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Vote for not more than 4View the League of Women Voters of Naperville City Council Candidate ForumThere are four (4) open seats to be filled on the Naperville City Council. Elected candidates will serve a four (4) year term. Candidates must be registered voters of the City of Naperville and have resided within the City s corporate limits for at least one year. In 2025, the Councilperson s budgeted compensation is $17,469 (salary and benefits).The City Council is comprised of the Mayor and eight (8) members elected at large. Since 1969, Naperville has operated under the Council-Manager form of government which combines an elected legislative body with an appointed City Manager to oversee public service delivery.Refer to https://www.naperville.il.us/government/ for more information.Visit https://data.naperville.il.us/ to explore Naperville s open data.

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    Benjamin (Benny) White
    (NP)

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    Mary Gibson
    (NP)

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    Jennifer Bruzan Taylor
    (NP)

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    Ian Holzhauer
    (NP)

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    Derek McDaniel
    (NP)

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    Meghna Bansal
    (NP)

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    Ashfaq Syed
    (NP)

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    Nag Jaiswal
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Please describe the educational background, work experience, and other skills which uniquely qualify you for this position.

What steps should the City of Naperville take now to ensure that future energy sources best serve its residents?

With the anticipated loss of the grocery tax revenue, what specific strategies do you support to maintain essential city services and financial stability?

Based on what you know about City government, what do you see as top priorities for the City and why?

What strategies would you use to manage competing points of view on the non-partisan City Council?

CampaignWebsite http://bennywhite.org
Campaign X @bennynaperville
Campaign Phone 630-216-9641
I have dedicated my life to leadership, service, and community engagement. My education, military experience, and deep involvement in Naperville uniquely qualify me for this role. To complement my leadership, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from West Point, where I developed critical thinking and leadership skills that shaped my 22-year military career and later roles in teaching and public service.

While in the Army, I earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University, focusing on leadership and human development. To strengthen my management and strategy skills, I completed an MBA at Webster University, gaining financial and organizational expertise for effective decision-making. My passion for ethical leadership led me to earn a Doctorate in Values-Driven Leadership from Benedictine University. With five years on the Indian Prairie School Board and eight on City Council, I understand how our city operates and how to collaborate with residents.
The City of Naperville must take a proactive, strategic approach to ensure future energy sources meet residents' needs. We should diversify our energy options by exploring partnerships with providers that offer cleaner, more affordable solutions. Issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) will help us evaluate renewable energy options and avoid being locked into outdated, coal-dependent agreements like the current IMEA contract.

We need to remove unnecessary restrictions limiting renewable energy adoption, such as solar panel installations for schools, businesses, and homes. Working with state and regional agencies can expand access to renewables, saving money for institutions and residents alike.

Finally, community education and transparency are key. Residents need clear information about their energy options and the environmental and financial impacts of our decisions. With thoughtful planning, Naperville can lead the way in sustainable energy solutions.
The loss of grocery tax revenue will require careful planning to maintain essential services and protect Naperville’s financial stability. First, we need to focus on growing our revenue base by encouraging business development, filling vacant commercial spaces, and attracting high-value industries to Naperville. Expanding mixed-use developments can also boost property tax revenue while maintaining our balanced commercial-residential tax ratio.

On the expense side, I support targeted efficiency measures to reduce costs without compromising core services like public safety. Additionally, we should explore state and federal grants to fund key infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. Naperville has a strong financial foundation, and by prioritizing smart economic growth and responsible budgeting, we can continue providing the high-quality services our residents expect while maintaining our AAA bond rating.
Naperville’s top priorities should focus on maintaining our high quality of life, supporting economic growth, and fostering sustainability. Public safety must remain a cornerstone, ensuring our police, fire, and emergency services are well-resourced to keep Naperville one of the safest cities in the country.

