Election filing opens in Naperville

Charlie Schneider had to wipe the frost off his newspaper at 5:10 a.m. Monday as he waited outside Naperville city hall.

Schneider, a 30-year resident and local business owner, was the first of five city council candidates in line when City Clerk Pam LaFeber opened her office at 8 a.m. to begin accepting nominating petitions for the spring municipal election.

Close behind Schneider, at 5:30 a.m., was political newcomer Steve Chirico followed by incumbents Grant Wehrli, Dick Furstenau and Robert Fieseler.

Councilman Doug Krause was the only of three known candidates to file for mayor. Mayor George Pradel and Councilman Kenn Miller said they both expect to file before the Nov. 22 deadline.

Several candidates said they were surprised by the low turnout at LaFeber's office.

“During the last council election there were between eight and 10 crammed in here waiting to get going,” Schneider said. “This surprises me.”

But those that did come out, did so with a purpose.

“I just have a passion for my city and doing what I can to make it a better place,” Wherli said. “Sometimes it's a challenge, without a doubt, but Naperville is a great community because there are people willing to come forward and make a difference.”

For Schneider, it was knowing he missed being elected to the council in 2009 by about 2,000 votes.

“I came incredibly close to winning last time,” he said. “I feel that my business experience with finances, dealing with people, respecting people and making critical decisions can benefit the residents of the city.”

Chirico said he was motivated to make his first run at public office by the most recent Nov. 2 election.

“I could sit on the sideline and complain about things in the city or I could get up here today and take the first step to try and make a difference in my city,” Chirico said. “It's a simple as that.”

Candidates can file their petitions until 5 p.m. Nov. 22.

Those who filed first thing Monday are eligible for a lottery to determine who will receive the top ballot position. LaFeber said that lottery will be conducted in December.