That process is not complete without the community being involved and engaged as well!. Lowering Property Taxes through Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility Youth Engagement. Benny White, the first African-American elected to the Naperville City Council, said Tuesday he does not believe -- as state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray has said -- that Naperville has white supremacist policies. He continues to inspire and motivate students by working with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Joliet West High School. News updates from the Naperville area delivered every Monday and Wednesday, By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. We anticipate a significant number of retirees in the next few years and may be able to save in our overall salary budget as younger employees join our workforce. Please include your name and town of residence for publication. Before being elected to city council in 2017, he served as a board member on the Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education for five years. While major, it's necessary so that they will be up to the P25 standard (P25 radios transmit both data and voice). During that time, I lead, mentored and developed future leaders. Saying he was in a unique situation to address the issue as the only person of color on the dais, White said it is important to acknowledge the past and understand the nations and communitys racial struggles. Do we see that as an issue here in the community right now? A: I've been preparing for this job for the past 40 years! By Suzanne Baker Naperville Sun Feb 24, 2023 at 4:28 pm Expand Moderator Jan Dorner asks a question of Naperville mayoral candidates Scott Wehrli, top, and Benny White during a League of. Im ready to get to work and so I ask for your vote to be your next mayor. Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Outside of writing, Jay is involved in numerous clubs at Central. He has the experience, leadership skills, strength, and vision to lead our great city forward as our newly elected mayor. So another good news story, the financial principles that have helped to guide this community have really come to fruition and Im really proud of the fact weve been able to do that. And theres different parts of Chicago that are just different from each other. Issues such as ordinances for EV charging infrastructure, zero-emission construction standards and transitioning to renewable energy sources will all demand we answer difficult questions! My wife, Kim, is truly the unsung hero of my career, taking care of our family while I served our country., For 22 years of that career I was in the Army, starting as a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and retiring in 2008 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Illinois State Board of Elections Committee Details for Citizens for Benny White and Citizens to Elect Benny White. In eight years. Im a huge proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion. We raised two children in Naperville who are now finding their own success as adults. If you have a story idea,we want to hear from you. The other piece is that we have to define what affordable looks like for Naperville because the actual number that is used by buy hood, it basically uses one number for all Chicagoland. Weve in fact increased our reserves. He becomes the second candidate in the race. In 2012 I was asked to join the District 204 School Board when a vacancy occurred. This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. A: My sweet spot is leadership. He said they chose to settle in Naperville because of its "nationally recognized schools, park district programs and libraries.". It's a skill I learned and practiced through my studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and subsequently during my 22 years spent on active duty with what is arguably the best and most extensive education on leadership in the world: the United States Military. A: One very serious specific issue we face is transitioning from fossil fuels for our energy needs, specifically how to move away from reliance on coal for our electric utility. I say that because when we talk about diversity, we talk about diversity of thought. Newsletter, Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. In 2015, Mayor Chirico appointed Dr. White to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, where he proudly served for two years. My passion for serving started when I graduated from West Point and was commissioned in the United States Army. You can find a collection of city information relevant to everyone in Naperville, from new residents to long-time community members. All of this combines to make me the most qualified candidate. From left, Tiffany Stephens, Scott Wehrli and Benny White are candidates Naperville mayor in the April 4, 2023 election. Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Educator, Mentor, Friend, Councilman. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Lives and works in New York City; Daughter, Logan, 20. Benny White is a Naperville City Councilman, first elected to his seat in 2017. Edward-Elmhurst Health welcomes Shahid Ahsan, MD, Man Gets 20 Years For Trying To Rob Driver at Gunpoint In Naperville, Taco Crawl To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In Naperville, A Graduate Degree Designed for You: Learn more at a virtual information session, 2023 ATG Accordion Festival Features Internationally Acclaimed Guest Artists and Events for All Ages, NJWC A Midsummer Night's Fling at WhirlyBall Naperville. Youre always looking ahead. What do you hope to accomplish in office? He earned a doctorate in business administration from Benedictine University. In order to do that we have passed an ordinance for affordable housing that will incentivize developers to come in and build here in Naperville and provide some affordable solutions. Autonomous driving is becoming more and more popular, will it be more of a norm in the future? Things like planting native plants in unused green space and installing solar panels work well. Sustainability isnt just energy and green space, which are awesome things that we have to improve on. Privacy Policy and Through my experience, Ive become well-versed in governing: responding to the needs of the community and using the resources of government to find solutions. I have volunteered in our schools and was eventually appointed and elected to the Indian Prairie School District 204 where I serve our students, teachers and community. Sales tax revenue is strong and reduces some of the burden on our residents when it comes to their property taxes. I dont want to make it all handicap and then all of a sudden, its just a lot of spots down there that people arent using. 