Joe Tirio, McHenry County Clerk's Race: Candidate Survey

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio, a Republican, will face democratic challenger Mary Mahady in the upcoming general election on Nov. 8.

Meanwhile, early voting is underway in McHenry County and across the state for the clerk's office race and other local and statewide races. In McHenry County, early voting is currently taking place at the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

• Crystal Lake, Cary Voters Guide: 2022 General Election

We reached out to local candidates planning to run for election to hear what they had to say regarding what their goals would be if elected and why they think they are the best candidate. Here are Tirio's responses:

Name

Joe Tirio

Campaign website

https://iWontHireMyWife.com

What county do you live in?

McHenry

City or town of residence

Woodstock

Office sought

McHenry County Clerk

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

College

Occupation

McHenry County Clerk (4 years) and Recorder (6 years)

Family

Married to Karen

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Karen is a Trustee on the Regional Board of Education

Age

56

Previous public office, appointive or elective

County Recorder from 2016-2018, County Clerk from 2018 to Present

Why are you seeking this office?

I am the incumbent and I have spent the last six years working to reduce the cost of government while improving service and transparency.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

First, I have experience in the office and will be effective on day one. My opponent can't say that.

Second, my time in office is marked with some notable accomplishments.

Among them:
- Eliminating an elected official
- Saving nearly $3 Million,
- Waived my right to the IMRF pension,
- First county to do a hand-counted election audit,
- Fair precinct maps, and so much more.

Finally, my opponent has decided to not only run a primarily negative campaign, but many of her claims against me, simply aren't true. If she's willing to lie to get the job, how could she be trusted once she is in office?

If you are challenging an incumbent, how would you perform differently if elected?

I am the incumbent

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The issues are, and likely always will be, cost and integrity.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Other than what has already been enumerated:
- Aside from one day, we stayed open and performed services during the COVID pandemic
- Implemented the pro-veteran "Honor Reward" program (at no cost) to encourage Veterans to register their DD214 with us
- Implemented additional signature verification to our Election Judges
- We now get data directly from the Coroner and Circuit Clerk to help clean voter rolls more quickly
- Recognized women’s suffrage in the 2020 election year with a commemorative "I voted" decal featuring Susan B Anthony
- More than doubled eRecording which reduces cost and potential errors
- Implemented electronic return of documents in the Recorder's office
- Provided Townships with free access to our land records
- Provided Township Assessors with critical property transfer data delivered to them electronically. Oddly, all but two Assessors took advantage of the offer. My opponent was one who refused.

I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to recognize my outstanding teams and our Election Judges for their professionalism and resiliency.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

I think my first legitimate job was at McDonalds. It taught me how to work... hard. I will never forget the saying "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean."

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It has been a privilege and honor to have served the people of McHenry County these last six years. I look forward to four more years and great things as we work together to keep our community a great place to live, work, play, and retire.