Lake County Clerk Announces Run For Second Term As Republican

Grayslake IL

15 February, 2022

11:07 PM

Description

Press release from Robin O'Connor: Feb. 15, 2022 This is to inform you that I will be seeking re-election, and running as a Republican candidate for my second term as Lake County Clerk. My priority is to continue to meet the needs of our community and ensure office operations remain safe, efficient, and transparent. Following several discussions with local Republican leaders, I am confident I made the best decision. Faced with the unprecedented challenges of running not only an essential office, but elections during my term, proved very demanding. I am thankful to my staff for providing necessary services. Their years of experience and dedication to the public is crucial to the success of our office. After the 2022 election, the merging of the Recorder of Deeds Office within the County Clerk's Office will occur. Preserving the integrity of both staffs during this transition is essential. During my tenure, we expanded services to support the new state-mandated vote by mail drop boxes, as well as upgraded technology in our office. As a result of securing a grant, the Lake County Clerk's Institute (LCCI) and the Mobile Services Division were formed. LCCI will be the central hub for community education and outreach performed by the County Clerk's Office, including modernized election judge training. My goal for elections is to ensure voters have access to vote safely, efficiently, securely and with transparency. Just before the March 2020 election, approximately 500 election judges decided not to serve. Nevertheless, we handled this situation smoothly by consolidating sites and moving experienced judges, resulting in restored operational efficiencies. Leading into the November election, we created a partnership with the Lake County Fairgrounds. They joined us in providing an ample training space and polling site. This partnership became vital for Lake County. Upholding a high value in fiscal responsibility to sustain the expansion and modernization of my office, I continue to leverage new grant funding. Through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, I recently received a $2,000,000 grant to implement Vote by Mail automation beginning with the 2022 election. The new equipment increases efficiency and saves taxpayer money. As a 2021 graduate of the Election Center, the highest certification of election administration nationally from Auburn University, my colleagues from around the country did not identify themselves by a party. We were one collective group focused on making certain that elections are safe, efficient, secure and transparent. This collaborative mindset continues across the state of Illinois among County Clerks. Both Kane County and Will County have similar Vote by Mail automation systems. Lake County joins Kane County in taking services mobile using the BizBox model. As with all our county neighbors, we continue to advance while supporting each other. One of my key decisions to become a Republican candidate is how our values align with the modernization of County Clerk operations, including satelite services to reach the four corners of Lake County. As County Clerk, I serve both voters and the candidates. Lake County must have faith in our electoral process and their elected County Clerk. There will be no change in my vision or goals for the office. I will proceed to operate with a nonpartisan mindset. As a Rotarian, "service above self" continues to be one of my mission statements. I am excited to make more connections with Lake County residents as I proudly continue my journey to lead as the People's Clerk." This press release was produced by Robin O'Connor. The views expressed here are the author's own.