Endorsement: White for Naperville's next mayor

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

Three candidates are vying to replace outgoing Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico, who did not seek a third term.

But only two - Scott Wehrli, a longtime liquor commission member, and Councilman Benny White - have shown themselves capable of stepping up and leading the state's fourth-largest city.

White, a U.S. Military Academy graduate and Army veteran, has been on the city council since 2017. Wehrli is a lifelong Naperville resident and business owner who works part-time for the Naperville Park District police.

While Wehrli has never served in an elected position, he makes up for any lack of government experience with his business knowledge. He says he knows what it takes to make a payroll, balance the books, and negotiate employee benefits and union contracts.

White, who previously served on the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board, says his entire career has been one of service and leadership.

Naperville continues to be a well-run city. And White has been a part of recent efforts to balance its budget, lower its debt and provide quality service for residents. He also has sought to make Naperville an inclusive community that values diversity.

The third candidate in the race is Tiffany Stephens, but it is Wehrli and White who have the skills and temperament to be mayor. They understand the importance of representing everyone - not just one political faction or another.

And between them, White is better positioned to lead the city because of his experience on the city council. He will work to bring people together and to advance the quality of life in an already successful suburb. White is endorsed.