WILL COUNTY – In front of a small gathering today outside of the Will County Office Building in Joliet, recently elected Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant was sworn into office by County Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry. A lifelong resident and the first woman elected to the county-wide position, Bertino-Tarrant acknowledged the positive direction the county is headed while pointing to the immediate challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic safely for residents and businesses.
“We are collectively dealing with a health crisis that has crippled our economy and forced each of us to find a new normal in our daily lives,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “While my immediate priority is to continue the county’s efforts in directing resources to businesses and families who need help and support, my administration will also work with our county departments to ensure the availability of county services continue as we work in concert with the Health Department to mitigate the spread and impact of the virus.”
Bertino-Tarrant comes into office having completed two terms serving the residents of the 49th district in the Illinois State Senate. While in the Senate, Bertino-Tarrant worked to secure funding for local schools and roads, protect seniors from fraud, developed business opportunities for veterans, and fought for fair working opportunities for men and women in the state. She said this experience, coupled with her family’s roots, give her an excellent foundation to lead Will County.
“Hard work and a little grit are values I learned from my father and are shared by so many in Will County,” she said. “These values have served me well during my time in public service and are evident as our local businesses innovate and overcome during the pandemic.”
Having spent her life in the area, Bertino-Tarrant has witnessed remarkable changes as the county has blossomed from agronomy-focused communities to a global distribution market hub that has attracted thousands of employers and created a strong economic-engine for the region.
“I am proud of our growing and diverse communities and I’m excited to help guide our county while working together,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “While it is important to build upon this status, it is equally important to protect our residents and business owners. I plan to work hard equally for all who live, work, or have a business in Will County.”
