Fourth candidate enters Naperville mayor's race
A fourth candidate entered the race for Naperville mayor Friday when city council member Doug Krause said he will seek the seat.
Krause joins Steve Chirico, James Haselhorst and Marty Walker in announcing plans to run for mayor of the state's fifth-largest city in the April 7 municipal election.
The winner will replace George Pradel, who is stepping down after 20 years at the city's helm.
This will be Krause's fifth attempt at becoming mayor since joining the council in 1989.
"I've run before and I've always felt the experience I have would be an asset to the community and the residents," he said.
If all four announced candidates file petitions for a spot on the ballot next month, they'll face off in the April 7 election. But if five or more candidates enter, a primary will be held on Feb. 24 to narrow the final field to four.
Krause, a 66-year-old real estate agent, said his experience on governmental committees addressing stormwater, solid waste, public safety, finances and utilities gives him the broad expertise needed to run the city.
With Pradel, Naperville's longest-serving mayor, stepping down, Krause said voters might take a closer look at each candidate. Running against Pradel in previous elections was an "insurmountable" challenge, he said.
"It'll give the residents the opportunity to look and see what are the differences between all the candidates and who will best serve the community - not only the residents but also the business community There needs to be a balance," Krause said. "People will be looking more at what you actually bring to the table to make Naperville a better city."
Others who have said they will run for mayor include:
• Steve Chirico, a 54-year-old city council member and owner of Great Western Flooring;
• James Haselhorst, a 54-year-old volunteer with the Naperville Jaycees and dental office manager;
• and Marty Walker, a 62-year-old Naperville Exchange Club leader and retired firefighter.