Redick says he won't seek re-election to DuPage County Board

Saying he's accomplished everything he set out to do, DuPage County Board member Jeff Redick announced Tuesday he won't run for re-election in 2012.

The Elmhurst Republican said he wants to “return some time” to his personal and professional life once his term expires in November 2012.

“I don't think politics should be a career,” Redick said. “It was never my intention to make it a career.”

Redick, 42, represents District 2, which includes all or parts of Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge.

In 2006, Redick was a political newcomer when he upset longtime District 2 representative Irene Stone during the Republican primary. He then bested a Democratic opponent in that year's general election.

“When I ran for office, I did so with specific goals in mind that I believed would improve county government,” Redick said. “I have accomplished what I set out to do.”

During his time on the board, Redick helped draft changes to the county's ethics ordinance and pushed for county government to be more open and transparent. He also served as chairman of an ad hoc committee that recommended a plan that included trimming vacation and sick days for employees. The changes, which take effect Dec. 1, are expected to save DuPage as much as $28 million over the next two decades.

“I am proud that I've actively been part of the debate and setting the agenda for the county,” Redick said.

Redick, who is a partner at the Oak Brook-based law firm of Power & Cronin, Ltd., said he was thinking about making this his final term after winning re-election last year. He made his final decision after talking with supporters.

“I've got people who are calling me asking for copies of my petitions because they want to circulate them,” he said. “I just don't want to string them along anymore.”