Economic growth is also key. We need to attract new businesses, support small businesses, and encourage development along key corridors like I-88 to strengthen our tax base and create jobs. At the same time, sustainability should be integrated into all aspects of city planning, from energy and infrastructure to waste reduction and transportation.

Finally, transparency and good governance are essential. Naperville’s residents expect a City Council that listens, engages, and makes informed decisions that reflect their priorities. By addressing these areas, we can ensure Naperville remains a thriving and forward-thinking community.
It comes down to leadership! Managing different points of view on the City Council requires collaboration, respect, and a willingness to listen. My 22 years as a U.S. Army officer taught me the importance of building consensus and leading with integrity. Combined with my doctorate in Values-Driven Leadership, these experiences have prepared me to navigate challenges and bring people together around common goals.

The best decisions come from understanding how policies impact everyone. By considering diverse perspectives and weighing the pros and cons, we can develop balanced solutions that serve the entire community. A strong council fosters open dialogue, trust, and cooperation, ensuring discussions remain productive and focused on results. I believe in proactive engagement—seeking input, identifying common ground, and working toward practical solutions. My leadership style, rooted in service and collaboration, will keep Naperville moving forward with effective, thoughtful governance.
I was elected as Naperville Park District Commissioner in 2021 and have served as president for three years. I developed and implemented a 3-year strategic plan, provided fiscal oversight of a $53M+ budget, managed 138 parks, and earned high marks from residents. I was also awarded Master Board Member status by the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Previously, I was a director at a data analytics firm, advising Fortune 500 companies, government entities, and nonprofits. This background helps me apply an evidence-based approach to Naperville Park District decisions, which I would bring to City Council.

I hold a B.A. in Political Science and History (University of Dayton), an M.A. in Social Science (University of Chicago), and certificates in Public Policy Analysis (LSE) and Civic Leadership (NIU).

I serve as a Naperville Riverwalk Commissioner, a CERT member, and a graduate of the Naperville Citizen Police and Fire Academies.
IMEA has proposed a decades-long extension on a no-bid basis which is a non-starter. It would be irresponsible to not seek competitive bids for the energy contract to ensure that we are receiving the best services at a reasonable cost to resident and business taxpayers. Council needs to define the criteria which we will measure all of the bids against. This set of criteria needs to reflect our needs both today and in the future, including but not limited to cost, environmental impact, and sustainable sources. Naperville is the 4th largest city in Illinois and we should lead on this issue.
Mitigating the impact to Naperville of the $6 million annual grocery sales tax shortfall from the repeal of the state grocery tax requires a comprehensive approach. First, we should review expenditures to reduce waste and eliminate redundancies without compromising safety or services. For example, we must assess the pace of water main replacements and whether burying overhead power lines is essential now. We should also analyze our other revenue sources to identify any that are priced below market. We can certainly look at underutilized assets to determine if it makes sense to sell any; however, that is not an annual source of revenue. Once we’ve completed this analysis, we’ll have a clearer picture of the true shortfall. At that point, we can work collaboratively to determine the best path forward—including, if necessary, a grocery tax—but I want to explore all options before adding any financial burden to residents.
Top City Council priorities include the IMEA contract, infrastructure, responsible development, and public services. Extending the IMEA contract on a no-bid basis is irresponsible. Instead, we should define Naperville’s goals, solicit competitive bids, and choose the best long-term solution.

Infrastructure improvements are key, with the Roads Improvement Plan among the most critical. Delays in projects like the Washington Street bridge have hurt businesses, and City Council must scrutinize bids to ensure vendors can deliver as promised. I’m eager to analyze data to maximize return on investment and improve traffic flow.

For responsible development, I support expanding the tax base to reduce property taxes, particularly in south Naperville. Strategic tax incentives can attract businesses while protecting existing ones.

