Letter: Thanks and farewell to wonderful job

It is with a grateful heart that I begin to prepare for my retirement, after nearly three decades in Lake County Government. My last day in office will be November 30, 2022.

I began my career in 1986, as Elections administrator in the Lake County Clerk's office. Together with then-Clerk Linda Hess, we ran 26 national, state and local elections. She was a mentor, teacher and still today, a dear friend.

In 1996 I was elected the first woman to serve as Lake County recorder. On Nov. 30, I will walk out the door as the last recorder in Lake County's history.

I want to sincerely thank the voters of Lake County for their confidence. Being elected for seven terms was a dream come true.

My staff and I have worked tirelessly to modernize, while keeping the old-fashioned traditions of the office alive.

I will miss the daily interaction with the public and our loyal customers. I give thanks to my three chief deputies over the years, Kathy Ryg, Marc Brogan and Cynthia Haran. And to my staff, many who have been with me since the very beginning. It has been a privilege to work alongside these dedicated employees.

I want to thank my biggest fan, my husband Don who for 27 years walked every parade, made phone calls, put up signs, stayed up late or got up early to always be there for me. And to my parents (who are in their 90s!) for instilling a hard work ethic and love of public service.

As we move on and the recorder's office now becomes a division of the county clerk's office, I know I am leaving everything in good hands.

Mary Ellen Vanderventer

Lake County Recorder of Deeds