Longtime DuPage County clerk ready for retirement

DuPage County Clerk Gary King has taken his final roll call.

After spending nearly 20 years as a county employee and then serving another 28 years as an elected official, King is ready for retirement. His last day will be Saturday, when he comes into the office to tie up some loose ends.

"I really had a great time," the Glen Ellyn resident said. "I love doing what I'm doing, but it's time for me to leave."

The clerk's office sends out property tax bills and handles other documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates.

"The county clerk's office is all about helping people," said King, who started as a staff member in the department in 1967.

The Benedictine University graduate worked his way up until he was named chief deputy clerk in 1980.

Then in 1986, King was elected county clerk. He kept the countywide seat with a string of elections victories in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010.

During his tenure, King sought to professionalize the operation of the clerk's office by updating policies and procedures, improving the records management system, providing training for employees and improving customer services, officials said.

"I'm very proud of what we've accomplished," he said.

A county resolution of commendation to King says he was "instrumental in the drafting" of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Act enacted by state lawmakers in 1991. The law is better know as the tax cap.

His accomplishments include the implementation of a number of new state mandates. King also used technology through the years to improve the clerk's office.

He said more changes are on the horizon. That's why he's pleased Paul Hinds, his chief deputy clerk, got elected to the county clerk position. Hinds' first day in the top job is Monday.

"I am very happy for Paul," King said. "We've got a great office, and it's just going to get better."

As part of his job as clerk, King was responsible for taking the minutes during county board meetings.

At the end of his final county board meeting on Tuesday, board members adjourned with roll call. When King was done calling their names for the last time, the vote was 13-2.

"Thirteen voting aye to adjourn; two that don't want to let go," county board Chairman Dan Cronin said. "Meeting is adjourned. Thank you, Gary King."