Editorial: Lessons on leadership from Naperville's Mayor Pradel

Decked out in top hat and tails, George Pradel on Monday gave his 20th and final State of the City address as Naperville's mayor in his inimitable style.

He was in a reflective mood as he prepares for the final few months in a job he said was "my life, my heart and my soul."

He did it his way, which became "the Naperville way."

And there is no doubt that anyone living in Naperville, doing business with Naperville or familiar with Naperville knows the Pradel way was to be the city's number one cheerleader as it grew into the fifth largest city in Illinois. Most residents are going to miss that, and so will we.

Pradel told the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce crowd this week that "as a child I probably couldn't tell you who the mayor was."

Ask anyone who has grown up in Naperville the last 20 years and surely they know who Naperville's mayor was - George Pradel, the former Office Friendly whose popularity in that role transferred to five election wins. While he admits he may have made mistakes, his heart and sincerity certainly have never been questioned.

"I just knew I wanted to help others - especially children," Pradel said.

George and his wife, Pat, were honored last year by the Naperville-based Education Center with the first George and Pat Pradel Humanitarian Award.

"Everyone in town knows how dedicated George and Pat Pradel have always been to families and children," Executive Director Michael Litow said. "We really wanted to honor both of them for the commitment and caring they have shown to you throughout the 54 years of their marriage."

His childlike enthusiasm (meant in the most positive way) is contagious and sets Pradel and Naperville apart - even when the community is called snobby as it was last year on a national list.

"I'm taking a positive attitude toward that," he told us then. "Actually it puts Naperville on the map again."

Whether you are a runner in the annual Turkey Trot or the two-year-old Naperville Marathon - both of which feature Pradel at the start - or a participant in any number of other city-sponsored events, getting a good dose of Pradel cheer is both uplifting and contagious.

He'll be a tough act to follow. Those who want to succeed him recognize that no one can mimic the Pradel Way, instead they are looking to set their own course. Pradel's lesson to them and all of us is to set yourself apart while being true to yourself. To be a true leader, you can't melt into the background. When George Pradel is in attendance, he's always front and center.