Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Colleagues:

It is with very mixed feelings that I am announcing that I
have decided not to run for a fifth term as Village Clerk of
Oak Park. Working for the Village, both as Village Clerk
for sixteen years and in the Community Relations
Department for the eight years before that, has been one
of the most meaningful and rewarding periods of my life.

I have especially enjoyed having the opportunity to get
to know and work with literally thousands of Oak Park
citizens, other elected officials, both local and other,
Village employees, and those who own and work in
our local businesses.   I will have both great memories
and the expectation of many more years of personal
contact with all of you.

I am very proud to have spent these years as your independently elected Village Clerk,  as that honorable
elected position has been one of the cornerstones of the
clean patronage-free and non-partisan government
Oak Park has enjoyed since the establishment of a Village Manager system under which we operate.

Now, I believe that it is time for me to pass the torch on
to others; yet I look forward to my continued active participation in our beloved adopted hometown, in a
variety of both established and perhaps in new capacities.

My appreciation to those of you who have so overwhelmingly elected and re-elected me to the office of Village Clerk, and
the immense pleasure of enjoying the trust of my fellow Oak Parkers, knows no bounds.

Thank you.

Sandra Sokol

 Sandra Sokol is one of the nicest people who will meet, and if you added in government to that phrase she would get a couple of extra stars in her crown of service.

She has worked hard and far more than required.  She has been at about every event in this Village and beyond for the duration of her tenure in office. 

Groups are already seeking her for a candidate on their slates for
the Village government.  Her popularity on any slate would be an
asset. 

Thanks Sandra for all your leadership for the Village and the
Citizens of this town.  The woman is a treasure, one that will be
greatly missed.

Ed Vincent