Gross To Stay in Senate -- For Now

Made official today, one of the worst-kept secrets in St. Charles County political history, state Senator Chuck Gross was introduced by newly sworn-in County Executive Steve Ehlmann as the county's new Director of Administration -- effective AFTER the upcoming legislative session adjourns.

Gross, senate appropriations chairman, can no doubt to more for St. Charles County from that position in the upcoming months, and I would hate to lose him in the senate for that reason. But I also hate to end up in a situation where we have a special election for a senator after session is over (presumably August or November), and then that senator has to run for re-election in 2008. Ask Senator Scott Rupp how difficult that is.

Meanwhile, Joann Leykam, County Counselor, will be appointed on an interim basis as county administrator until the end of the legislative session in May, 2007.