Jeff Gahris (DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4, Illinois, candidate 2024)

Jeff Gahris

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Democratic Party

Candidate, DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Miami University, 1975

Personal

Profession

Environmental Engineer

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Jeff Gahris (Democratic Party) ran for election to the DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4 in Illinois. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Gahris completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jeff Gahris provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 18, 2024:

• High school: Talawanda High School, Oxford, OH
• Bachelor's: Miami University, 1975
• M.D.: Miami University Institute of Environmental Science, 1978
• Gender: Male
• Profession: Environmental Engineer
• Incumbent officeholder: Yes
• Campaign slogan: The Natural Choice
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4

Jeff Gahris and Jeff Castle ran in the general election for DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Jeff Gahris (D)
	Submit photo	Jeff Castle (R)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Gahris in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jeff Gahris completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gahris' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Originally coming from a rural area with access to nature, I pursued a career as an environmental scientist and engineer before seeking a position as a forest preserve commissioner. I am now seeking a 3rd term.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am a seasoned environmental professional who understands the mission of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
• My priorities include preserving and restoring our open space, improving trail access, environmental sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
• I succesfully advocated that the new DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center be "net zero" for energy consumption.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I have been most passionate about clean energy policies at the state and federal level. My understanding of these policies can be of great financial and environment benefit for the forest preserve district.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I remember my father who was always worked hard at caring for his family, and my mother who taught me how to pursue my dreams. An historical figure whom I most admire is Alexander Von Humbolt, who was a German naturalist way ahead of his time in understanding the interconnectedness of the natural world. This visionary man also had the ability to make science accessible and popular to many, a trait badly needed today.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I recommend reading "A Force of Nature", a biography by Arthur Melville Pearson about George Fell, the founder of the natural areas movement. George Fell was an a dvocate for preserving natural areas of high quality. His tireless efforts led to the passage of the Illinois Preservation Act of 1964 and the establishment of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, of which he was the first chair. His approach to public service required a strong dedication to saving threatened natural areas, hence the moniker "a force of nature."

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

It's simple. Elected officials are in office to serve the community by understanding the issues at hand and putting service above self.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My professional experience in government gives me a practical knowledge of what can be reasonably acheived, and how to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Understanding the mission of the District and supporting the efforts of staff to carry out the mission.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to be known as the commissioner that worked hardest to bring a new level of environmental sustainability to the District.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I recall the assassination of John F Kennedy. I was probably in the 4th grade, but remember how the nation was in shock and in mourning.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked on a truck crew at a major university as a student for several years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Probably "The Invention of Nature" by Andrea Wulff. This engrossing work provides great insight int othe life of alexander Von Humbolt and the impact he had on modern science.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Endorsements incude Congressmen Sean Casten and Bill Foster (both scientists), Sierra Club, Action 3.14, and Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 704).

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The public should have an opportunity to understand the financial workings of a government agency. Budgets can be complex, so it is imperitive that budgets are available in an understandable format. All decisions made by a governing body should be recorded on video and be fully accessible to the public.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner Board District 4

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