Miller to challenge Pradel for Naperville mayor

Naperville Councilman Kenn Miller was the first to officially declare his candidacy for the city's mayoral seat Wednesday, but he wasn't the last.

Incumbent George Pradel announced his plans to run for a fifth term later in the day.

The two both plan to seek spots on the April 5, 2011, ballot.

"Kenn isn't the kind of guy who's going to run a race that's about me and him," Pradel said. "It's about helping the city."

Miller said he will focus on job creation and economic development in the city that has slashed $20 million from its budget over the past two years and eliminated 100 positions in the process.

"It's all about jobs," Miller said in a written statement. "I spent the entire summer talking to folks throughout the city and they agree that this is a critical time economically that requires a focused approach to business development and business retention."

Another rumored candidate, Councilman Doug Krause, who ran against Pradel in 2007, said he hasn't decided whether he'll throw his hat in the ring.

Pradel, who has had a few health scares during his tenure, said he recently received the go-ahead from his heart doctor to seek the fifth term. He also said job creation will be important in the future.

"We need to focus on what's going to happen with this election in November because that's going to make a big difference on us in the city in terms of receiving funds for projects," Pradel said.

Miller said he will focus on bringing new business to the city and creating more jobs.

"When residents are working, their purchasing power increases and that brings more sales tax revenue to the city," he said. "The overall economic health of our city will have a direct impact on property values, too."

Miller first was elected to the council in 2005 and re-elected in 2009. He previously served as a plan commissioner and as a trustee in Will County's Wheatland Township.

He has been a resident of the city since 1995.

If elected mayor, it's believed Miller would be the first Will County resident to serve as Naperville mayor. He said he doesn't believe what county he lives in will play a part in voters' decisions.

"There's not that kind of north/south issue as there was 15 years ago," Miller said. "People have gotten over that issue."

Neither candidate believes the outcome of a Nov. 2 vote on creating a partial city council ward system will be a bellwether in the pending mayoral race.

"I think voters will look at Kenn or I as the person who will represent the whole city best," Pradel said.

Pradel is a former Naperville police officer who gained popularity as the department's "Officer Friendly." He would later credit the children he came into contact with in that position as being the adults who elected him in an upset over more established contenders in 1995.

Pradel has overwhelmingly won re-election ever since.