The Naperville Area Chamber Political Action Committee (NACPAC) has endorsed Mayor George Pradel for re-election to his fifth term and eleven other candidates for local office, including four newcomers, for the April 5 Municipal Election.

NACPAC’s Board of Directors invited all candidates for the Board of Education of Districts 203 and 204, Mayor and City Council to participate in their endorsement process. In all, NACPAC’s Board members interviewed 23 of the candidates running for office over the past several weeks.

“In every race we endorsed the candidates that we believe will look out for the interests of businesses, foster economic development and support free enterprise,” said Dennis Culloton, vice chairman of NACPAC. “The business climate is directly impacted by the decisions made by local elected officials. We hope all citizens will consider our take on where the candidates stand on the issues that impact job creation and business growth.”

The endorsed candidates are:

Mayor, Four year term. One opening.

George Pradel. Incumbent, serving since 1995. Retired policeman.

“Mayor Pradel is Naperville’s greatest goodwill ambassador. His distinct style, presence and collaborative approach will benefit the Council as they grapple with difficult financial and operational challenges over the next four years,” said Jeff Davis, chairman of NACPAC. “As they continue serving on the Council, we hope that some of the ideas offered during the campaign by Councilmen Krause and Miller will be implemented and improve the overall climate for business expansion.”

Naperville City Council, four year term. Four openings.

Bob Fieseler. Incumbent, serving since 2007. Intellectual property attorney and Chamber member.

Grant Wehrli. Incumbent, serving since 2005. Salesman.

Steve Chirico. Member of the SECA review board, small businesses owner and 20 year plus Chamber member.

Joe McElroy. Former Plan Commission Member, entrepreneur and Chamber member.

In addition to the budgetary challenges the candidates will face, NACPAC endorsed City Council candidates who had an action plan for encouraging business expansion, economic growth and job creation.

“Council members Fiesler and Wehrli have been accessible leaders on the City Council and demonstrated a willingness to implement proactive policies to improve the business climate,” said Chairman Davis. “We believe the small business background and prior service on City advisory boards are great assets to challengers Steve Chirico and Joe McElroy. We believe Chirico and McElroy will be positive contributors to the Council and deliver positive results for businesses and residents.”

NACPAC’s board members were impressed with first time candidates who entered the race this year.

“We hope the political newcomers we met will become involved in the City’s boards and commissions where they can build their experience and expertise on issues,” said Culloton.

Board of Education for Districts 203 and 204

“The efficiency and outcome of public education is a top issue in Illinois and in Naperville. We endorsed candidates who have strong accountability, budgeting, leadership and management experience,” said NACPAC Chairman, Jeff Davis, who previously served on the District 204 Board of Education.

Naperville School District #203. Four year terms. Three openings.

NACPAC endorsed incumbent District 203 Board of Education members Terry Fielden and Mike Jaensch for reelection, but also endorsed newcomer Jay Fisher.

Terry Fielden. Incumbent, serving since 2007. Construction management executive.

Mike Jaensch. Incumbent, serving since 2007. Pilot and former USAF Officer.

Jay Fisher. Lawyer and trustee of the Lisle Woodridge Fire Department.

“Incumbents Fielden and Jaensch have demonstrated effective leadership during their first term on the Board of Education as they handled the referendum, capital construction projects, the budget process and contract negotiations. Newcomer Jay Fisher’s background and education would be a different and welcome mix to the experiences and temperament of the Board of Education,” said Chairman Davis.

Indian Prairie School District #204. Four year terms. Three openings.

NACPAC endorsed incumbent District 204 Board of Education members Curt Bradshaw and Alka Tyle for reelection, but also endorsed Mark Rising, who received the endorsement of NACPAC when ran for 204 in 2009.

Curt Bradshaw. Incumbent, serving since 2005. Corporate executive.

Alka Tyle. Incumbent, serving since 2005. Former software development and technology manager.

Mark Rising. Sales manager, PTA and Diversity Council volunteer leader.

“Incumbents Bradshaw and Tyle have a strong grasp of the issues impacting 204 and their previous experience will be a resource to the Board of Education as they continue to confront budget challenges in the years ahead. Mark Rising has been engaged and studying issues since he ran in 2009 and would hit the ground running,” said Culloton.

The goal of NACPAC is to provide guidance to the chamber’s business members and concerned area residents on the candidates who best stand for the pro-business development principles.

Background: NACPAC is the separate, legally registered Political Action Committee of the Naperville Area Chamber and no Chamber financial resources are used to operate NACPAC.