ABOUT
PATRICIA KLADIS-SCHIAPPA
Candidate for DuPage County Clerk
Restore Confidence and Integrity in the
Election Division & Clerk's Office of DuPage County
BACKGROUND
Patricia Kladis-Schiappa is a candidate for DuPage County Clerk. The Clerk’s Office serves as a cornerstone of local government administration and is responsible for overseeing elections, maintaining vital records, calculating property tax rates for all taxing districts in DuPage County, and issuing various licenses. Patricia is eager to bring her qualifications to this very important office and demonstrate her disciplined work ethic to the residents of DuPage County.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
With a strong legal background rooted in respect for the law, and a passion for community engagement, her experience and commitment to public service make her the ideal candidate for DuPage County Clerk. Patricia will show up to work, attend required meetings and work with the DuPage County Board.
VISION
Patricia will Protect our Public Office
Election Division | Office of the Clerk | Office for the People
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Patricia is committed to this critical role as guardian of our democratic process.
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Patricia will ensure that this Office is well-organized and current so that the public is confident that every legal vote is counted and that the election results reflect the will of the electorate.
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Patricia will uphold the highest standards of conduct in the execution of her duties and demand the same of staff.
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Patricia will show up to work, attend meetings, and answer questions.
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Patricia will prepare budgets, support invoices, and bid in accordance with the law so that integrity and transparency are not challenged.
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Patricia will remove politics from an office that should be the premier example of impartiality and neutrality.
Why am I running?
"Philotimo."
I am a first generation Greek American and a lawyer - so of course I chose a complex Greek word to describe the why - complex because the word does not have a direct translation in any other language. The word can be broken down to literally mean “friend of honor” – but what does that mean?
It embodies values and virtues that include integrity, dignity, honor and pride, but most importantly a strong sense of duty.
Philotimo is stepping out of your comfort zone to do what is right for society and to do so with sincerity. It means acting at the highest level of ethics because we respect ourselves and all others. It means doing good without expecting anything in return.
Philotimo is not taught, it is felt.
My goal is to make all residents feel secure in the administration of their elections and in the protection of their vital records. I will restore integrity, drive efficiency and assure the Clerk's office will be run with honor and civility. I will lead with respect for the rule of law. I will remove politics from an office that should be the premier example of impartiality and neutrality.
It is the Clerk's Office in name only. It is the People's Office in reality.
Qualifications - Education - Volunteerism
Qualifications
Patricia Kladis-Schiappa is an attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience. She concentrates her trial and appellate practice in workers’ compensation and has conducted hundreds of hearings throughout the entire State of Illinois. In her two decades of legal experience, she has represented employees and employers at all levels before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission and appellate levels. Patricia has previously served as a Hearing Officer for the Illinois Tollway Authority, where she presided over hearings for alleged violations of The Toll Highway Act. She also finds time to provide gratis legal counsel to first responders as they hold a special place in her heart.
Education
Patricia is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly known as The John Marshall Law School) (J.D.), where she served as an Executive Board Member of The John Marshall Law School Moot Court Program. Patricia is a mentor to young lawyers as she values helping the next generation. Since graduating law school over 20 years ago, Patricia regularly judges her law school’s intra-scholastic moot court competition, where law students learn and develop their appellate advocacy skills.
Volunteerism
Patricia has always given back to her community. She has volunteered at her children’s grammar and high schools whether it be monitoring lunch time, serving on Parent-Teacher Advisory Committees, or chairing fundraisers. Patricia has served as a poll watcher and Election Judge in past elections. As a Burr Ridge resident, she also served on the Census Committee to assure census participation by the residents of Burr Ridge, which is vitally important for adequate funding, accurate representation and effective governance. She is a member of the Assistance League Foundation; a philanthropic program that supports neighbors in need throughout DuPage and western Cook counties. As a first-generation Greek American, Patricia is also a very proud member of the Hellenic Bar Association and is fluent in Greek. Thanks to her mother and grandmother, Patricia has mastered family recipes including Pastitsio, Spanakopita and Tzatziki.
Patricia lives in Burr Ridge with her husband Tony Schiappa, and they have been married for 24 years. Their home is full of love with three children, three dogs and two chinchillas. She enjoys gardening and plays competitive tennis.