UPDATE: The race for the City of Champaign Township Supervisor is heating up as candidates gear up for a critical selection meeting on January 6, 2024. Interim Executive Director of Strides Shelter, Charlene Murray, and Champaign County Democratic Chair Mike Ingram are vying for the position, emphasizing urgent community needs and the importance of rebuilding relationships.
Ingram has made it clear that if appointed, his primary focus will be on “rebuilding relationships” across the board, including with the town board, city staff, and community stakeholders. He expressed grave concerns regarding the township’s low-barrier shelter, stating, “Strides was built on a rocky foundation as a means to address an immediate need that was not being tackled by anyone else.” He warned that dwindling funding from the American Rescue Plan Act could jeopardize the shelter’s future, saying, “We are going to continue to see more and more people get pushed off the ledge of keeping themselves and their families housed and fed.”
As the community grapples with rising housing insecurity, Ingram highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to support those affected. “It is crucial that we as a community are able to help people stay alive and housed and fed,” he added, stressing that more than just one township’s efforts are necessary to tackle the crisis.
Meanwhile, Murray outlined her vision for the role, focusing on stabilizing and improving the shelter while enhancing partnerships with the city and the University of Illinois to combat the housing crisis. She emphasizes that her leadership would prioritize essential services for the township’s most vulnerable members. “This role isn’t about politics — it’s about being a visionary,” she stated, underscoring the importance of effective community engagement and support for township employees.
The town board is under pressure to make a decision soon, as they must appoint a new supervisor by January 17, 2024. Former Supervisor Kyle Patterson resigned in November, citing health issues, and Deputy Supervisor Corrine Jordan is currently managing the administrative responsibilities in the interim.
The board’s attorney, Thomas Yu, confirmed that interviews for the position will take place at the upcoming meeting. “We are cutting it close,” he noted, urging for a prompt decision to avoid further complications.
The urgency of the situation is palpable as the community awaits the appointment that could shape the future of essential services in Champaign Township. Both candidates bring unique perspectives and experiences that could significantly impact how the township addresses its pressing challenges.
As the board prepares for this critical meeting, residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged, as the outcome will have lasting implications for the community’s most vulnerable populations.
