Krause first to file for Naperville mayor

When it comes to Naperville's mayoral race, it's all about location, location, location.

Councilman Doug Krause, known for his desire to be first on every ballot, was the only one of three announced candidates to submit his nominating petitions at 8 a.m. Monday the first day to file. In the process, he secured the top spot on the April ballot.

Mayor George Pradel and Councilman Kenn Miller, the other two candidates, haven't yet made it to the clerk's office to file their petitions.

“I've always been here early to be first,” Krause said. “Only one time did I try to be last. I left my office at 4:30 p.m. and it was the most nervous drive I've ever made. I will never, ever do that again.”

Krause said he was surprised neither Pradel nor Miller was there even though they had said they plan to file later.

“I anticipated at least one of them being here and then I was trying to figure out their strategy,” he said. “Are they doing a psychology thing and saying they won't be here just to trick the other candidates?”

Pradel insists he's got no tricks up his sleeve and is merely shooting to have his name be last on the ballot.

“I think I'll walk in (the clerk's office) very slowly at the end of the day next Monday (Nov. 22),” he said. “I would like to be last. I think there may be something to being the last name on there.”

Miller has only indicated he intends to file his packet later this week.

Both strategies puzzled Krause Monday morning.

“You've got to come here and take your chances at the lottery and see what it's going to be,” Krause said. “It also gives you a head start on campaigning. It gets your name out there and guarantees the press mentions your name in every story they write about the race and filing.”

Pradel's hoping he already has enough name recognition with voters.

“In four terms, I've been all over the ballot so I don't know how much ballot position has to do with success,” Pradel said. “We'll see if it's better to be first or last I guess.”

Candidates have until 5 p.m. Nov. 22 to file their petitions.