John Laesch

John Laesch is a climate activist, union carpenter, green builder and an elected member of the Aurora City Council. John Laesch was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. The Laesch family moved back to the United States in 1986 and settled on a small organic farm in rural Newark, Illinois. Jon Laesch

Laesch served as a Naval Intelligence Analyst in the Middle East from 1996-1999 after graduating at the top of his intelligence class in Dam Neck, VA. After military service, he earned an Associates from Waubonsee Community College. He went on to complete a BS in History from Illinois State University and graduated in 2003.

After college, Laesch eventually settled on the East side of Aurora and started restoring a historic home while working as a union carpenter. John continued to make educational advancements and became a BPI-Certified energy auditor and envelope specialist. He initiated a green building training program through his union’s training center, and has become very involved in climate activism. He has led rallies, participated in lobbying efforts, and volunteers for climate-concerned political candidates.

John served on the East Aurora School Board from 2015-2019. He still serves as a steering committee member with Northern Illinois Jobs with Justice, a grassroots organization that supports closing the wealth gap by advocating for living wage jobs, and addressing racial disparities in our society.

John is a member of the Infrastructure and Technology (I&T) Committee as well as the Public Health, Safety, and Transportation (PHST) Committee.