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.
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.