Naperville candidates share how they'd follow Pradel's 'legacy'
Naperville's next mayor will have some huge shoes to fill as he replaces George Pradel, the city's longest-serving leader who has held the post for 20 years.
It's a tall task, and the four candidates hoping to win election on April 7 know it.
The mayoral hopefuls - Jim Haselhorst, Steve Chirico, Doug Krause and Marty Walker - all say it's important to respect and honor everything Pradel has done to unite and promote Naperville. But each says he would approach the office in a different way, building on Pradel's work, yet making his own mark.
Haselhorst said Pradel's constant presence has done much to build the "brand" of Naperville.
"A lot of the things he's done have become part of the character of Naperville and I do think they need to be continued," Haselhorst said. "It's very important that this legacy be maintained."
If elected, Haselhorst, 55, said he would get tough in cases when compromises can't be found and work to build the city's small-business economy. In a career that includes nine years working for a government regulatory agency, Haselhorst said he learned people won't always agree.
"Sometimes you have to get tough and you have to basically apply the regulations and punish those that simply want to game the system and manipulate things to their advantage," Haselhorst said.
He also would focus on small business development, prioritizing it over trying to attract major companies.
"Large corporations are good; they bring in large numbers of employees, but again, they can vanish quickly and cause a large number of people to go," Haselhorst said.
"Small local businesses are here to stay. They're part of our community; they're not going to go away, and we need to build that."
Chirico said Pradel has made the mayor's office largely ceremonial, with a focus on attending community events and ribbon cuttings.
"I would be much more policy-minded; certainly much more budget and financially minded," Chirico said.
"I am a planner, so I think we need to look into our future and I have a vision for what I think it needs to look like. I would plan to get to that point."
Chirico, 54, is a business owner and city council member who said the next mayor has the potential to be a difference-maker outside of the city's boundaries.
"It's a weighty office and that position could be used to be very influential for the region," he said.
Krause said he's served under Pradel and two other mayors during his 26 years on the council. He called Pradel "a great cheerleader for the city," but said he would use the mayor's post as liquor commissioner to enforce rules more strictly, especially as they relate to downtown bars.
"One of the problems that we've had with our downtown situation is not enforcing the laws there and going after those who are causing the problems," Krause said.
A 67-year-old real estate broker, Krause said he also would increase the flow of information between the mayor and city council members.
"Anything that the mayor knows, the council members should know," he said.
"One of the things that has separated George from the council is not sharing information and, whether they're invitations going someplace or an issue, I think the whole team needs to be aware of what's going on so they can effectively manage the city."
Walker, a 62-year-old retired firefighter, said teamwork also is something he would focus on so the city can retain the award-winning status it has built during Pradel's tenure.
"I don't think anyone could ever fill his shoes as far as what he's done," Walker said.
"But as far as love for the community, I love Naperville and I want to keep it strong and moving forward."
The new mayor will be sworn in May 3.