Debra Lester: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines City Council Ward 3

Bio

Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 3

City: Des Plaines

Age: 68

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: I have not held any elected offices, but was appointed to the Des Plaines Fire and Police Commission

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

The most serious issue Des Plaines will face in the coming years, is prioritizing infrastructure repairs and replacements, particularly lead water pipes and aging water and sewer lines. Another primary focus will be the revitalization of the downtown area, ensuring the preservation of its traditional and historic character and attracting businesses.

The city council must balance revitalization costs and the necessary public safety infrastructure repairs that protect residential neighborhoods. Additionally, potential cuts to federal and state funding in the coming years will require the city council to exercise fiscal responsibility, ensuring that public funds are spent wisely without placing an undue tax burden on homeowners.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

The city’s finance department has made significant progress in reducing the city’s debt obligations. However, addressing infrastructure repairs and replacements, the need to maintain and improve property acquisitions on Miner Street and pension liabilities, may place a considerable strain on the city’s budget.

To manage these demands, additional property acquisitions should be limited. The city must prioritize transparency about city owned properties by providing residents with clear, detailed reports on the current condition of properties, carrying costs, the cost of necessary remediation, build-out expenses, realistic timelines for redevelopment, expected return on investment and the funding plan.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The most urgent infrastructure projects that need attention are the ongoing water and sewer line breakages and the replacement of lead pipes, as these directly impact the health and safety of residents and property values. The city has acknowledged that replacing all lead and galvanized water lines could take many years.

Now that the city has identified many affected homes and businesses, raising awareness about the hazards is crucial, as is encouraging residents to use water filtration devices that can remove lead and other contaminants from their drinking water until the lines are replaced.

While the city has committed to covering the costs of replacing lines up to the meters, it needs to be transparent with residents about the funding sources and potential tax increases required to fund these remediation efforts.

While focusing on completing the initiatives we have already started, to ensure that Des Plaines becomes a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors from neighboring communities and beyond is important, public safety issues should be first and foremost.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

During my time on the Des Plaines Fire and Police Commission, I collaborated closely with both the police and fire departments and my fellow commissioners, to establish fair and equitable hiring criteria for entry-level patrol officers, firefighter paramedics, and fire and police promotional exams. I also contributed to the development of the Lateral Entry Program for the police department.

Throughout this process, I worked to actively listen to the suggestions of others, and focused on finding alternatives that would help us reach common ground while incorporating diverse ideas and recommendations.

I will bring these experiences to my role as an alder for the 3rd Ward, working alongside my fellow alders to ensure that the concerns, ideas, and opinions of 3rd Ward residents are heard and considered. My goal will always be to achieve the best possible outcomes for the city and its residents.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As a Des Plaines resident for 44 years, I have been an involved citizen. I stay well-informed, regularly reading city council packets, engaging with alders, and voicing constructive solutions at council meetings. The critical issues facing Des Plaines today: responsible development and infrastructure improvements, transparency in government, and effective community engagement, demand a proactive leader who is connected to resident’s needs.

I have four decades of experience as an attorney specializing in real estate and contract law. I also have made a long-standing commitment to community service and public safety which uniquely positions me to deliver results for the 3rd Ward. Over the years, I have not only guided families through complex financial transactions but also worked diligently as a member of the Des Plaines Fire and Police Commission (2009-22), hiring quality first responders to enhance the safety of our community.

My approach is straightforward: I will always listen to the voices of our residents, ensure that development projects are transparent and genuinely beneficial, and work to make our community safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

While going door-to-door and speaking with residents, many seniors have shared that they would like to be more involved. However, many of them feel uncomfortable driving after dark to participate.

Attending evening meetings can also be challenging for families, juggling after-school activities, homework, and other responsibilities. If elected, I plan to dedicate time at the public library during the day or a weekend afternoon, in addition to evening ward meetings, to allow 3rd Ward residents time to ask questions and share concerns.

These daytime meetings will allow for greater participation and ensure that all voices are heard, especially for those who may find evening meetings challenging.