Lake County Gazette

The impact of outmigration and high property taxes on Illinois’ future are key reasons Lake Bluff attorney Rick Lesser said he decided to run for a 58th District House seat.

Lesser told the Chicago Tribune he was thinking of his grandson’s prospects, given the state’s current political climate.

“With 30,000 people fleeing Illinois each year, equivalent to the population of Highland Park, would my grandson even have a future in this state?” he said. “Despite our many advantages, we’re missing the opportunity our young people need to harness their energy, growth and potential.”

Bob Morgan

Lesser was tapped to run for the seat by Lake County Republican leaders on July 26 after Cindy Masover, winner of the April primary, pulled out of the race.

Lake County Republican Chairman Mark Shaw told the Tribune that Lesser would be “a great state representative” and cited his law and Lake Bluff Village board experience as positives.

Legislative term limits, balancing the budget and enacting pension reform are part of Lesser’s campaign platform, the Tribune states.

“By taking these commonsense steps, we can stop losing families and businesses to neighboring states,” he said. “We can create our own economic boom here in Illinois, leading to higher wages, increased opportunities and lower taxes for our overburdened taxpayers.”

Lesser’s website states he has practiced law since 1980 and has become “one of the leading estate planning attorneys in Illinois.” A native of Highland Park, Lesser has also served two terms on the Lake Bluff Village board of trustees.

Lesser is running against Democrat Bob Morgan in the 58th District, which includes Cook and Lake County.