As most would agree, there is a level of relief that the drama around the Nov. 2020 election is in our rearview mirror. However, we are on the heels of the not-so-much-talked-about April 6 “consolidated election” where we will elect city council members, park district and school district board members, as well as township leaders and a number of other offices.
Yet, the roles of these local government leaders significantly impact our business community and control a lot of money and influence to decide our community priorities – from the quality of our roads to public safety. For example, school district boards vote on school bonds, impacting how our tax dollars are spent and steer the course for the quality of our schools which impacts our workforce and ability to attract new industry to the area.
I recently read an interesting statistic that just 1 in 5 voters participate in off-year local elections which means your vote carries an even greater impact on who is elected, sets local tax dollar spending priorities, and shapes our community policies. Furthermore, gaining quality data to assist you with your voting decision is more challenging than the sometimes over-abundance of information during the larger federal elections.
To support our Chamber Members and our residents in gaining first-hand quality data to make the most informed decision in this upcoming April 6 election, the NACC Business Works has scheduled exciting “Election Week Forums,” March 15-18.
Each of these evenings lasts from 4PM to 6PM while candidates in the respective race (note schedule below) will be available for virtual conversations with us. You will be able to hear their priorities, qualifications for their roles in the office they are seeking and have ample time for your questions.
Below are the dates for each race’s NACC Business Works Election Forum discussion:
- 4-6PM Mon., March 15: Naperville City Council
- 4-6PM Tues., March 16: Naperville Park District Board
- 4-6PM Wed., March 17: Naperville School District #203 Board
- 4-6PM Thurs., March 18: Indian Prairie School District #204 Board
Register for all Election Forums at naperville.net.
You can find a list of all candidates and races in DuPage County at www.dupageco.org/Election/Candidates_and_Campaigns/37053.
You can find a list of all candidates and races in Will County at www.thewillcountyclerk.com/april-6-2021-consolidated-election.
As always, contact me with questions, comments and if you have a policy concern impacting your business or industry.
Editor’s Note / On March 10, 2021, The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Review Committee sent news regarding the 13 candidates that have been endorsed by the NACC/CRC for the 2021 Consolidate Election. Candidates were selected based on community involvement, preparedness for the job as well as knowledge and support of the Business Community.
Four 4-year seats are up for election on City Council, Park District Board of Commissions and local Boards of Education that serve Naperville. The NACC/CRC did not propose slates in every election.
Naperville City Council / Vasavi Chakka, Ian Holzhauer and Benny White
Naperville Park District / Mary Gibson, Nag Jaiswal and Mike King
School District 203 / Charles Cush, Kristin Fitzgerald and Adam Russo
School District 204 / Susan Taylor Demming, Supna Jain, Marina Kosak and Allison Fosdick
