Mary Mahady: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Clerk
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office sought: McHenry County Clerk
City: McHenry
Age: 64
Occupation: McHenry Township assessor
Previous offices held: McHenry County Board of Review
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I am running for McHenry County Clerk/Recorder because we deserve better and the people can count on me. They can count on me to do the important jobs of Clerk and Recorder with integrity, fairness, and the focus it requires. This position demands trust, an ability to communicate, and an attention to detail. The current office holder has had four years to get it right and instead has shown he lacks the traits needed to be successful. Every election has had some significant problem, such as improperly prepared ballots, ballot machines not set correctly, Election Judges not trained properly, voters unsure of their polling locations, and a lack of communication to the public and County Board. Because of these careless behaviors, McHenry County is late or worse, inaccurate, in reporting election results.
My motivation is to eliminate the mismanagement and restore trust. We deserve better.
Q: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the position and what would your priority be?
A: Competent leadership is needed in this office. Through my current role as the McHenry Township assessor, I bring experience with the daily operations of a local government office and a reputation for providing citizens with professional, courteous, and respectful service. I will develop specific standards of practice and procedures to properly train all staff and election officials to ensure consistent and accurate execution of the duties required of the Clerk/Recorder office. I am determined to increase voter participation. I will provide more secure drop box locations, convenient neighborhood polling places, and timely and consistent communication regarding elections and all the services provided by the office.
You can read more about my background and ways to improve this office on my website, www.marymahady.com
Q: Name one concrete program you'll create or personnel move you'll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.
A: As I outlined above, I will establish standards of practice and procedures in the areas that are currently lacking to achieve election integrity. Initially, I will evaluate the current personal and determine if they have the necessary skills and training to successfully perform their role. From there, I can determine what training is necessary to help the current staff be prepared and successful for their roles. My goal is to support the current staff and only make changes where necessary. Any adjustments to the current staffing levels cannot be determined until I have completed the above actions. If, however, personnel changes are required, I will clearly document and provide the specific reasons, any budget impacts, and expected improvements these changes would bring to the office.
Q: How secure are you in the knowledge that election results in McHenry County are reported fairly and accurately?
A: Voters have lost faith in county election results due to the well documented careless mistakes in every election under the direction of the current clerk. I am not at all confident the current clerk will provide the due diligence necessary to prevent making the same mistakes and casting doubt in the system. The issues we have been subjected to here in McHenry County are due solely to lack of attention to detail on the part of the current clerk. My lack of confidence is in the person conducting the elections, not the system.