Josh Boies for DeKalb County Circuit Clerk

Editor,

Earlier this year, Maureen Josh, my 24 year incumbent opponent accepted an incredibly generous payraise from our county board — 24 percent over the next four years. The board decided that enough of our tax money was available to accommodate making one of the highest paid county officials 24 percent wealthier. Several admirable county board members, both on the Democratic and Republican side of the aisle recognized our current financial climate and lodged objections, but ultimately the raise went on to pass. Twenty-four percent over the next four years!

With the stock market reeling, unemployment rising, and families losing their homes, I find it troubling that any elected official this year would get a pay raise, let alone one of this magnitude. Elected officials should be showing solidarity with taxpayers by reducing their spending. As residents of DeKalb County, we are all in this together.

As your next circuit clerk, within 60 days of taking office, I will ask the county board to rescind this decision. I have pledged to save taxpayer money by increasing efficiency through modernization of the office. If my administration of the Circuit Clerk’s office has met expectations, the notion of a pay increase for the circuit clerk can be revisited. If not, I would not seek another term. Like the rest of the public, I intend to be held accountable for my performance. My boss, after all, is the people of DeKalb County who are the ones paying for this office and its employees to exist in the first place.

Josh Boies

Democratic Candidate

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk