While the nation is still a few weeks away from the presidential election, some have already set their sights on the local elections next year.
Jaclyn Smith-Esters announced Sunday her intent to run for Mayor in the City of Galesburg, citing a, “need for energetic and engaged leadership that will meet the current needs of our citizens.”
Smith-Esters is a graduate of Carl Sandburg College and holds a Masters degree and two Bachelors from Western Illinois University. She has also served in the Illinois National Guard for six years, which she said has instilled the importance of the connection between community and local government.
She said, “coupled with my experience in social work gives me a unique ability to recognize the needs of our community and the skillset to develop strategic and effective directives to meet those needs.”
Currently, she’s employed with the Salvation Army, serving as the Healthcare Navigator through Support Services for Veterans and their Families.
Besides her work, Smith-Esters also has a history of serving the public as a member of the Board of Directors for the Continuum of Care for Northwestern Illinois, served on the Knox County Truancy Board, Galesburg United Way, the Board of the Prairie Players Theatre League, and the Galesburg Community Preschool.
Prior to her employment with the Salvation Army, she also served as production manager at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg and a Security Guard at Knox College. She has appeared in numerous theatrical productions through her experiences with Prairie Prayers Civic Theater, Western Illinois University Theater, and produced several productions.
Smith-Esters intends to host a variety of “meet and greet” events to spend time with citizens of the city and discuss issues of importance.
More information can be found on her website.
