Waiting for answers in Naperville

Now that the sponsored public forums have finished for this election cycle, there are still a few questions nagging me that I feel have gone unasked and have therefore gone unanswered by the candidates for the various elected offices in Naperville.

For example: 1. Why do you feel that Naperville has gone from No. 3 and No. 5 in the CNN Money Poll of Best Places to Live in 2008 to No. 54 in 2010? Who do you think is responsible for the drop? 2. Do you think the city manager is doing a good job? Do you believe this is the best person to run our city? 3. Do you believe that the vote to renew the city manager’s contract should be public and to allow for public comment? Why or why not? 4. Do you feel that any elected office in Naperville, or any appointed board or commission, paid or not, should have relatives serving on the same elected or appointed board or commission at the same time?

5. Do you feel that the city council should limit the ability of any elected officer or appointed official to sue the city? 6. If elected, would you be violating the spirit of the Naperville voters who support term limits by running for a post that could violate this a new ordinance? 7. Do you think that a voter referendum should take the place of current board discussions when related to giving raises to our city’s fire and police? Do you feel the voters have the right to decide if these first responders will be laid off? 8. How can you explain to the common person that our city will be facing budget shortfalls of $10 million and $20 million?

I would hope we hear these answers from the candidates before April 5.

Bill Barbino

Naperville