Dear Members:

There are just a few weeks of winter left and we can determine three things from that fact. First, spring is just around the corner and opening day of baseball season is just around the corner. Secondly, Dick Dublinski, who is Naperville’s new Department of Public Works Director, is the luckiest man in Naperville, as keeping the streets clear of snow has thus far been an easy task (we all look forward to massive budget savings). And most importantly, the transition between the seasons means that the general primary election is just a few weeks away and we all need to begin thinking about who we are going to vote for on Election Day.

Our affiliated political arm, the Naperville Area Chamber Political Action Committee (NACPAC), has finished its outreach with the candidates seeking to represent you and offered its endorsements to nine candidates. NACPAC focused on selected races with contested primary elections. To make its endorsements, NACPAC asked all the candidates to submit a written statement and attend an in-person interview with board members. In total, NACPAC interviewed 23 candidates this cycle.

NACPAC exists to give fellow Members and the community recommendations on the candidates which best embody the values and agenda of the business community. You can learn more about NACPAC’s endorsements by visiting their website: www.napervillechamberendorsements.com.

You might find the endorsements helpful this season because, as required by the constitution, the entire state has been carved up and reapportioned into new legislative districts. Be on the lookout for information from the election commission on which districts and candidates you’ll be asked to vote for.

NACPAC’s endorsements are just that, endorsements and recommendations on the candidates that its board of directors think would make outstanding public officials. You can agree or disagree with NACPAC’s recommendations, but you must do so at the ballot box and we hope all of you participate in the primary. In case you’re wondering, NACPAC is funded by individuals and organizations within our broader community and no membership dues are used to support the group’s activities.

The Chamber will continue to encourage all of the candidates to attend our numerous events and to help provide you with opportunities to get to know the individuals asking for your vote.

Also, if you haven’t noticed already our friends at the U.S. Chamber have begun their voter education campaign. The Naperville Chamber does not take positions in Federal elections. As involved and active members of the U.S. Chamber’s federation, we rely on their voter education, how they voted scorecard and voter mobilization programs.

We unequivocally support the right of the business community to organize and participate in every election, from city council to Federal races, to educate voters on where candidates stand on the issue of job creation and supporting pro-business policies.

Rhetoric is easy, votes are tough and the U.S. Chamber’s voter campaign is an education effort to show where candidates stand on key economic policies at the Federal level. Their work compliments the efforts of NACPAC and other businessfocused groups in our state, regional and local races.

I wanted to pass along these words in advance of further voter education efforts by these groups. I thank you for your continued membership and support.


Sincerely,

John Schmitt