DuPage Forest Preserve District endorsements

There are six candidates vying for three positions on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County board. All of them are knowledgeable about the district’s mission and what their constituents need and want. They also had their own ideas on how to make the preserves more accessible to visitors and how to maintain the land for future generations. All of the candidates agree the district is moving in the right direction. With that, experience will help projects already under way move forward. Here are our choices for the seats:

District 3: Painter

Republican Linda Painter of Willowbrook, the incumbent, is being challenged by Democrat Lester Vaughan.

Painter, a commissioner since 2008, has been instrumental in land acquisition and securing a site for a dog park in southeast DuPage County. She also advocated for directional signs and the new Waterfall Glen parking lot to make it easier for residents to access the preserve.

Vaughan, of Darien, is a former alderman on the Darien City Council. He says he is running to protect green space and to help the district address climate change. As an alderman, Vaughan worked with Forest Preserve District President Dan Hebreard to expand access to Waterfall Glen.

We are swayed by Painter’s direct experience. She is endorsed.

District 4: Gahris

Incumbent Jeff Gahris, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Jeff Castle.

Gahris, of Wheaton, who has been with the district since 2020, has obtained a “net zero” design for the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center animal rehabilitation clinic, which will help to reduce operating costs. His main goal is to make sure the district makes the most of its resources and environmental sustainability.

Challenger Castle of Glen Ellyn is a carpenter/home remodeler who owns his own business. Castle says he can bring a fresh and creative perspective to the district, while being fiscally responsible. Castle believes the board needs to make sure its money is spent wisely to lessen wasteful spending and deliver the best product.

Gahris has made valuable contributions in his four years on the board. He is endorsed for a new term.

District 6:Murphy

Republican Al Murphy, the incumbent, is being challenged by Democrat Rick Gieser.

Murphy, of West Chicago, has had many accomplishments while in office, including the completion of various trail connections, the St. James Restoration project, the Beaver Pond floodwater relief project and more. Currently, his goal is to get a replacement for Cenacle Bridge in Warrenville and to complete a connector bridge over the West Branch of the DuPage River and Roosevelt Road.

Gieser, a public relations director and Carol Stream village trustee for nearly 20 years, wants to see more trails implemented, more flush restrooms and more green initiatives to help combat climate change. He would like the Forest Preserve District to be instrumental in scientific research, especially where the landfills in his district are concerned.

Murphy has amassed an impressive record on the board. He is endorsed for the opportunity to continue.