Champaign County Engineer to step down in 2012

Shokouhi has served since 1995.

URBANA — After keeping watch over Champaign County’s roads and bridges for much of the last two decades, Champaign County Engineer Fereidoun Shokouhi said Monday he will not seek re-election in 2012.

Shokouhi, who has served as county engineer since 1995, said he will complete his term, which expires in December 2012. He said he made the announcement early as a way to give prospective candidates enough notice to file for the position.

Shokouhi said when he first took the job, he developed an agenda of goals he wanted to accomplish. As plans to finish a $1.6 million garage to store county vehicles moves forward, Shokouhi said he will have met those goals. The county’s current garage was built in 1922, and the project is being paid for with existing finances.

While he will no longer serve as county engineer after his term expires, Shokouhi said he will stay active in the community. He said he’s often awake by 5 a.m. and joked the day would be too long if he didn’t stay busy.

Shokouhi said he will support Stephen E. McCall, who has expressed interest in running for the position in 2012. McCall is Champaign County’s chief deputy engineer and has served in the office for almost 20 years.

“It’s an ease on my mind that I have a highly qualified person that can step in and do the job,” Shokouhi said.

Shokouhi thanked county residents for allowing him to serve as engineer for several terms.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355.

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