2017 Election: Stan Lester, Highland Park City Council

Name: Stan Lester

Age: 74

Town of residence: Highland Park

Position sought: City Council

Family: Life Partner Jeanne, Daughters Elizabeth and Dawn

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bronx High School of Science, Attended New York University, New York Institute of Finance – Finance & Investments, DePaul University CCP – Computer Science, MIT Ulab – Transforming Business, Society & Self

Occupation: Vice President, Institutional Trading, Shearson/American Express 1968-1973, Member, Floor Broker, Market Maker, Chicago Board Options Exchange 1973-1990 (Member Floor Procedure Committee, Member, Facilities and Systems Committee) Founder and CEO, Telemap Corp Geographic Information Systems 1990-2000, Retired: Highland Park Public Library, Audio/Visual Department 2005-2010.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Member Tenth Congressional District Democratic Organization Executive Committee 2006-2013, Member CBOE Floor Procedure & Systems and Utilities committees

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our citizens are abandoning the democratic process by not participating in elections. Not running for office and not voting.

I am leading by example by becoming a candidate and focusing on this critical issue for Democracy. And I am proposing that compulsory voting be examined and initiated here in Highland Park.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe I am older and have more life experience yet my focus is on innovation, change and making the future better.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I AM a challenger. Our present City Council incumbents do an excellent job in maintaining a financially and politically healthy but stagnant status quo. This is not enough for what promises to be a challenging future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My principal concerns are:

1. Diminished voter turnout
2. Voter participation in budgetary expenditures
3. A large injection of new ideas and technology to our struggling retail business community through the introduction and implementation of digital currency
4. The inclusion of seniors (35% of our population and 0 councilmen) and minorities in our governing structure.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

If I can somehow inspire a 75% voter turnout in one or more of the next several elections, I will have successfully engaged my fellow citizens in making our government work better for all of us. This in turn will bring greater participation to every aspect of growing and problem solving for our city.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

Mistake? What's that?

Why should voters trust you?

Simple. Because I am honest.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

If at first you don't succeed, try again.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Are you qualified for the position you hold?
Are you satisfied with the support you receive from those above and below you?
Are you properly compensated?
What more would you do for our community if you had the opportunity?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

I fundamentally believe in a balanced budget. Borrowing from the future to pay for the present is a dangerous path to be avoided whenever possible. I am also proposing the investigation and implementation of "Participatory Budgeting", a process which places portions of taxpayer dollars in voters hands for determination of how that money is spent. - See my platform and links on my web page.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have a long and successful background in the securities business. I came to Chicago in 1973 and was deeply involved in the birth of the Chicago Board Options Exchange, an institution which has changed finance forever.

After "retiring" from there, I started a Geographic Information Systems business which helped to expand knowledge about computer mapping and use of data to businesses throughout our area. This was the leading edge of a technology which is now ubiquitous in our society. What would you do without "mapping" today?

I have worked with computers for nearly 40 years.

These are 3 examples of how my thinking and doing have been and still are on track with vision for the future. Vision I want to put to work for Highland Park.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

All people are just people. Treat them with respect and they will do the same for you.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am currently retired and if you elect me I am prepared to devote at least the next 4 years of my life to making our city a better place to live and work.

More via Stan Lester's campaign website

Photo submitted