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Voters will be asked two conflicting questions in the November election, thanks to action this week by the Champaign County Board.
On one hand, they can choose between the Democratic and Republican candidates for auditor — George Danos and Alan Anderson, respectively.
On the other, they’ll be asked if they wish to abolish the auditor’s office.
Despite being urged not to do so by new Champaign County Republican Party Chair Susan Mantell, three GOP board members — John Farney, Mike Smith and Ed Sexton — threw their party’s candidate under the bus by supporting the measure.
Two other board Republicans — Jeff Wilson and Aaron Esry — voted against putting the auditor question on the ballot.
But the real target of the evening was incumbent Auditor George Danos. He’s drawn the ire of his fellow Democrats for a variety of reasons, prompting several Ds to say they want to get rid of the auditor’s office to get rid of Danos.
Other Democrats dismissed the personnel issue, stating they merely are asking voters if they wish to keep the office. In 2011, voters opted to keep the office elective and independent, many seeing it as playing a watchdog role.
Board member Jenny Lokshin dismissed that argument, saying it was so long ago that the public may have changed its mind and “we have the power to put it on the ballot” again.
Under a proposed reorganization, a new director of finance would be hired and work under the county executive.
The ballot question indicates the measure would save taxpayers $100,000. But at least one board member questioned that assertion.
Reorganizing government — essentially eliminating offices, such as was done with the elected recorder of deeds — has been cast in the past as a money-saving measure. But experience has shown savings to be brief or non-existent.
Board member Eric Thorsland explained his vote in favor of the measure to eliminate the auditor’s office as a reflection of his exasperation with Danos.
“He has not risen to the occasion,” Thorsland said.
New Democratic board member Don Owen, a former Urbana schools superintendent, expressed similar sentiments.
Danos has had multiple conflicts with board members in recent months, stemming from both personality and policy differences. He has challenged the need for a proposed quarter-cent sales-tax rate increase, arguing county finances are strong and new revenue is unnecessary.
At the same time, board members have castigated him for alleged conflicts with auditor’s office employees and stepping outside the duties of his office.
Danos has rejected those complaints, contending that a handful of Democrats on the board have led a “smear” campaign against him.
Democratic board Chair Samantha Carter, who voted against the measure, agreed. She charged that Danos is involved in a “clash of personalities” with county Executive Steve Summers and his top assistant, Michelle Jett.
Speaking after the board vote, Danos showed no signs of backing down from his board critics.
He said the “self-important board, mired in group-think and not knowing how they look, just doubled down on their second ‘public safety’ sales tax by asking voters to give up their own watchdog, the elected auditor.”
Danos also noted that to get him, three board Republicans “betrayed their own nominee” for auditor.
He cited two of his chief critics — fellow Democrats Summers and board member Stephanie Fortado. He said Summers is “making a lurch for total county power” while Fortado is angry that he’s opposed to the proposed sales-tax increase.
“I say, ‘Keep the watchdog and axe the tax!’” he said.
But Danos’ board backers were few. It voted 15-5 against him.
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