Incumbents should continue to lead way in Naperville

Naperville faces its fair share of challenges but is, for the most part, a well-run city that provides excellent services and amenities for residents even in difficult economic times. Its city council elections usually are populated by a strong cast of candidates with solid backgrounds in the community and this year is no different as voters get to choose candidates for four 4-year seats and one 2-year seat.

We endorse both incumbents seeking re-election for 4-year terms - Doug Krause and Kenn Miller. Krause has served on the council since 1989 and remains committed and enthusiastic. Miller has been a thoughtful and effective leader since joining the council in 2005.

There are at least four other candidates we think deserve a close look for the remaining two 4-year spots: Judy Brodhead, Paul Hinterlong, Joe McElroy and Tim Messer. The first three all have served or are serving on the plan commission - as well as other government panels - and have excellent knowledge of the city through their participation in a variety of community groups. Messer is 27 and lacks some of that experience, but has a clear grasp of the issues facing the city and is extremely articulate. He is definitely someone to watch.

We endorse Brodhead because of her background serving the city for 16 straight years through 2006 on agencies such as the plan commission and zoning board, her intricate knowledge of issues and people in the city, and because the current all-male council can benefit from another perspective.

We endorse McElroy because of his background as a city planner, his work on the plan commission and his role in helping create the Naperville Development Partnership.

The other candidates for 4-year terms are Ken Bochenski, Charles Schneider, Patty Gustin, Kamala Martinez, Janet Trowbridge, Jim DerKacy and Raj Durga.

The race for the city's two-year term also features interesting candidates, but incumbent Jim Boyajian is our clear choice as a straightforward no-nonsence candidate who has served the council with distinction for the past six years. The other candidates are Bill Eagan and Kevin Lynch.