has been winning elections for a very long time.
(Photo of Champaign County Young Democrats)
It has already been interesting to watch two very different styles approach the election. At the moment, Matt Duco is trying really hard to stand out as the only candidate advocating for reducing the Recorder’s pay 11% while Mark Shelden is showing off his wisdom and has no opinion on the matter. After fellow Young Dems and County Board Members Josh Hartke and Sam Shore proposed the reduction in countywide officials pay, Duco tweeted a heartfelt, “Thank you Josh @samshore & other Dems for putting the public’s interest before the career politicians’ interests”. Mark Shelden has proven he will not be easily distracted by publicity stunts and seems willing to do the work regardless of any merger/pay cut talks. Since the decision on reducing the Recorder’s pay was deferred until next month, Duco will certainly look to get some more mileage out of the conversation. I don’t think it will make much of a difference in the end, but it is always fun to watch these guys work. Should the County Board decide against reducing pay, the topics of eliminating the office and/or reducing pay would essentially be a moot point.
While I do enjoy poking fun at the Young Dems, Matt Duco is running a clinic on how to kick off a campaign. He rallied his team and used the petition process to make a lot of early voter impressions, collecting more signatures than any other countywide candidate. I’m sure that generated some good momentum as he sent a clear message he is ready to do the work necessary to win in November. I never thought I’d say this, but aspiring Republican candidates should be taking notes. Well done, Matt Duco.
I’m happy to give credit where credit is due, but I’m counting on Duco to keep this race entertaining. I suspect we will be humored by an aspiring career politician taking digs at career politicians, even though he made name for himself supporting career politicians. I noticed Duco’s pledge to serve out his entire term. Was that inspired by Scott Redenbaugh or Mark Shelden? I also noticed the pledge to never misuse county property for partisan politics. Is Rocket Richards back in town? I can’t wait.
All teasing aside, I hope there is a constructive conversation about fiscal responsibility beyond the publicity stunts. If I get my wish, expect Shelden to shine. In the meantime, it would be a very good thing for my team if one or more of the underdog Republican candidates can demonstrate they have the winning stuff to give Shelden a run for his money. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
(Photo of Champaign County Seal by WILL)