for Forest Preserve Commissioner DuPage County, District 2
My name is Jacalynn “Jax” West and I am running to be your DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner in District 2. I have lived in this district my entire life. I grew up in Villa Park, where my parents still live today. I started my family in Lombard. I currently live in Lisle with my husband, four dogs, hairless guinea pig and hundreds of fish. DuPage isn’t just my home, it’s my roots and community. I love the outdoors. I have been a member of the Brookfield Zoo since my son was an infant. When I moved to Lisle I joined the Arboretum and fell in love with its peaceful trails. My husband and I often fish at Blackwell Forest Preserve and other local lakes, always catch-and-release, though I admit I cringe a little when he removes the hook.
My husband built a small pond for my birthday. The next year he built one big enough for me to swim with our Koi. Being outside with nature is really my happy place. I have been a longtime advocate and organizer in my community. I was recently appointed to Lisle’s Public Art and Special Event Advisory Committee. I have worked hard to help others get elected and currently serve as the Chief of Staff for a State Representative. But lately I have grown concerned with what I see from our local leadership and I believe we deserve better. That’s why I have decided to step up and run myself.
I am not a politician. I am an advocate for wildlife and conservation, and someone who believes that our forest preserves should be protected for generations to come. This is why I am running for Forest Preserve Commissioner in District 2.
I love our nature and working on practices that better our environment and our everyday lives. Protecting and preserving our natural spaces is not just a talking point for me, it's my way of life. I am running to increase public access and education around our nature while also being fiscally responsible. I am running to represent our community interest, the community I have lived in and loved my entire life.
I want to bring transparency, accountability, and a fresh perspective to the Forest Preserve District. I will work to protect and expand our green spaces, ensure responsible stewardship of our environment, and make sure every resident has access to the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of nature.