Introduction

Three incumbents in Will County are seeking reelection in the general election. They each face challengers in their respective roles. The positions include county clerk, regional superintendent of schools, and treasurer.

Will County Clerk Race

Republican Annette Parker seeks to retain her position against Democratic challenger Michelle Stiff. Parker aims to continue her progress since her 2024 special election victory.

As the Will County clerk, Parker’s responsibilities include overseeing elections and maintaining vital records. She collaborates with the treasurer and auditor regarding property tax levies. With ten years on the Will County Board and past presidency of the Forest Preserve District, Parker emphasizes experience over politics. She advocates for correct execution of the job responsibilities.

Challenger Stiff currently directs the Workforce Services Division, managing a $7 million budget. Known for her leadership on the Joliet Township High School District 204 board, her focus is accessibility, transparency, and accountability in government services.

Clerk’s Achievements

Parker modernized the clerk’s office in recent years. Initiatives include electronic payments like Apple Pay and a new online platform for ordering vital records. The office secured grants to improve election accessibility and security. She emphasized community engagement through events and the student ambassador program, which recruits election judges.

Stiff sees barriers to accessing vital records due to transportation and financial issues. She proposes innovative solutions from her experience in workforce services to improve civic engagement and voter participation, particularly for young people and underserved groups.

Regional Superintendent of Schools

The role of regional superintendent involves overseeing school districts, including fingerprint and criminal background checks, teacher licensing, and bus driver training. Elizabeth Caparelli-Ruff seeks reelection against Theresa Rouse.

Caparelli-Ruff boasts a background in educational leadership and experience as a special education teacher and administrator. During her tenure, she supported schools through crises and helped implement safety and improvement measures at Lincoln School.

Rouse, with extensive leadership experience, aims to better support superintendents and expand alternative education options. As superintendent of a major school district, she faces challenges in receiving needed support and resources.

School Improvements and Challenges

Caparelli-Ruff’s tenure is marked by improvements at Lincoln School and enhancements in school security using grant funds. Rouse emphasizes advocacy for school districts and stresses the need for equitable resources across different zip codes.

Treasurer’s Election

Democratic incumbent Tim Brophy seeks another term against Republican challenger Carmen Maurella. Brophy highlights his financial and business expertise as crucial for the treasurer’s role.

Brophy’s initiatives include investment strategies and digital payment systems that improved efficiency and saved costs. He focuses on continued budget mindfulness without sacrificing services.

Maurella, with a background in assessment and accounting, wants to modernize customer services in the treasurer’s office, making property tax management accessible through technology.

Modernization and Efficiency

Brophy’s efforts in digital payments and cost-saving measures align with his fiscal management goals. Maurella prioritizes engaging with taxpayers and enhancing transparency and efficiency, aiming to prevent equity theft.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.