Sangamon County Recorder candidate Frank Lesko’s proposal to merge the Sangamon County Recorder’s office with the County Clerk’s office has gained strong support from countywide elected officials with records of promoting government efficiency.
Treasurer Joe Aiello and Auditor Andy Goleman say they see “The Lesko Plan” as a logical next step in streamlining services and saving taxpayer dollars. County Clerk Don Gray also endorsed the proposal, stating in a social media post, “It is undeniable that government office consolidations do provide for cost savings and efficiencies."
In a recent radio advertisement, Aiello explained his support for the plan, "When I served as your County Clerk, I worked together with you, the voters, to cut waste and eliminate duplicate services. We merged the election offices, eliminated township collectors, and streamlined general assistance programs—efforts that saved taxpayer money and improved efficiency. I have reviewed ‘The Lesko Plan.’ It’s another practical solution that will save taxpayer dollars and improve efficiency.”
In a joint letter, Aiello and Goleman stated, “As County Treasurer & County Auditor, we wholeheartedly support Frank Lesko and his plan to merge the County Recorder’s office with the County Clerk. The plan will save a quarter million dollars annually and create a more efficient system that residents can trust.
We are proud of our records as Taxpayer Watchdogs and support any effort to make government more accountable & save taxpayer money. That’s why we support Frank Lesko and his plan to consolidate the County Recorder’s office.”
Democratic incumbent Recorder Josh Langfelder has opposed the merger, calling it “a political gimmick” and arguing that the consolidation is more about politics than real improvements to county services.
Lesko, who has served as Springfield City Clerk since 2015, emphasized that “The Lesko Plan” would allow Sangamon County voters to decide on a measure that many Illinois counties have already implemented to reduce costs. If elected, Lesko plans to put the proposal on the 2026 ballot, where residents can decide on the merger he, Aiello, Goleman, and Gray believe would benefit taxpayers.