Ashley South: 2023 candidate for Naperville City Council, 4-year term

Bio

Town: Naperville

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: Chief executive officer, publishing company

Employer: Bluehouse Publishing Inc.

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

A: I'm firm believer that we as a city need to support mental health as our #1 priority. Collectively, we suffered over the last several years and many of us struggled with loneliness. Recently, several studies have come out to discuss the impact.

Naperville has $13.3M left over from the American Rescue Fund; some of that money can be used to provide a robust infrastructure to support our citizens' mental health needs.

One example of a city initiative ripe for expansion is a Naperville Fire Department pilot program. While still in its infancy, the program has provided long-term help (such as adaptive home improvements) to the most frequent 911 callers, helping them cope with long-term health challenges and reducing the conditions that lead to emergencies.

The program has already saved over $700,000 in tax dollars due to less 911 calls. I believe mental and physical health must be a top strategic priority for the next Council.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: We have a shortfall of $14.8M. Much of the increase is due to capital projects for our utilities and city infrastructure that are needed, including a project to manage stormwater to mitigate potential hazards and damage to public and private property, and initiate a multiyear project to upgrade the city's outdated public safety mobile radio network. $9.2M of the capital projects is dependent on federal funding.

Additionally, we have an opportunity to dig into some spending such as the $455,000 line item to repair the Fredenhagen Park fountain. We have higher priority needs like the Data Center Storage upgrade and improvements ($435,000).

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: • Invest in the walkability of retail areas in both North (5th Avenue) and South Naperville (Route 59).

• Provide options for those lacking affordable housing, including our retirees, college students, and those new to our city.

• Develop prioritized strategic plan for Naperville's Sustainability Task Force recommendations to meaningfully cement Naperville as a city that supports the future for our kids, and get the city to commit to "Going Green" by adding it to our mission statement.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: Areas of spending that should be curtailed is ANY spending that is not subject to public review or approval. Public art is one example that does not have public review.

Today one institution with a budget of $150,000 annually makes decisions about what public art is and the direction of future installations.

At the same time, we have task force made up of citizen-volunteers that also consider public art, but the task force does not have funding. I believe we should reallocate those funds to the citizens task force. My overall goal is transparency around spending.

Q: 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?

A: We have water station issues (see comment above) that need to be remediated. We also water main remediation projects with more than $9.4 million budgeted for three primary water main projects.

Our goal should not be to take money out of the budget for the needed infrastructure upgrades but rather find ways to generate more revenue (e.g.: welcome more businesses and draw more external monies into our tax revenue) and continue to support our citizens' future.

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

A: I describe myself as an active listener and collaborative. I sat on the Chicago Board for StepUp, a nonprofit. Additionally in my jobs at Northern Trust and JPMorgan, I brokered discussions to move policy and projects forward. I also have a degree in political science/international relations.

I approach everything by listening and including diverse thoughts into action for the best path forward that considers as many as possible. Today, I run a local community magazine. I work with people from varied socio-economic, professional, and cultural backgrounds. I bring them together to showcase and celebrate the diverse fabric of Naperville.

As a city council member, I will use my expertise to continue to do the same.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I have a unique perspective. I am a mom and a small-business owner. I care about the future of our city and the legacy we leave. I have several years of volunteer experience, a degree in political science, have worked on Wall Street, maintain a financial certification, and started my own business - a community magazine, focused exclusively on Naperville.

I have the dedication and passion for policy, communication, and hard work. These are the qualities that I seek in an elected official at all levels of government and are qualities that I embody.

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

A: My unique idea is for the city to educate its citizens around mental health challenges by leading workshops, symposiums, and providing support resources on their website. Education is key to engagement. Programs like these will help us to save money on our resources and support the pilot program in the fire department mentioned in an earlier answer.

The second idea I feel strongly about is making all boards and commissions meetings fully accessible, like we have for our city council meetings to ensure full transparency for our citizens. I believe we must provide them an opportunity to learn and participate more in our local government via accessible means.