What Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower means to Naperville

A variety of prominent figures in Naperville spoke out about the future of Moser Tower during a Riverwalk Commission meeting Wednesday. Here's a look at what some had to say:

"I don't want to see it come down. We worked too hard to get that thing up, and I can't believe this city would not be willing to maintain it. Besides, Channel 7 would have to take a new picture because every time they come on with anything about Naperville, we see the carillon."

- Peg Price, who served as a council member and as Naperville mayor from 1983 to 1991

"The carillon is a world-class instrument attracting carillonneurs from around the world who come here to play. These visitors comment on both the excellent musical instrument we have, but also how blessed Naperville as a community is to have it. Such good international press is invaluable to Naperville. ... We ask that you look to see a bigger picture and avoid a path that will remove a uniquely iconic landmark that is unmistakably Naperville."

- Richard Kelly, former board member of the Millennium Carillon Foundation and volunteer carillon ambassador for park district

"Don't be afraid to come up with a plan to provide an alternative amenity instead of continuing the high cost investment of the tower. Don't be afraid to think out of the box."

- Jim Boyajian, who served on the city council from 2003 to 2011

"It makes me angry to think someone would actually consider tearing down the tower to take away something that we've had for all these years and provides such a value."

- Sue Bergren, a carillonneur who has performed across the country, but says Naperville's is the "best" because of the number of bells and the ease with which they're played

"The carillon is great, but candidly its not what brings people to Naperville. It's not the Eiffel Tower. It's not the Statue of Liberty. It's sad that we are where we are, but going forward I think, and I would ask the commission to do this, don't just pass it to the city council and say, 'save the carillon, and you figure out how to do it.' Part of your job is to tell us what we have to give up. If we spend money on the carillon, the fact is we have to give up something else up."

- Jim Hill, member of Naperville Senior Task Force

"The carillon elevated Naperville, which is already known as a great city to live in and raise a family, to the international spotlight. ... To fully understand the carillon, however, one has to only tour the tower and read many of the memorials that are inscribed on the bells, honoring loved ones and families, many of them founding families of Naperville."

- John Colucci, Naperville Rotarian