There is an opportunity for a new clerk to review, reflect, redirect and take action. I see the possibilities related to the reorganization.
In some ways I analogize the clerk to a cardiologist. The cardiologist looks at the strength of the heart and blood flow. In the body politic, the heart is the citizen. The life-blood is information that fuels activities.
We as citizens of Oak Park have allowed the clerk to become underappreciated. It has been working, and we have had Virginia Cassin and Sandra Sokol to carry the load for over a generation previous to the current clerk. It was not broke, and it did not create concern.
Often, like cardiac health, we tend to take it for granted until there is a crisis. The Oak Park body politic may well have reached the warning signs of a cardiac event during this last four years.
Why? Because we no longer feel the importance of the office as a part of the overall checks and balances of Oak Park municipal government. Because we are disconnected from the activities of the clerk. We do not see activity. We take it for granted. I want to remind the voters of its importance and role in the overall health and quality of life in the village.
The clerk is unbiased. The position carries with it no vote. Its sole focus is on accuracy and integrity of information. Simple but very significant. Having no axe to grind means that the public records has integrity and is free from bias and has no agenda to fulfill. Information is open to all equally and all have the same information.
I have been engaged in working in the community for over 20 years as not only an active member, but also in active leadership roles. My involvements range from affordable housing, subsidized housing, health care service providers, education, and advocacy for the disadvantaged.
As an attorney, I will work to improve compliance with regulatory directives, and to collaborate more effectively with elected officials. I will rely upon my experience as communities volunteer to collaborate effectively with the village manager and all departments of Oak Park.
Please consider voting for me this election.
Mas Takiguchi
Candidate for clerk, Oak Park
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