Outgoing Naperville councilman looking for other ways to serve

With his Naperville City Council days numbered, outgoing Councilman James Boyajian is looking for a new place or reason to wear his bow ties.

The eight-year council veteran and former plan commission chairman known for his “sturdy convictions” and recent conversion to snappy bow ties, chose not to seek a fourth term in April's election.

Boyajian first was elected in 2003 to fill an unexpired two-year term and then was elected to a four-year term in 2005 and another two-year term in 2009. He said he's long believed the equivalent of two four-year terms is “just the right amount.”

Once his successor is seated in May, Boyajian said he and his wife, Marlene, intend to spend more time at their Destin, Fla., residence while maintaining their Naperville home. Boyajian said he also intends to volunteer in a less-demanding capacity in the city but one that will let him continue to wear his trademark ties.

“Now that I've finally learned how to tie them properly, I need to find a place to wear (them),” Boyajian said, talking about his trademark that began as a Christmas gift from his daughter-in-law two years ago. “I've always been taken with them and now I've got 15.”

His fashion sense is hardly his favorite accomplishment, however. He is most proud of his role attempting to help Naperville weather the current economic crisis that sees the city facing an $5 million deficit.

“By no means are we out of the poor economy woods, but I believe the city is on a very good course to stay on top,” he said. “I'm very proud of the part and leadership I've played in finding creative ways to get services to our citizens without simply passing our economic hardships on to our taxpayers.”

Mayor George Pradel, who is seeking his fourth term, said the city will miss Boyajian's leadership.

“He is the anchor on this council with his really solid convictions and ability to keep us on track,” Pradel said.

The mayor said he's pleased to hear Boyajian intends to remain active in the city. “He'll keep his hand in the council and city hall because he loves the people and he wants to keep Naperville the best city in the world.”

The Boyajians moved to Naperville in 1977 from Milwaukee by way of Joliet. Boyajian said he felt compelled to give back upon his retirement from Standard Oil in 1999 and began serving on the West Suburban Mass Transit District board and Naperville plan commission soon after.

“From the plan commission, I was elected to the council in 2003 and I was honored and pleased to do so, just as I have been every other time I was elected,” he said. “Naperville is a wonderful place that I have loved and will continue to love.”

Just not during long stretches of the Naperville winters.

“The weather in Destin is not as hot as southern Florida and it's just warm enough in the winter,” he said. “And we can't get enough of those pristine white sand beaches and the clear, clear water.”