Former Lake Bluff Trustee To Seek Lake County Board

Former Trustee Rick Lesser announced late Tuesday that he will run in the Republican primary for the open Lake County Board District 13 seat.

Current 13th District board member , is not seeking re-election, and the composition of the district was changed radically when the Lake County Board . 

The new district includes most of Lake Bluff and parts of North Chicago, Gurnee, Waukegan and Gages Lake.

Lesser, who just finished a two-term run as a Lake Bluff trustee in April, believes serving the public is his calling.

"I really do believe that government needs honest people who are willing to speak up," Lesser wrote in an email. "We are in an unemployment crisis which demands creative and cooperative approaches. But at the same time, the county needs to be fiscally responsible."

Lesser is the co-founder of Lesser, Lutrey & McGlynn, LLP in Lake County. As a Lake Bluff trustee, Lesser opposed property tax increases and promoted a partnership between the village and retailers that resulted in 100 percent retail space occupancy.

“I am not a career politician,” said Lesser. “I’m an active member of the community and a small businessman who understands the vital role job creators play in putting our talented Lake County residents to work again. Having created over 20 jobs through my business, I know how important it is that the County partner with small businesses in order to support and encourage their development.”

Lesser has served as president of the , Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Rotary Club, Lake County Bar Association, Lake County Bar Foundation, Lake County Estate Planning Council, and Deerfield Optimist Club.

“I’ve been an advocate for individuals and small businesses my entire life, and to use that experience to serve my community would be an honor," Lesser said. "I will work to give a voice on the County Board to every resident of the 13th District, and to remain accessible and visible to the constituents I serve.”