Finally, I’m committed to efficient public services and prioritizing public safety to ensure Naperville remains the safest city in America.
I have a track record of working across political ideologies that I would bring to City Council. Prior to the pandemic, I facilitated the Open Discussion Project at Anderson’s Bookshop for four years. The goal of the Open Discussion Project was to encourage dialogue between people with different political view and promote civil discussion on divisive topics, something that has been missing from our public discourse over recent years.

While on Naperville Park Board, I was unanimously elected by my peers to be the board president times. I work collaboratively with my peers to serve our community and will bring that spirit and track record of achievement to the City Council.

Naperville City Council is non-partisan and our constituents want us to work together on our local issues. You have my commitment that is my top goal. I have seen what is possible when we check our ideologies at the door and get down to work for the people and that is what I will bring to the City Council.
I currently am an elected Naperville City Councilwoman. I am the City Council liaison to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA), the Regulatory Committee of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, and the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force (NEST), and past liaison to the Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees. I am a former Cook County prosecutor and taught Constitutional Law. My background honed my ability to actively listen, ask pointed questions, and make credibility determinations. I can think on my feet and quickly pivot when surprises arise. Currently on the Naperville City Council, I regularly tap these skills to make accurate, data-driven decisions for the City. I do not back down and am not afraid to ask hard questions, as seen both on and off the City Dias. I treat my Councilwoman job as my full-time job, and so I have a wealth of information that is needed for tough decisions to be made soon after this election.
The City is well on its way to taking those steps. I volunteer as the City Council liaison for NEST, and I took the initiative last year to start educating and building a consensus among my fellow Council members to make sure that Naperville takes its time in deciding how it will procure its energy in the future. I advocated for the City to hire an energy consultant, who will provide us with all of our options, and the pros and cons for each option. I pushed staff for multiple workshops open to the public where this consultant’s work will be presented, and to elicit feedback from the public. I also got consensus from Council that whatever option is picked, that it will be publicly bid out. This is an important decision with lasting effects for decades to come. We need to significantly lower our greenhouse gas output, without losing the reliability of service and low rates that Naperville prides itself on.
In my frequent discussions with staff as to this issue since last summer, I learned that there is no silver bullet to solve this shortfall, and it will take several solutions to fill this gap. I do not pretend to know the answer, but I am committed to evaluating each potential solution and listening to community feedback when staff presents to Council in Q2 on this issue. What I do recognize is that to help this situation, the City needs to continue to focus on economic development. This means supporting our business community and reasonable development, so that we can resolve this revenue gap and provide a high level of City services while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the area. This includes a revitalization of the I-88 corridor, to make the area an economic powerhouse again. To start this process, I voted to hire a consultant to study the best use for the I-88 corridor and for targeted marketing to attract such businesses.
In addition to the already discussed IMEA and grocery tax issue, our top priority is investing in our water utility infrastructure. Our water utility infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life due to the boom from the 1980s-early 2000s. This means the City needs to make a significant monetary investment over the next five years. This is a public safety issue because if we delay, we face causing unsafe drinking water and sewer backups in basements. My number one job as a Councilwoman is protecting public safety. Since elected, I advocated for this investment and voted for it in the 2025 budget. I also voted for us to balance the cost between both our current and future ratepayers since both will enjoy the benefits of these improvements. We already replaced 99.17% of all lead pipes, well ahead of the IL EPA requirements. When re-elected, I will continue to focus on making these necessary improvements before it is too late.
I currently am a Naperville City Councilwoman and earned a reputation for focusing on City business only. I rise above partisan politics to ensure my decisions are best for our entire community, not special interest groups. You may not always agree with my decisions, but they are based on facts, research, and speaking to stakeholders, staff, residents, and business owners. This is how all decisions should be made, and not be predetermined before doing the research and listening to community input. I also follow a cooperative approach when working with my peers. My professional career honed my ability to find common ground with anyone and to use that connection to build a relationship based on respect. We come from different backgrounds and life experiences, and it is important to listen and learn from each other. I often reach out to my fellow Councilmembers to learn their perspective before a vote. On Council we may disagree at times, but we must strive to remain respectful.
Campaign Phone 630-470-7962
I was elected to the Naperville City Council in 2021, advocating for residents by ensuring that economic growth benefits the entire community. I previously served as board chair for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, helping guide it through its greatest period of financial challenge during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. In addition to serving on the Naperville City Council, I am currently a partner at Campbell Holzhauer Concierge Law, a Naperville-based law firm pioneering the field of subscription (non-billable-hour-based) law.

I graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. from Georgetown Law School. I received a B.A. in History, summa cum laude, in 2004 from the University of Florida on a full academic scholarship. From 2007 to 2014 I had the great honor of serving as a uniformed attorney in the U.S. Air Force. I am also a proud graduate of Naperville North HS.

I am also a proud graduate of Naperville North, and am proud to parent four District 203 kids.
1. Reject premature commitments – Naperville must not be pressured into making a decision before the 2030 contract deadline. There is no contractual authority to accelerate the timeline, and agreeing to their demands would limit our ability to explore more cost-effective and sustainable alternatives.

2. Prioritize a diverse energy portfolio – The city should seek a sustainable and balanced mix of renewable energy sources, rather than remaining locked into an outdated coal-dependent model. New technologies continue to drive down the cost of clean energy while also improving reliability.

3. Conduct a thorough market analysis – Naperville should assess the long-term financial and environmental impacts of different energy options, including projected cost trends, environmental considerations, and emerging technologies that could improve energy efficiency and reliability.
As a City Council member, I would focus on keeping essential services strong while adapting to the loss of grocery tax revenue. My approach does NOT include increasing sales tax. Rather, it includes: Growing our economy – Attracting new businesses and supporting local ones to boost tax revenue without raising costs for residents. Cutting waste and improving efficiency – Reviewing city spending to find smart ways to save money and use resources wisely. Protecting essential services – Prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and emergency response to keep our city running smoothly. Making Hard Calls and Planning for the future – Making responsible budget decisions to keep Naperville financially strong for years to come. I firmly believe that increasing sales taxes is not the solution. Naperville’s economic strength is rooted in attracting consumers and businesses. Rather than higher taxes, we should focus on growing our economy through strategic development and fiscal responsibility.
Managing aging and declining infrastructure (after 60 years of rapid growth) and its costly demands is a major priority. As a Councilman, I've faced tough decisions on infrastructure upgrades. We've initiated a critical $180 million upgrade to our wastewater treatment facility to protect public health and our environment. We've debated spending $125 million to bury electric wires in older neighborhoods to enhance reliability (though at a cost that concerns me). We're addressing safety at dangerous intersections like Washington Street and Naper Boulevard, and the Target turn lane at Jefferson Avenue. Managing these issues should focus on financial sustainability, community impact and long-term benefits. We need to prioritize urgent projects, plan financially to avoid surprises and explore diverse funding options. Equally crucial is engaging with the community to gather input and ensure transparency about the impacts of these projects.
During my time on the Council, I have always believed in the power of collaboration and respectful dialogue. Even when we disagree, we can do so with civility and respect, because ultimately, we all share a commitment to Naperville’s success. It’s critical to:

1. Listen to everyone – Make sure all voices are heard, especially those who don’t have a seat at the table or who might otherwise go unheard.

2. Use facts and data – Decisions should be made on research, facts, and logic, with input from the community. And communicated with decency.

