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Three local elected officials sworn into office Tuesday as another exits after nearly 40 years

SYCAMORE – Three elected officials began their next four-year terms in office Tuesday morning after a swearing in ceremony at the DeKalb County Courthouse, including a second term for Republican Rick Amato, the first state’s attorney to serve a second term in almost a decade.

“It’s an honor,” Amato said. “It’s a privilege to serve in this job every day and when you look at the community and the confidence not just in what I do but how the whole office is operating and functioning, it means a lot.”

During the ceremony, Amato was sworn in by DeKalb County Circuit Court Judge Ron Matekaitis, where Amato was joined by his wife, Renee Amato, and three children, Grace, Dominic and baby Rose.

“It’s awesome,” Amato said of the support of his family and voters. “You don’t go through this just by yourself. It impacts your family the most, your friends, your supporters. But I couldn’t do this role without the support and love of my family.”

Amato also swore in his assistant state’s attorneys, and said he plans to hit the ground running in his second term.

“Domestic violence continues to be our county’s number one problem,” Amato said. “So I’m in the middle of working on countywide protocol, policy and training that all of our police agencies will go through, to have as good of investigations as we can, which will lead to getting the victim and children in better services and keep them safer.”

Also part of the swearing-in ceremony, Republican Dennis Miller began his 10th term as DeKalb County Coroner Tuesday.

“I’m very humbled that the voters of DeKalb County gave me support for another four years,” Miller said. “And I’m very proud of what I’ve done over the years. I think I worked very well with the county board, current and past. And law enforcement agencies. It’s a team effort.”

By the time Miller finishes his next four-year term in 2024, he’ll have 40 years in office, plus five prior as a deputy coroner.

He said he didn’t ever imagine he’d get to have four decades in public office under his belt.

“My staff is excellent,” Miller said of his five part-time staff and office secretary. “They’re probably the best in the state. And I also want to say thanks for the support of my family.”

Miller said he’s thankful for his wife, Jill Miller, and children Jordan and Sarah Miller, Brandon and Ashley Miller, and Brianna and Derek Morsch.

“Without these people, I’d be nothing,” Miller said.

The newcomer Tuesday, Republican Lori Grubbs will take over the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk’s office after being sworn in, the first new clerk in nearly four decades.

Longtime Circuit Clerk Maureen Josh, also a Republican, announced in June she wouldn’t seek reelection, ending her 36 years in office which first began in 1984.

Grubbs was joined Tuesday by her family, and also swore in her deputy clerks.

Though it’s her first term holding elected office, Grubbs is no stranger to the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, as she’s been working with Josh in that office for 26 years.

Source: The Daily Chronicle

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