Pete Jansons, co-host of the Lake Forest Podcast, said local leaders and clergy prioritize image and social status over community support, urging residents to speak out at the next City Council meeting and demand leaders who “stand with their people when it costs them something.”
“Lake Forest is being run like a country club board, not a community," said Jansons on the Lake Forest podcast. “Our officials and clergy are more worried about LinkedIn résumés, business ties, and country club cred than about showing up when their people are grieving. But here's where you, the community, come in. On Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m., the City Council meets. Every resident gets three minutes at the podium—use them. Don't let fear, social circles, or business circles silence you. Go on the record and say silence from leadership is not okay. Lake Forest deserves leaders who show up for all of us—not just when it's trendy, not just when it's safe.”
“Life is about feedback," said Jansons. “If you don't give feedback, leaders assume everything is fine. By not saying something, you're saying it's okay. So I'll close with this: leadership is not about standing on the safe side of history; it's about standing with your people when it costs you something. If you can't do that, step aside—because Lake Forest deserves leaders, not placeholders."
This full episode is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This episode of the Lake Forest Podcast features Pete addressing expectations of civic leadership in Lake Forest following the Charlie Kirk assassination. The discussion explores whether leaders should stay silent or speak out, touching on issues of elitism, voting, and public responsibility. The hosts also cover topics such as rising property taxes, Pepper Construction’s disputed donation to Lake Forest High School, and local media coverage, including Dan Proft airing an Aaron Del Mar clip.
The Lake Forest podcast is hosted by Pete Jansons, an entrepreneur with a background in neuroscience; Rick Lesser, an attorney and former village trustee; and Joe Weiss, who has experience in multiple government and public service positions. The podcast covers topics and politics impacting the area around the city of Lake Forest, according to the Lake Forest podcast website.
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