Naperville will not consider volunteer list for housing migrants
Naperville will not move ahead with a suggestion the city create a list of volunteers who would be willing to house migrants.
In a memo to city council members Wednesday, Naperville City Manager Doug Krieger said the city received significant feedback following a Jan. 16 city council meeting where Councilman Josh McBroom suggested the idea. At that time, city staff was directed to look into the suggestion and report back to the council.
“Based on initial staff research, migrant housing lists are currently being maintained by government agencies at the federal and state level, as well as through private charities,” Krieger writes in the memo. “As a result, it has been determined that it is not necessary for further city consideration and therefore this matter will not appear on a future city council agenda.”
The message will be part of a “manager’s memorandum” expected to be posted to the city’s website, city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche said.
At the Jan. 16 council meeting, McBroom floated the idea of a volunteer list of residents willing to house migrants and had the support of three council members – Nate Wilson, Jennifer Bruzan-Taylor and Paul Leong – to have staff look into the suggestion and report back to the council at a later date.
Though McBroom said last week he was sincere in his proposal, he said Thursday the suggestion was a “polite challenge” to those who support an open border policy.
“It was a sincere challenge because the city of Chicago clearly cannot handle this crisis anymore, and they’re putting pressure on the cities,” McBroom said. “The way I see it, we’ve got one of two options. Individuals can contact their state representatives to pressure them to get the border secure. Or, if you supported this policy and you believe an open border is a good policy, then are you willing to house a migrant family? There are a lot of them who are homeless right now in the dead of winter.”
McBroom’s proposal quickly drew national attention, and McBroom on Thursday appeared on a Fox News program. It also sparked a flurry of emails to council members with reactions ranging from outrage from conservatives who blasted McBroom, a Republican, for suggesting people house new arrivals to a local church inquiring how families could help.
McBroom brushed off some of the reaction from fellow conservatives, saying he could “take a few arrows” and said his challenge at least got people talking. Others, however, didn’t see his actions in the same light.
“I don’t appreciate Naperville becoming a national laughing stock or just being used for political points,” Councilman Ian Holzhauer said.
As the city faced increased scrutiny, Mayor Scott Wehrli said he had a discussion with McBroom late last week about his proposal.
“I suggested to him if he had a change of heart, he should contact the city manager and let him know,” Wehrli said.
McBroom on Thursday acknowledged he contacted Krieger about the proposal and asked to have it removed from future agendas. Wilson, who initially supported the measure, also requested the same. Krieger reached out to Taylor and Leong, who also supported ending further inquiry and removing it from the agenda.
According to council policy, the support of three council members is needed to add an item to the agenda. To remove an item, two of those council members must support its removal.
Wehrli, who said he did not support McBroom’s initial proposal, said the city will continue to ensure the safe passage of new arrivals to the landing zone in Chicago.
Residents who want to help new arrivals are encouraged to visit chicago.gov.