Though elections at the federal, state, and county levels are all wrapped up, we’re just entering municipal election season.
The races for seats on Naperville City Council have begun as candidates filed their election petitions by the deadline on November 26. And with four council seats plus the mayor’s office on the ballot, plenty is up for grabs.
Incumbent Mayor Steve Chirico is finishing up his first term in the position. He announced his reelection campaign in July.
He’ll be challenged by Rocky Caylor, owner of Caylor Consulting in Naperville.
Sitting councilmembers Becky Anderson and Rebecca Boyd-Obarski are not seeking reelection this cycle, while Paul Hinterlong and Patty Gustin will once again be on the ballot.
Challenging them are Joe McElroy and David Wentz, who both formerly served on the dais, as well as eight newcomers.
Those include Planning and Zoning Commissioner Bruce Hanson, real estate attorney Bradford Miller, attorney Patrick Kelly, Naperville Community Television President-Elect Michele Hilger Clemen, founder of advising firm Wayfinder Advisors Theresa Sullivan, liquor commission boardmember Whitney Robbins, retired educator Nancy Turner, and Illinois Department of Public Health Environmental Supervisor Barbara O’Meara.
The candidates will appear on the ballot in the order they filed their petitions. A lottery will be held December 4 at 4:30 p.m. if petitions were filed simultaneously.
The four candidates who receive the most votes on Election Day will serve a four-year term.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
