MEET LESTER

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

As a former Alderman in Darien, IL with 20+ years of business and public service experience, Lester Vaughan understands the needs of his community.

As an Alderman, Lester fought for clean air and access to outdoor spaces. He championed safer road crossings and bold initiatives to make the City of Darien more walkable through sidewalk programs that connect residents with community parks and WaterFall Glen Forest Preserve. He plans to take this same passion to the Forest Preserve board; he knows the importance of having access to green spaces and connecting DuPage County residents and visitors with the outdoors.

Lester is running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner in District 3 because we need leadership that is not afraid to have tough conversations on how to address climate change, how to protect the outdoors, and the importance of having elected leaders who understand the needs of everyday families.

Lester’s primary focus will be centered around three things:

Protecting our green spaces from threats like pollution and climate change
Preserving the abundant outdoor spaces in DuPage County’s Forest Preserves including our native species for a strong ecosystem
Connecting communities and providing access to nature

When elected, Lester looks forward to working with the board under the leadership of President Dan Hebreard and will work to uphold fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets every year. He will also support investing in projects that are thoughtful and add value to DuPage County residents and to the millions of people that travel here to enjoy our forest preserves.

Leter believes that connecting young people with nature is critical for their mental health and well-being. Lester will help to curate events that foster engagement and creative thought for our kids.

Lester was Darien’s first black Alderman and he proudly served on the City Council for 6 years, where he served on the Police Committee and the Finance Committee. In addition to leading the way on safer streets and walkways, while he was Alderman, Lester proudly partnered in the fight for clean air with the community group Stop Sterigenics.

Lester is a proud dad of two young children. He coaches local youth baseball and basketball teams, and likes to spoil the family pets: their dog and bearded dragon.

Lester studied Computer Science and Education at Oral Roberts University. He has an Executive Certification from Northwestern University in Information Technology Project Management for Professionals (PMP). He and his wife reside in Darien, IL