Republicans Tap Esry To Serve On Champaign County Board

The choice of Champaign County Republican leaders to fill a vacant seat on the County Board has lived in the St. Joseph area since he was a toddler.

Aaron Esry co-owns A&R Electric, a local electrical business, and works on his family's farm near St. Joseph. He's a past Champaign County Farm Bureau board member, but a county board appointment would be his first experience in public office. However, he says he comes from a family familiar with local government --- both parents and a grandfather having served in various local government positions. The 36-year-old Esry says he's ready to represent District Four, which covers the southeastern quarter of the county -- including St. Joseph, Odgen, Philo, Sidney, plus portions of Savoy and southwest Champaign.

"I know it's going to be work", says Esry. "And I know that you have to put in work if you want to see things change and move in the direction you want them to change. And I hope to go on there and do a good job and serve the district and the county well."

Esry says he also plans to run for a full county board term in 2012 --- when the Champaign County Board will undergo redistricting, and a reduction in membership.

Local Republicans chose Esry to take over the county board seat of Gregg Knott, who , like Esry, also lives in St. Joseph Township. Knott resigned from the Champaign County Board last month to focus on running for the Parkland College Board. The county board is expected to vote on Esry April 21st.