DuPage elected officials sworn in

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin kicked off his second term on Monday night while a new era began at the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

Cronin was sworn in during an inauguration ceremony in Wheaton that included him talking about what lies ahead for county government.

"Taxpayers can be certain that we will continue to be a model for good government in Illinois and demonstrate what thoughtful and purposeful leadership is all about," Cronin said to the audience.

Cronin, who has been county board chairman since 2010, said ongoing efforts to streamline and reduce the size, scope and cost of local government will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

At the same time, service levels have been maintained.

"I'm certain we will always manage our citizens' tax dollars in the way that seeks most value and provides the highest level of service," Cronin said.

He said DuPage's elected officials will work together responsibly, respectfully, and with an eye toward solutions. They also will be mindful of any changes to the county's population.

"We embrace the demographic shifts in our county, and we put each citizen's needs at the forefront of our efforts," Cronin said. "We will seek new ideas and move away from outdated paradigms when they no longer fit our new DuPage demands."

Other countywide elected officials who took the oath of office during Monday's inauguration were Treasurer Gwen Henry, County Clerk Paul Hinds, Sheriff John Zaruba and Darlene Ruscitti, the regional superintendent of schools.

County board members who were sworn in are Paul Fichtner, Pete DiCianni, John Curran, Grant Eckhoff, Tonia Khouri and Kevin Wiley.

Meanwhile, Joe Cantore was sworn in as the president of the forest preserve commission during a separate ceremony at Danada House in Wheaton. Commissioners Linda Painter, Marsha Murphy and Al Murphy also took the oath of office at that event.

Cantore replaced incumbent D. "Dewey" Pierotti, who didn't seek re-election.

"I'm excited to start doing the work as president of the forest preserve," said Cantore, a Republican from Oak Brook. "I'm looking forward to refocusing the organization to make sure that we function in the most efficient way possible."