Well, this last election did not turn out the way I had hoped.

 

The weeks since then have given me time to reflect, which I felt was important before I said my goodbyes.

 

I have so many people to thank.

 

I will start by thanking God. Romans 13:1 (NLT) tells us, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God”. God placed me in office in 2016, and he removes me now in 2026. Along the way, there were two times when I very seriously considered quitting. In both cases, he sent me signs to continue, including one where a stranger bought me a coffee and told the cashier to tell me to “keep going” the morning after I prayed desperately for direction.

 

God is mighty, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and perhaps above all else, he is good. I know that he has a plan for me… for all of us. I am ready for whatever he might have in mind.

 

If you don’t yet know God. Change that now. He is waiting. He knows you and wants you to know him.

 

Next, I would have to thank my Wife, Karen. Politics and the Clerk’s role aren’t nine-to-five, Monday-through-Friday jobs. The hours are long and often unpredictable. I give my cell number to nearly everyone I meet. They use it (as I would expect) at all hours and on any day. But that’s why I gave it to them. I wanted to be accessible. That accessibility comes at a price to our personal life and my time with Karen and others. The grind of the non-stop election calendar also makes it hard to get away or to spend any meaningful time with her, and yet she not only put up with it, but she enthusiastically supported me and my work. She is a true partner, and although I'm known as the guy who wouldn’t hire his wife, I couldn't have been successful without her. Add to that the indecency of politics, the threats, unqualified accusations, and assaults on our character. All this makes it very hard to be married to someone in politics. So, to my dear wife, a heartfelt “Thank You” for all your work, and “I’m sorry” for all the time and emotional cost. I love you and can’t wait for our next adventure.

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To my team, I want you to know how proud I am of all of you and all we have accomplished. Together, we have fundamentally transformed these offices into highly effective, efficient, award-winning organizations that are the envy of so many. Perhaps more importantly, we sent a message that government offices can be run as professionally as private-sector enterprises, where merit and value rule the day and politics have no place. McHenry County government is a different place because we raised the bar. Thank you for choosing to work with all of us and for building a work culture that truly made a difference.

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Perhaps most noteworthy was your performance during COVID and the 2020 election. No matter what hindsight might tell you of the pandemic, at the time, there was no debate that people were getting sick. You looked past the fear and uncertainty and saw duty to your community instead. We closed for one day, then continued to serve our neighbors as best we could. Because of you and your efforts, the good people of McHenry County could continue to count on their government to provide the services essential to such critical elements of their lives… birth, death, property, and more. In some extraordinary circumstances, many of you gloved up and went to those too weak to come into the office. You delivered the marriage licenses to those hoping to marry their loved ones before their time ran out. You could expect that kind of heroism from the police, the fire department, or even the health department. You wouldn’t expect it from the Clerk’s office, but you did it because your community needed you to. I will never forget those times or the way you all rose to the occasion. Thank you.

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Similar accolades could be applied to our legion of Election Judges. I appreciate all you do. It takes a special kind of person to work those long hours in service to their neighbors. Thank you all for doing it. When I think of our Election Judges, I can’t help but think of our fallen friend Petter Culver who took his last breath while working at the poll. That kind of dedication is seldom found elsewhere.

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To my fellow County employees, the Board, and other elected officials. You are part of what makes me proud to be from McHenry County and why this is such a good place to live, work, and play. I will miss you all and say a final thank you for all you have done in support of me and my team.

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Finally, to all the people of McHenry County, my friends, my opponents, the thousands of people I met at their front door, the tens of thousands that voted for me over the years, it has been my greatest personal and professional honor to serve you as the McHenry County Clerk and Recorder. Whether Republican, Democrat, libertarian, or ‘none of the above’, I hope you all felt fairly served.

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As I leave, I feel good about my decade with the County. With the help of my team, we accomplished all I came to do:

-    Eliminate the office of Recorder

-    Waive my right to participate in the pension

-    Eliminate nepotism and patronage from my offices

-    Save the taxpayers millions of dollars

-    And more

 

Thank you for your trust and support. Best of luck and good health to you all. May God bless McHenry County.

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Kindest Regards,​​