DuPage County recorder: Kathleen Carrier

Democrats in DuPage County have three qualified candidates to choose from in the primary race for county recorder.

Incumbent Kathleen Carrier, a Carol Stream Democrat, is trying to fend off a challenge from two experienced politicians in her bid for a second term.

One of the opponents is Liz Chaplin, a longtime DuPage County Board member from Downers Grove who decided not to seek another term. The other challenger is Pete DiCianni of Elmhurst, a former county board member and former mayor who recently switched parties from Republican to Democrat.

Both opponents say the recorder’s office has become stagnant and needs new leadership. They also have outlined specific plans to improve the office, which is the custodian of all the county’s land records.

But when Carrier became the recorder in 2020, she replaced someone who had held the position for 16 years. She was an outsider who needed time to become familiar with the job.

Carrier learned the ropes of the office quickly and has settled into the position, but that doesn't mean she is not open to change and improvement. Beyond the claim that the office has become “stagnant,” there have not been complaints about its efficiency or effectiveness under her leadership.

Still, Chaplin and DiCianni make a fair point when they say the recorder should do more to promote the programs offered by the office. Carrier should listen to them when it comes to being more active in the community and on social media.

Democratic voters cannot go wrong with any of the three candidates in this primary race. Both opponents are great communicators, have valuable experience, and make a strong case for why they should be the recorder.

However, the incumbent is doing a fine job in a role that was new to her just four years ago. She has earned the chance to defend her record in the general election this November. Carrier is endorsed.