3. Encourage transparency and civil debate – Lead by example with professionalism, respect, and a focus on solutions and shared goals rather than personal or partisan conflicts.
I currently serve as an Associate Vice-President with Benjamin F. Edwards, where I work as a Financial Advisor. My role involves providing tailored financial solutions, including investment modeling, financial analysis, and retirement planning. I have developed a proven ability to manage complex budgets, analyze data, and make fiscally responsible decisions. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Purdue University and later completed my MBA with a concentration in Corporate Finance from DePaul University, graduating with distinction honors. My unique qualifications stem from a combination of advanced education, professional expertise, and deep community involvement. I have served two terms on Naperville’s Planning & Zoning Commission, where I’ve worked collaboratively with stakeholders to guide our city’s development and zoning policies. This experience has given me a deep understanding of urban planning and the impact of development decisions on our community.
Naperville stands at a crossroads regarding its energy future. With our contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) expiring in 2035, this is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine how we power our city for decades to come. Our energy strategy must prioritize affordability for residents while accelerating our transition toward sustainable energy sources. Naperville’s current reliance on coal-generated electricity presents challenges, both environmentally and financially. I support the recent decision to bring in an energy consultant to evaluate our options. Their expertise will guide us in identifying cost-effective, innovative, and environmentally responsible solutions. It’s essential to incorporate competitive market analysis and advancements in energy technologies, such as battery storage & peak shaving, as we consider alternatives. As we navigate these decisions, Naperville must retain an element of autonomy over its energy choices.
It should be a top priority to avoid raising Naperville’s property tax rate. We must ensure that Naperville remains an affordable place to live and property taxes are a key component. Instead, we should focus on exploring alternative revenue sources that minimize the financial impact on our residents. I strongly believe we should avoid regressive taxation methods, such as the addition of a local grocery tax that disproportionately impact lower-income residents. Ensuring that our revenue strategies are fair is essential to maintaining Naperville’s reputation as an inclusive and fiscally responsible community. While I do not support raising taxes or fees as a first resort, aligning our home rule sales tax rate more closely with surrounding suburbs could provide an opportunity to increase revenue without directly impacting local business owners' bottom lines. This approach ensures that a significant portion of the tax burden is shared by visitors who benefit from our city’s amenities.
As a community, our number one priority must be to ensure that Naperville remains a safe community for all residents and business owners. We must continue to support and equip our police, fire, and emergency services to keep our streets secure. I am committed to ensuring that we spend taxpayer dollars wisely to keep our property tax rate low & provide an affordable community that benefits every resident. Currently, our property tax rate in Naperville is the lowest it’s been in 56 years. I am dedicated to growing our local economy by diversifying our tax base and attracting new businesses to Naperville. By fostering a thriving business environment, we can provide more opportunities for job creation and long-term financial sustainability. Naperville has the 2nd largest economy in the state of Illinois. That is something to be incredibly proud of.
I am currently serving my second term on Naperville's Planning & Zoning Commission, where I have gained extensive experience working in a group setting to shape policy. In this role, I collaborate with fellow Commissioners, city staff, residents, and business owners to address important community issues. My approach is rooted in collaboration and active listening. I believe it is essential to understand and consider diverse perspectives to reach well-informed and balanced decisions. My style emphasizes respectful dialogue, clear communication, and data-driven analysis. I strive to find common ground while staying focused on the broader goals and long-term benefits for the community. Whether evaluating zoning changes or development proposals, I work to ensure outcomes align with Naperville’s values and strategic vision. My ability to navigate complex issues and prioritize the community's needs will help ensure productive and impactful actions in local government.
Campaign X @meghnabansal17
Campaign Address Naperville IL 60564
Campaign Phone 6309950234
Campaign YouTube
Over 2 decades ago, my husband & I decided Naperville was where we wanted to call home, raise our family, & grow our business. It was the best decisions of our life.

While I'll bring a new voice & perspective to the council, my vision for Naperville is rooted in our community's success.

I've attended city council meeting & served on the PZC over past two years to study the issues. I have also been an elected Township-Trustee & White-Eagle HOA Board-Member for 8 years, which gives me solid understanding of working with government & handling public money. My involvement with several local non-profits such as KidsMatter & ICO has helped me connect with real issues. My education and background in Finance qualifies me to closely look at the spending and budget.

