Naperville residents mull wards, term limits

Naperville residents fell on both sides of the fence Monday as to whether the city needs a ward system and/or term limits for councilmen.

Just over 30 residents turned out for a discussion of those two issues held by Councilman James Boyajian acting as a private citizen. Several volunteered to continue to explore the changes.

"We had a nice open dialogue and we spent ... an equal amount of time talking about both the pros and cons of not only maintaining what we have as well as making change," Boyajian said. "No surprise there wasn't a clear-cut answer."

Twenty-two people said Monday they would support term limits while eight opposed them. Those speaking in favor cited complacency of councilmen and the difficulty of unseating incumbents.

Term limits allow "opportunities for more individuals to challenge one another for city council," said Karl Karantonis. "I think we're seeing in this city and everywhere an increased cost in running for the council and by setting forth term limits and then districting we'll be able to reduce those costs and increase the potential of having more people pursue that avenue."

But those who oppose limits said longtime councilmen have valuable institutional knowledge and provide consistency. Some said limits would force good leaders out and elections already give voters a chance to decide if a councilmen should stay or go.

If the city was to divide into wards it could either be made up entirely of wards or have five wards and four at-large officials including the mayor.

Seventeen people at Monday's meeting said they would prefer to stay with the current all at-large system. Twelve said they would favor a combination of wards and at-large.

Those who want all at-large councilmen said wards would be divisive, officials would be looking out for their ward, there would be fewer people to turn to for help and if voter turnout is low, an unqualified person could be seated.

At-large councilmen "would have a broader appreciation of what Naperville as one city is and can be instead of chopping it up into pieces," said Mary Lou Wehrli. "In my opinion (wards) would be a major distraction on the good works that are already being done."

But those favoring wards said they could generate more interest in city government and would mean residents have someone more directly connected to their issues.

"If you go to a hybrid system you have an opportunity to narrow an area that one person would represent and you would feel a closer relationship," Ellen Burrows said.

She added that residents would still have at-large councilmen to turn to and could still contact all nine members.

Dividing into wards and imposing term limits would both require the consent of residents through a referendum. The city council can place a referendum on the ballot itself or residents can do so if they obtain enough signatures on a petition.

Boyajian said he merely wanted to get the discussion going and it will be up to residents to decide whether to see it through. At least four people signed up Monday to be part of a committee to continue to explore the issues.