Gerald Schweighart

American politician (1938–2022)

Gerald J. "Jerry" Schweighart (May 4, 1938 – June 30, 2022), was a mayor of Champaign, Illinois, as well as the city's liquor commissioner.[1] He held both positions starting in 1999. Schweighart served for six years on the Champaign City Council before becoming mayor.[2]

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.[3][4]

In 2010 at a Tea Party event, Schweighart expressed doubt that President Obama was a U.S. citizen. Schweighart's statement led to a call for his resignation as mayor by Champaign County board member Al Kurtz.[5][6] [7] Schweighart was defeated in a re-election bid on April 5, 2011, by Don Gerard.

Schweighart died aged 84 on June 30, 2022.[8]

## References[edit]

1. ^ "City of Champaign Elected Officials - Champaign County Clerk, IL - Gordy Hulten". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
2. ^ "Political newcomer joins race for Champaign mayor | News-Gazette.com". Archived from the original on 2011-06-09. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
3. ^ The Milwaukee Journal – Google News Archive Search[dead link]
4. ^ "Where do You Find Sponsors?". Archived from the original on 2007-02-28. Retrieved 2007-02-26.
5. ^ "Mayor defends YouTube comments; county board member calls for resignation | News-Gazette.com". Archived from the original on 2010-04-19. Retrieved 2010-11-30.
6. ^ Velez • •, Aixa. "Champaign's Mayor Is a "Birther"". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
7. ^ "WATCH: Champaign Mayor Says He Does Not Believe President Obama Is An American". HuffPost. 2010-06-16. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
8. ^ "Gerald Schweighart". The News-Gazette. Jul 2, 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.