Surrounded by friends at O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Grill on election night, we watched the numbers trickle in telling me that the voters of DeKalb County were sending me to serve them in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Deeds.

I want to thank you all sincerely for your prayers, your encouragement and your donations of time, talent and treasure.  Without you, I would not have had the opportunity to run or the momentum to continue when fatigue set in.

I especially want to thank my wife who, even after I told her I wanted to run for public office, married me anyway.

DeKalb County, thankfully, is not facing scandalous abuses of government or mismanagement. We’re fortunate to have a healthy system of government, attributable to the good character of many public servants, and the diligent eye of the voters. But government can always be better.

I believe responsible government can be responsive to the governed–that we can work efficiently within our budgetary constraints, expand our offerings through utilizing the resources and technology already available to us, and continue provide service that is both courteous and convenient.

It is truly a humbling experience to realize that people have put their faith and trust in me to be the next to take on this task, and I pray I do not let you down. I will continue my open-ear policy, and I encourage you to share your concerns with me. I look forward to working for each and every one of you.

John J. Acardo

DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder – Elect