McHenry County Clerk
Joe Tirio
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Election Year:
2026
EXPERIENCE
I bring over 30 years of private-sector IT and operations experience from Ameritech/AT&T, Abbott Laboratories, and Aon Hewitt, work focused on large-scale systems, process improvement, and operational accountability, not government growth.
As County Clerk and Recorder, I've applied that background directly: I ran on abolishing the Recorder's office and did it, consolidating functions and saving taxpayers money. I understand how to evaluate whether a government office is doing its job efficiently, and I'm willing to say when it isn't, including my own.
My record is one of measurable results: a merged office, reduced overhead, and a clerk's office that has expanded and improved service while saving taxpayers more than $11 million. That's the experience voters can verify, not just a claim.
Key Accomplishments
Consolidated the County Clerk and Recorder offices, saving taxpayers more than 11 million dollars.
Modernized office operations and expanded online services.
Strengthened election security and transparency initiatives.
Improved efficiency while maintaining accurate and reliable public records.
Enhanced cybersecurity protections for county systems. (Shaw Local)
WHY RUNNING
In 2018, I ran for County Recorder on a simple promise: eliminate the office. I kept it. Merging Recorder into the Clerk's office saved McHenry County taxpayers money and proved that government can shrink when the person running it actually wants it to. That's the standard I hold myself to, not "how do I grow my empire," but "how do I do this job efficiently and get out of the way."
Now, several years in, I understand this office's systems, its opportunities, and where it can still improve, in ways a newcomer simply can't on day one. The County Clerk’s role is not the place for on-the-job learning. It demands someone who already knows the statutes, the processes, and the county's specific needs.
I'm asking voters to let me continue the work I started, with the tested judgment and proven results to back it up.