Cross Gets Interim Champaign Council Appointment

Linda Cross is the newest member of the Champaign City Council.

The former Champaign County Board member and township official was appointed Tuesday night to fill the District 5 seat on an interim basis, until after the election in April. And Cross got her feet wet right away, as the council heard varying opinions on the city's groundwater ordinance. It's an issue she calls 'mind-boggling'.

"I've certainly kept up somewhat today with the issue, but I haven't been presented with that kind of information before," Cross said. "So I'm definitely very concerned. I didn't want to make that decision tonight. I really would like to have more information."

Cross did vote to recommend repealing the ordinance on a case by case basis, which the council approved 8-1. She said her experience with budgets suits her well for the council's difficult financial decisions in the next couple months.

Cross is filling the vacancy left by Gordy Hulten, when he was made Champaign County Clerk. Steve Meid was also vying for the interim appointment, as were Paul Faraci, Jim McGuire, and Cathy Emanuel. Those last three names will run write-in campaigns to replace Cross in April.