Meet Jeremy "Jaye" Wang
Jeremy "Jaye" Wang is running for DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk
Jeremy “Jaye” Wang, a solo law practitioner with a strong commitment to social justice, is running for DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk. With a background as the President of the DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustees and Vice-President of the Downers Grove Sanitary District Board of Trustees, Wang is dedicated to promoting equal representation for all, including women and minority communities.
1. Why did you decide to run for office?
DuPage County has historically been known to have great public schools and safe communities.
I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people. Now, I have an opportunity to help more people. I am a life-long resident of the State of Illinois and DuPage County.
And I have demonstrated that throughout my years in both private law practice and through part-time public service.
2. What are you hoping to accomplish if you win?
If I am elected, I get to pursue my passion for serving the public and my continuous desire to be a part of the local communities that make up our DuPage County.
3. What qualifications set you apart from other candidates?
I grew up here in DuPage County. I even practiced law here for nearly 15 years. To efficiently manage the duties of this office, the areas of responsibility are most commonly divided into four divisions which are Civil, Criminal, Family, and Traffic. I bring to the office all of my experience practicing law in all of these divisions. Since 2019, I have served as an elected member of the DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustees. In 2022, I was voted by the board as vice-president. As of 2023, I am currently serving as the acting president of the Board. Since 2022, I have been commissioned to serve as trustee board member at the local waste water sanitary district. This is where I gained valuable experience at the micro level of governance. I am very proud of our accomplishments leading the field of wastewater collection and treatment in the State of Illinois. I am so very honored to be able to give back to my community.
4. What specific actions will you take if you win?
Inflation is causing Illinois to get less and less affordable. To ensure equal access to the courthouse, I will take on the initiative to gradually develop a digital self-help program for self-represented or pro se litigants who cannot afford a civil attorney for legal matters. Although the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office is not allowed to give legal advice, this “safe-harbor” policy issued by the Illinois Supreme Court will utilize technology to improve communication and provide information to essential resources, making the court system more accessible and efficient. Collaboration from all the stakeholders is essential. Funding will come from reallocating existing resources and applying for technology grants designed to support court operations.
5. Can you give an example of how you have supported a community project in the past?
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, I traveled the county to track down some of the voters in an effort to validate their votes.
I would bring my notary stamp to the door and notarize their signatures for the sake of the ballot. I have met the terminally ill, the frail, and the dying.
And for some, it may have been the last time they would ever vote. I am honored to advocate for one of their last wishes—to secure their vote and make it count.
6. What else would you like voters to know about yourself?
I support fiscal responsibility, administrative efficiency, and educational rehabilitation programs that will ease the future of our criminal court dockets and make our streets safer.
7. In your opinion, what is a hidden gem of a restaurant or business in Downers Grove Township?
Tivoli Theatre, Downers Grove. It was my first job in high school. The popcorn is amazing, and the thousand-seat auditorium is a historical gem.
8. What past president/political figure do you admire?
Abraham Lincoln. I admire his ability to find common ground with those who opposed him. And I am inspired by his ability to quickly resolve conflict and not allow it to fester. He also saved the Nation.