Lester Vaughan: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 3

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 3

City: Darien

Age: 48

Occupation: Director, Business Development

Previous offices held: Alderman

Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I’m running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner in District 3 because it’s time for a new voice of leadership in our district. As a father to 2 young children, I am motivated to ensure that our beautiful nature spaces and species are preserved and protected, that we provide access to more people so that they too can connect with nature, and that we acknowledge science and address climate change.

If you are an incumbent, describe your two biggest contributions to the board. If you are a non-incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

I have 20+ years of business and public service experience. I'm able to bring a fresh voice to the board and offer a well-rounded perspective in decision making. As a former Alderman on the Darien City Council, I understand how local government works, the intersection between different entities and how to balance needs and fiscal responsibility for the public good. I have proven myself as a responsible steward of public funds and I will bring that to the Forest Preserve.

I am also an experienced coalition builder — I know how to be an effective leader, recognize strengths and opportunities across different disciplines, and bring people together toward a common goal. I am prepared to work alongside other stakeholders and build a coalition that will set the course for the successful future of the forest preserve. My background in public service, technology, business development, project management and community engagement will be an asset to the board.

What role should the forest preserve play in preserving historic buildings on its land?

The historic buildings on forest preserve property are an asset and an opportunity for multifaceted education opportunities and can only broaden and deepen the connection our community has with the forest preserves. Connection and access help foster a love of our nature and historic spaces and in turn help the next generation feel the passion to protect them. I support the preservation of all forest preserve lands, including historic buildings.

How would you rate the job the commission is doing to develop existing forest preserves and make them accessible to residents? How would you approach things differently?

I had firsthand experience when I was an Alderman in Darien and we worked with President Dan Hebreard to expand access to Waterfall Glen, which is located in Darien. I had been a long-standing advocate for additional parking and paths to give the community more access to this incredible nature space. Working collaboratively on this project showed me the leadership and vision of President Hebreard and as a citizen and a dad, I appreciate this so much. I support initiatives for future and ongoing investments in renewable energy and creating more accessibility to our forest preserves across DuPage County.

What is the most important issue facing the forest preserves in your district and how should it be addressed?

Climate change is an ongoing critical threat to our green spaces and forests preserves. I believe to whom much is given, much is required and that we must be stewards over the environment and the planet in which we live.

That said, accessibility and connection is also critically important. Not only for mental and physical health benefits to the community, but also because we can only truly foster passion in protecting these lands by having the next generation learn about them and love them too.

I will work tirelessly to champion the protection of our forest preserves and nature areas as well as native species, and advocate for a more sustainable DuPage through investments in renewable energy. And I will work every day to ensure that we get the word out to residents about the amazing opportunities to connect with nature right in their own backyards!

Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?

I do not support placing the control of the forest preserves under the county board. As a former Alderman in Darien, I know all the responsibilities of governance. I also know that with certain entities, like the forest preserve, it requires a specialized passion and understanding to balance of the needs of this unique body with fiscal responsibility. Our forest preserves are critical to health of our communities and require proper oversight and protections, as well as leadership like that we have in President Hebreard to guide the future of these special lands and species.