Gerald Schweighart
Encyclopedia
Gerald J. Schweighart (born 1938), is the former Mayor
of Champaign, Illinois
, as well as the city's Liquor Commissioner. He had held both positions since 1999. Schweighart served for six years on the Champaign City Council before becoming Mayor.
Prior to his election to public office, Schweighart served as an officer with the Champaign Police Department. He joined the force in 1960, rising to the rank of detective. He also served as President of the Champaign Police Department Benevolent Association. In that capacity, he spearheaded efforts to raise funds to permit speed skater Bonnie Blair
, a Champaign native, participate in the Winter Olympics between 1984 and 1994.
In 2010 at a Tea Party
event, Schweighart expressed doubt that President Obama is a U.S. citizen, something which would make Obama ineligible to hold his office. Schweighart's statement led to a call for his resignation from Champaign County board member Al Kurtz. Schweighart was defeated in a re-election bid on April 5, 2011, by Don Gerard
.
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Champaign, Illinois
Champaign, Illinois
Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of...
, as well as the city's Liquor Commissioner. He had held both positions since 1999. Schweighart served for six years on the Champaign City Council before becoming Mayor.
Prior to his election to public office, Schweighart served as an officer with the Champaign Police Department. He joined the force in 1960, rising to the rank of detective. He also served as President of the Champaign Police Department Benevolent Association. In that capacity, he spearheaded efforts to raise funds to permit speed skater Bonnie Blair
Bonnie Blair
Bonnie Kathleen Blair is a retired American speedskater. She is one of the top skaters of her time, and one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history. Blair competed for the United States in four Olympics, and in her Olympic career won five gold medals and one bronze medal.-Career:Blair...
, a Champaign native, participate in the Winter Olympics between 1984 and 1994.
In 2010 at a Tea Party
Tea Party movement
The Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
event, Schweighart expressed doubt that President Obama is a U.S. citizen, something which would make Obama ineligible to hold his office. Schweighart's statement led to a call for his resignation from Champaign County board member Al Kurtz. Schweighart was defeated in a re-election bid on April 5, 2011, by Don Gerard
Don Gerard
Don Gerard is the current mayor of the city of Champaign, Illinois. He was previously a facilities manager at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.-Early life and work:Don Gerard was born October 31, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois...
.