DeKALB – Sycamore native Tammie Shered announced Tuesday her candidacy for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk.
“I want to be a difference in this community,” Shered said. “I’ve lived here my entire life, and it’s time for change. I want to be a catalyst for that change.”
This is Shered’s first time running for office. Previously, Shered worked as the Felony Division Coordinator in the DeKalb County State Attorney’s office for three years where she developed a felony diversion program – a court-ordered alternative to prosecution.
“Not everyone needs to go to jail,” Shered said. “We need more rehab and social justice programs otherwise when these people are released from jail, they’re likely to keep offending and perpetuating the cycle.”
Shered will run against current DeKalb County Circuit Clerk Lori Grubbs. Although Grubbs has experience as circuit clerk, Shered said it is time for a change.
“I like her vision, but you can’t keep reading the same book because the story never changes,” Shered said. “We need change; and I may not have a four-year degree, but I have a Ph.D. in life.”
If elected, Shered would also like to use social justice programs.
“We have families in this community living out of their cars and teens stealing to provide for their family,” Shered said. “These problems need to come to the forefront and be dealt with compassionately.”
Shered studied Criminal Justice at Kishwaukee College and is a member of the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb.
Shered is also involved with the DeKalb County History Center’s Arts in Action Project – a community platform for individuals to share their stories and art.
The general primary election begins March 19. For more information, visit dekalbcounty.org.
