Endorsement: Yes to appointing, not electing, Mundelein village clerk

In recent years, Mundelein has seen its village clerk position play a diminishing role, and voters now have the choice of giving the clerk’s office nonelected status. By statute, the clerk is responsible for meeting minutes, records and some election duties. While those still apply, about a decade ago the position was made part-time, and many of the assigned duties — mostly clerical — were divided among other staff members. The clerk has no political decision-making authority, does not set policy and directs no staff. Mundelein has not seen a contested clerk race in many years, and making the position appointed rather than elected could help ensure a clerk has the right skills to do the job. We recommend voting YES to make the change.