Retired Engineer Chosen for Champaign County Board Seat

Republicans have selected Gary Maxwell of Mahomet to fill a vacancy on the Champaign County Board.

On Monday night, a group of precinct committeemen also interviewed Mahomet Village Trustee Gerald Smith and retired hobby shop owner Mark Thompson before voting to appoint Maxwell - a retired civil engineer and land surveyor - for the District One seat left vacant in June by Larry Sapp's resignation.

Maxwell is a 30-year resident of Champaign County.

"Gary's experience and background will allow him to make wise decisions in a number of areas, particularly highway and rural code," said Champaign County Board Republican Caucus Chairman Alan Nudo in a party press release. "He is a great fit for the district."

Maxwell says his professional experience working with county boards helped him prepare for the opportunity.

Before the meeting, former Champaign County Board member Chris Doenitz withdrew his name, saying he felt a number of qualified candidates had come forward.

The County Board will vote to accept Maxwell's appointment at its meeting on Aug. 18th.