I will solve the problem in a way consistent with our long-held values & community character and will work daily to improve my neighbors' lives & keep Naperville a great place to live, raise a family, retire, or grow a business.
I have an MBA & decades of experience in finance, & I will bring this business experience to the council & its decision-making. With this background, I think the city should have three priorities:

Reliability - keeping the lights on & ensuring you have power when you & your family need it.

Affordability – Naperville’s utility customers have to buy their electricity from us, & there is no competition, so we, as the city, must take steps to make the price of electricity competitive & affordable for all our ratepayers.

Sustainability – We must take steps to procure our electricity through technologies & methods that have a reduced impact on the environment.

The City’s electric utility is a major business enterprise that impacts every ratepayer. The City Council must do what is right for Naperville & our ratepayers when nation’s energy industry is in the midst of rapid change keeping monthly utility bill affordable & reliably provide with electricity when residents need it most.
Gov. Pritzker’s initiative to eliminate a pre-existing grocery tax may erase up to $6 million in recurring revenue the city had previously received.

In this environment, we don't need to grow the government; we need to grow the economy.

Like any family would do if they confronted a loss of income, the Council must work with the staff on every aspect of the budget to identify reductions and adjust spending priorities. The Council must also prioritize attracting investment and businesses to Naperville because economic growth provides our city's fiscal resources.

I want to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and manage Naperville’s budget responsibly. I have an MBA and am a financial professional for a company with operations across the globe.
Public Safety: Council must adequately fund & empower our first responders to do their jobs without political interference. I have completed both the city’s Citizen Police & Fire Academy programs. Naperville is safe, but we are not crime-free or immune from the safety threats of fires, mental health, terrorism, drugs, or other challenges.

Economic Development: Our community needs to maintain a high quality of life & to provide the amenities & services that make Naperville one of the best cities in America. I serve on the city’s PZC & have been working to bring investments to provide jobs, economic opportunity, & tax revenue.

Fiscal Discipline & Responsible Spending: City council must spend the community’s tax dollars wisely. I have an MBA & am a financial professional. I will use that experience to ensure city's budget is managed responsibly.

I will work every day to improve my neighbors' lives & keep Naperville a great place to live, raise a family, retire, or grow a business.
I have the experience and track record of listening, bringing people together, and working as a team to implement a shared vision. As I run for office, I often think back to the people who set Naperville’s culture and built the community into what it is today.

Longtime Mayor George Pradel made a tremendous impact on my family’s life. More than 20 years ago, when we were new residents, he took the time to listen and offer us advice.

His suggestion led my family to help co-found the Indian Community Outreach and organize Naperville’s India Day Festival and many other community educational events.

I will always remain an independent voice and vote for the needs of our community. I have spent the last two decades involved in civic organizations and non-profits, where I helped build consensus and deliver action. I will continue to do so, if I am elected to the dais of City Council.
Campaign Phone 7792279901
I have built a career in finance, public service, and community advocacy, which uniquely qualifies me for Naperville City Council. As President of the Naperville Public Library Board, I oversee an $18 million budget, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. As Co-Chair of the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, I helped Naperville achieve the highest self-response rate in the country, securing millions in federal funding. I serve on the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force and Accelerate Climate Solutions, where I work to advance clean energy policies and sustainability initiatives. Professionally, my banking and financial expertise equip me to manage city finances responsibly, ensuring Naperville remains financially strong while investing in a sustainable future.
Naperville must transition to cleaner, cost-effective energy while ensuring affordability and reliability. I oppose extending the IMEA contract until 2055, which locks us into coal-dependent energy and prevents us from exploring competitive, renewable alternatives. Instead, we should conduct a competitive bidding process, invest in local energy resilience, and expand incentives for renewable energy adoption. Modernizing Naperville’s energy infrastructure will reduce reliance on coal, lower costs for residents, and position our city as a leader in clean energy innovation.
Naperville must ensure financial stability without raising taxes. I support responsible spending, efficiency audits, and securing grants to maintain essential services. Strengthening economic growth through business-friendly policies and prioritizing Naperville-based businesses for city contracts will help offset revenue losses. We must explore targeted revenue solutions that do not disproportionately impact residents while keeping Naperville’s budget balanced.
Sustainability & Clean Energy – Transition away from coal, invest in renewables, and improve energy efficiency programs.

