Chirico wins second term in Naperville; Wheaton elects Suess

Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico says he always had faith voters would elect him to a second term Tuesday, despite a challenge from Richard "Rocky" Caylor.

Turns out he was right. But it was close.

Winning a re-election bid is difficult amid what he called an "anti-incumbent wave" and an era of negative internet campaigning, Chirico said. But he still managed to come out on top, snagging 9,412 votes compared to Caylor's 8,792, according to unofficial results with all precincts reporting.

"Being a political candidate is hard these days," said Chirico, a businessman with deep roots in Naperville. "It's hard to stay positive in your campaign, but we did that, and I'm very proud of that."

With one term as mayor under his belt, and another as city councilman, Chirico, 58, says he wants to build on his successes of the past four years by attracting more businesses, securing new investment, adding jobs and increasing tax revenues.

"That's what starts to supply a long-term funding stream for our schools, parks and safe neighborhoods," he said, "and that is why people move to Naperville."

Caylor, a 62-year-old Marine veteran and president and CEO of a Joliet logistics company, was relatively unknown in Naperville's political circles when he announced his candidacy in December.

He ran a tougher-than-expected campaign against the incumbent, vowing to tackle mayoral duties as more of a "position of support and service."

That mindset is reflective of the era of the late George Pradel, Chirico's predecessor, who led the city as a charismatic cheerleader. And it seemed to have appealed to a large pool of voters.

Chirico adopted a more hands-on approach the past four years, which he spent pushing his pro-development agenda and trying to reduce the city's debt burden.

He said the city made significant progress, noting its budget is in the strongest financial position it has been in years.

Other pressing issues facing Naperville include infrastructure investment, transportation and housing for recent graduates and empty-nesters, Chirico said ahead of the election. He believes his experience and "involved" leadership will help him carry out his vision for the city.

"I truly believe I represent all of Naperville," he said.

Wheaton

In a race that pitted one experienced city councilman against another, Wheaton voters on Tuesday chose Phil Suess as their first new mayor in 12 years.

Suess, 61, who is in his fourth term on the city council, defeated 56-year-old John Prendiville, 3,617 votes to 3,239, unofficial results showed with all precincts reporting. Suess will succeed Michael Gresk, who did not seek re-election.

A partner in an investment consulting firm, Suess has made city taxes a primary campaign issue - one he believes secured him the victory, he said Tuesday night.

Suess routinely voted against raising property taxes the past four years "while we still have reserves above target," he said. "We've always been able to do every project we've been requested to do. It's not a situation whereby we're not spending money. We're spending money on the right things, and we'll continue to do that."

Suess' main goals for the next four years include keeping the city financially stable, maintaining public safety, enhancing city services and building out infrastructure, he said.

Prendiville, an attorney in municipal and corporate finance, said he had hoped to focus on funding for $13.3 million in capital projects slated for the next few years. The loss boots him from the city council, with his third term as councilman expiring in May.

Wood Dale

Wood Dale voters have opted to continue moving forward with Nunzio Pulice in the city's top seat.

The 57-year-old mayor has held the position since 2011 when he unseated Kenneth Johnson, who attempted to reclaim the post Tuesday.

Pulice cruised to an easy victory with 1,636 votes, while Johnson received 609, according to unofficial tallies.

After his win Tuesday, Pulice said he received several messages from residents "thanking us for the improvement they see in the city." Wood Dale has a handful of initiatives "in the hopper" that he intends to see through over the next four years, he said, including a multiphase stormwater flood project and efforts to revitalize the Irving Park corridor.

To those who supported his opponent, Pulice said, "we're going to do our best to prove to you that we're worthy of holding office for you guys. ... We are working for the people."

Johnson, a senior attorney for Secretary of State Jesse White, previously served 10 years as an alderman before his tenure as mayor.

He said he's unnerved by the amount of debt the city has accumulated since he left office.

The solution, he said, is simple: Bring in more money than you spend.

For Pulice, a purchasing agent, the mindset has been to plan now for the future and save money in the long term. The city has a balanced budget, he says, and has been able to build up reserves while maintaining a high level of services.

Other priorities include taking care of infrastructure, reducing airplane noise from O'Hare International Airport and uniting the city.

Elsewhere

In Downers Grove, village council Commissioner Bob Barnett defeated his two challengers in the race to replace Mayor Martin Tully, who is stepping down because of term limits.

With all precincts reporting, Barnett had 4,223 votes, while Marge Earl had 850 and David Olsen had 3,670, according to unofficial results.

Earl was appointed to the council in 2016, and Olsen served on the council for three years before stints on the College of DuPage board and as a state representative.

Oak Brook Village President Gopal Lalmalani defeated challenger John Baar, who has served on the village board for six years, unofficial tallies showed. Lalmalani received 1,729 votes to Baar's 1,201.