I’d like to thank everyone who supported me in my run for DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder.

Most notably I would like to thank Sharon Holmes, Judy Butler, and all the staff in the office who helped me to more fully understand the duties of the office. I would also like to thank Kristen Lash, my campaign manager, who is now running her own campaign for alderman in DeKalb’s 3rd Ward.

Last, I would like to thank my supporters. People all across our county contributed in so many ways, walking in parades, knocking doors, writing letters, giving financial support, making phone calls, or taking yard signs.

The focus of all this work was bringing government to the people and engaging we the people in our democracy. As a result, nearly 12,000 of you supported me with your votes. While we didn’t win this election, I believe we’ve learned an important lesson: open, effective, and accountable government is not easily achieved. This was fought for and guaranteed by my fellow veterans and other citizens throughout our history to the present day.

The sacrifices we recalled on Veterans Day are what hallowed our sacred right to vote. Our challenge is to share this message across our county, to challenge those we meet to participate more actively in our government, and in so doing make our government more truly representative of we the people who created it. This is the platform I ran my campaign on, and even though I will not hold this office, I will continue to work for these ideals.

Jim Luebke

DeKalb resident