Public Safety & Mental Health – Support first responders with resources and mental health services to maintain Naperville’s high safety standards.

Responsible Development – Ensure smart zoning, infrastructure improvements, and community input in development decisions.

Strengthening Local Businesses – Streamline regulations, prioritize Naperville-based businesses for city contracts, and attract new industries.

Government Transparency & Community Engagement – Expand digital access to city meetings and participatory budgeting initiatives to ensure accountability.
I believe in collaborative, data-driven decision-making that prioritizes residents over politics. As Library Board President, I work with diverse viewpoints to reach consensus on budget and policy matters. I will listen to all perspectives, engage stakeholders, and ensure transparency in city decisions. My experience in finance, sustainability, and public service will help guide Naperville toward smart, balanced governance.
Campaign X @NagJaiswal
Campaign Address 4316 Winterberry Ave
Campaign Phone 6306215445
Campaign YouTube
Education:

M.S Electrical Engineering Western Mich. Univ. Executive MBA - Northern IL Univ.

Business Leadership & Innovation:

I have 30+ years of professional leadership experience, driving digital transformation and strategic planning for global organizations helping bridge traditional business practices with next-generation technology solutions. Size & magnitude of the solutions have helped organizations with similar size as Naperville

Community Involvement:

- Rotary Sunrise Naperville Board Member - Secretary, AAEIO - Advisory Board: Akshaya Patra Foundation USA - Volunteer, Hunger Hunt International - Founder: Avighna Foundation

Crisis Resolution & Bridge Building: In October 2023, Nag demonstrated his leadership during a challenging period of religious tension in IPSD 204 schools. His thoughtful mediation between community groups and facilitation of open dialogue helped restore harmony and understanding, showcasing his ability to unite diverse perspectives for common good.
Innovation & Sustainability:

As one of the few municipalities with its own electric utility, Naperville has a unique opportunity to lead in sustainable energy. Its municipal power system allows us to set ambitious goals while maintaining reliable, cost-effective service for residents and businesses.

Key initiatives include: - Achieving 60% renewable energy by 2034 through strategic infrastructure planning - Modernizing our power grid for improved reliability and efficiency - Developing innovative energy storage solutions and smart grid technology - Promoting energy-efficient construction, & creating connected green spaces that enhance our community’s quality of life.
Naperville has a strong economic base and a well balanced budget. City council and city staff have done a great job managing the finances and keeping the city's bond rating at AAA.

City will face $6.1 million shortfall due to grocery tax cut by state government that will result in lower tax revenue. Until alternate revenue sources are identified, city can consider one or more of the following options: pausing SECA spend for a year, extend debt repayment plan by few years, reduce spend & find alternate revenue streams to plug the gap. Careful consideration is required so that the decisions doesn't impact the quality of life and quality of city services for residents and businesses.
- Phosphorous reduction for sewage treatment plant to meet EPA standards. Mandated by Federal Govt. deadlines. - Replacement of aging underground water pipelines to meet health safety standards - Technology & Equipment upgrades for Public Safety: Ensure the right technologies are in place resulting in crime prevention and safer communities - Work on a plan to reduce property tax burden on residents. With rising inflation and escalating cost of services, tax reduction or limiting raises are
My approach is to take a balanced approach with a focus on what is best for the community. Policy decisions must be based on agreed outcomes after an open, fact driven dialogue between all constituents. I believe in pragmatic approaches to problem solving when confronted with divisive or idealistic challenges confronting city council.