Fifth-graders get insight into life of Mayor Pradel

Naperville Mayor George Pradel's favorite color is blue, and his favorite animal is a bulldog.

You may not have known that if you're not a fifth-grader at May Watts Elementary School.

Pradel visited fifth-grade teacher Carrie Pedersen's class Friday to discuss Naperville's history, political issues and to dish out some fun facts about himself.

He also came loaded with 11 pizzas to share with the class.

His visit was the prize for fifth-grader Leah Hummel whose mother, Tricia, put in a winning bid during a recent Naperville Area United Way fundraiser.

"My favorite part of being mayor is visiting all of the school children because I'm just so proud of all of you and our great schools," Pradel told the students. "At city hall, everything we do is for you youngsters to make sure have a great quality of life in this great city."

The conversation quickly turned into a Q-and-A session on some of Pradel's favorite things.

What, for example, is Mr. Naperville's favorite part of town?

"I love walking along the Riverwalk and meeting folks because I love people," he said. "Sometimes I introduce myself to folks and tell them I'm from the nursing home and waiting for my bus to pick me up. Then I wait a little while and tell them I'm actually the mayor, and then they don't know which to believe."

Several of the students also seemed to find it hard to believe the charismatic mayor was leading the city.

"He's funny," Leah Hummel said. "He's a normal person and cool."