Ashfaq Syed: 2025 candidate for Naperville city council

Bio

Office Sought: Naperville city council

City: Naperville

Age: 51

Occupation: Banker and business owner

Previous offices held: Naperville Public Library board since 2020

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

Naperville is at a crossroads in balancing sustainability, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. One of the most pressing issues is our outdated energy policy, which currently relies on 80% coal-based electricity. The city is being asked to extend its energy contract with for an additional 20 years, locking us into fossil fuels until 2055.

This is not only an environmental risk but also a financial liability. If we don’t act now, we will miss out on cost-saving renewable energy alternatives that are being widely adopted across the country. As a board member of Accelerate Climate Solutions and a committee member of the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force, I have worked on solutions to move Naperville toward clean, affordable energy while keeping costs low for residents and businesses.

I will oppose the premature contract extension and push for an open, competitive bidding process that allows Naperville to transition to a cleaner, cost-effective energy future. We must also expand local clean energy projects, invest in energy efficiency programs, and build a more resilient infrastructure that will save taxpayers money and protect future generations.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Naperville has maintained strong financial health due to careful planning, but we must continue to invest strategically to ensure long-term stability. As a leader who has worked to secure funding for our city — including through my role as co-chair of the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee, which brought in millions of dollars in federal funding — I understand how to maximize resources without overburdening taxpayers.

Moving forward, we must prioritize investments that generate long-term economic benefits — including infrastructure, public safety, and sustainability initiatives that reduce costs over time. The city should also focus on supporting small businesses and workforce development to ensure Naperville remains competitive.

At the same time, we must be careful not to extend long-term financial commitments without careful scrutiny — such as the proposed 20-year IMEA electricity contract extension — which could lock residents into costly, outdated energy sources. Instead, we should be exploring more cost-effective, renewable alternatives that will save residents money and keep Naperville at the forefront of innovation.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Naperville must modernize its energy and transportation infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and economic growth. A top priority is implementing a citywide Active Mobility Plan to improve pedestrian, cycling, and public transit accessibility. This will reduce traffic congestion and emissions while making the city safer, healthier, and more connected.

Naperville must also transition to cleaner, cost-effective energy solutions that reduce dependence on coal and protect ratepayers from price spikes. The proposed 20-year IMEA contract extension is a bad deal, limiting access to cheaper, cleaner energy. Instead, we should pursue a competitive bidding process and invest in local energy resilience, including renewables and battery storage.

To fund these initiatives, Naperville should leverage state and federal grants, public-private partnerships, and cost-saving measures rather than tax increases. Investments in energy-efficient municipal buildings and EV infrastructure will reduce long-term costs. Projects with unclear returns or limiting long-term contracts should be reconsidered to protect residents' best interests.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

As president of the Naperville Public Library board, which oversees an $18 million annual budget, I have worked with diverse stakeholders to ensure responsible financial management, expand services, and maintain Naperville’s top-tier library system. Through strategic planning, consensus-building, and transparency, I have led efforts that benefit all residents, regardless of background.

I also served as co-chair of the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee, leading an initiative that brought Naperville national recognition for its top census response rate among cities of similar size. This effort secured critical federal funding for local services, demonstrating my ability to build coalitions, engage the community, and get results.

My leadership style is collaborative, data-driven, and solutions-oriented. I believe in listening to all perspectives, finding common ground, and ensuring that policy decisions are based on facts and long-term benefits rather than political ideology. This approach will allow me to effectively work with other city council members to advance policies that serve Naperville’s residents and businesses in a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking way.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As president of the Naperville Public Library board, I help oversee a nearly $18 million budget, ensuring that we use taxpayer dollars efficiently while keeping our library system one of the best in the country. My role at Loaves & Fishes Community Services reflects my dedication to helping families in need. Additionally, as a member of NEST and Accelerate Climate Solutions, I am working to position Naperville as a leader in sustainability to ensure a cleaner, healthier future for our community.

I bring deep experience in finance and banking, giving me the skills to responsibly manage city resources, promote fiscal sustainability, and ensure that Naperville remains economically competitive. As co-chair of the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee, I helped Naperville securing millions in federal funding to benefit local services, schools, and infrastructure.

I have an ability to bring people together across various backgrounds to find common sense solutions for Naperville. My extensive leadership and financial expertise, combined with my commitment to public service and sustainability, make me the best candidate to ensure Naperville thrives now and for future generations.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

Naperville should establish a Sustainable Energy and Innovation Fund to support local businesses and residents in adopting clean energy solutions. This fund may provide incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels, make energy-efficient upgrades, and expand electric vehicle infrastructure.

By investing in sustainability, we can reduce our reliance on expensive and outdated coal-based energy, save money for taxpayers, and position our city as a leader in forward-thinking energy solutions. This initiative would complement broader efforts to transition toward clean, renewable energy sources while ensuring that Naperville remains competitive in attracting businesses and residents who prioritize sustainability.

Naperville has an opportunity to lead by example in sustainability, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility. By embracing innovative solutions and forward-thinking policies, we can create a city that is stronger, cleaner, and more resilient for future generations.

I am running for city council because I believe in building bridges across communities, fostering practical solutions, and ensuring that Naperville continues to thrive for years to come.