2752 Forgue Drive Naperville, IL 60564 : White, Benny. Elected to Naperville City Council in 2017 In the past four years, we have updated the mission statement, followed our financial principles, passed a ban on the sale of assault rifles, and revitalized the East Ogden Corridor, and passed an affordable housing plan. When I was in the military, we had anotherword for obligation. Scott Wehrli, a business executive who serves on the Naperville Liquor Commission, launched his campaign in July and has since collected $58,000 in contributions from 125 donors, his latest report says. Have you seen anything reflective of this in your race for a non-partisan position? Encouraging their involvement in the community is crucial to making them responsible citizens. Over the years, Dr. White's leadership skills and strong commitment to teaching and learning helped to develop future . Sometimes it may not feel like that. Mitigating substance abuse among our youth and preparing them to be Napervilles future leaders. Attainable and Affordable Housing to keep our seniors here and to encourage young families to come to Naperville. We need to get in front of this by researching how they affect residents and city resources, and the demands they will place on our budget. Yesterdays successes do not ensure that tomorrows challenges will be met.. Doing so offers real benefits and opportunities for our residents, particularly those looking for housing options for all stages of life. We have the best professionals when it comes to policing. Councilman White serves on the Naperville Downtown Advisory Committee, the Naperville Development Partnership and the Naperville Community Television Board of Directors. Its a job thats never complete, never gets easier, and is never the same from one day to the next. We had a goal of getting it to 25%, and I believe its at 27%. Chair: 924 W. 75th St. Suite 120-201 Naperville, IL 60565-6193: Reports. Drainage,paver,sod and mulch installation, Rosecrance Addiction and Mental Health Services Named Non-Profit Hero of the Month, Wheaton College - Senior Office Coordinator - Education, Naperville Area: 5 Latest Homes To Hit The Market, More Than 30 Breweries To Pour At Lombard Brew Fest, Oswego Man Altered Firearm To Work Like Machine Gun: Naperville Cops. The issue that arises from this is misinformation, and the decisions that result from it. One of our challenges that Im seeing, however, is that we are finding that there are a lot of people who are not going into policing or being a firefighter, and its happening across the country, its not a Naperville specific thing. Q: Over the last few years, the Ogden Avenue Corridor has been greatly improved. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent. One that residents may not be aware of is the Public Safety Radio Network, projected to cost $20 million over the next five years. Q: What is your vision for Downtown Naperville? Weve got to be looking at that as well putting things in place, maybe start some committees that will start doing the planning for that bicentennial. I think it is important to set goals for our local employees at every level. And thats primarily because theres a better ratio of commercial development in the 203 area. White, who has a wife and two children, previously served on the city's board of fire and police commissioners. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Covid-19, in particular, has drastically increased the likelihood of mental health issues amongst these people!. So I think its something I would like for us to take a look at. Adding a second Costco and carefully siting cannabis sales locations proved to be good for our residents and our financial status. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This Q&A is a part of Central Times 2023 mayoral election coverage. That includes supporting them as they continue to evolve and adapt to the demands placed on them, such as through the police department embracing the pillars of 21st Century Policing. However, that does not mean Naperville is immune to the ills and bias of discrimination. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Itll happen because we continue to do the work needed to maintain those factors that bring families and businesses here, and make them want to stay. Working with city staff, Ive seen the seeds of these changes start to sprout. Another set of projects that may not be visible to the public but are important are the upgrades to data storage and expansion, ACI Implementation (for IT security), and GIS Infrastructure Migration. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. Our mission statement is "To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.". Those three add up to more than $750,000 this year. , To our community serving Napervilles residents for over 10 years in elected office, in addition to being part of several boards and commissions. In 2015, White was appointed to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners where he served till 2017.White served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. army for 22 years before retiring in 2008. Im writing this to express my opinion on sustainable practices at my school, Naperville North High School, and how I believe schools everywhere should choose to implement ecologically friendly methods as well as be more informative on environmental issues. I would verify that each department's budget meets the needs of that department as well as determining if they can do more with less.Taxpayer dollars should be spent in a responsible way and should be nested within the city's guiding principles. Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years? Two weeks after Chirico's announcement, local businessman Scott Wehrli, a longtime member of the Naperville liquor commission, became the first candidate to enter the race for mayor of the state's fourth-largest city. Will people be driving the same way now then they will be in the future? My family, including my wife Kim and two children, moved to Naperville in 2005 during my last assignment for the United States Army, when I was selected to be the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Professor of Military Science at Wheaton College. Its right now its at seven and a half percent, the goal is to get it to 10%. He completed his doctorate in values-driven leadership at Benedictine University in Lisle. Dixie B White Phone | Address | Email Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE -- Benny White Jackson, MS (West Central Jackson) Phone Number Address Emails View Details Other Addresses Sedro Woolley, WA Fort Worth, TX Clinton, MS Dallas, TX Aliases Wife, Kim. The community has to acknowledge whats happened in its past and become something better, Johnson said. Weve got to work early on in getting them on the commissions and committees, maybe even start a youth council that can advise the City Council on what they are thinking. While I advocate for the same key priorities Ive pushed throughout my years in Napervilles government, know that holding to our high standards is my overarching priority!. This Q&A is a part of Central Times 2023 mayoral election coverage. By: Liz Spencer, NCTV17 We've maintained our AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's and Moody's. A large number of community leaders and residents of Naperville registered online and participated in the event. Its a skill I refined by earning a doctorate in values-driven leadership from Benedictine University and an MBA from Webster University. Feb 17, 2023 at 9:12 am Expand (Tim Graham/Getty Images) Benny White well-qualified to be Naperville's next mayor We have been active members of the Naperville community for over 30 years.. Benjamin (Benny) White: 2023 candidate for Naperville mayor Benny White Updated 3/10/2023 5:41 AM Bio Town: Naperville Age on Election Day: 59 Occupation: Department chair/Senior Army. He has unified our community during some of our most difficult times. All Rights Reserved. Its through this support that they will continue to set the bar, with the accolades to show for it, as a modern and valuable asset to the community.. We've made it through the pandemic crisis and are recovering well. Our kids both felt the sting of racism in schools in Naperville.. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. I count myself very lucky. As mayor, I intend to both encourage the public to help us and apply the skills unique to my background to drive us towards a solution. On a testing day, there may be 800 people to show up, who want to compete for the few slots that were available to serve in Naperville. While Naperville is not immune to the ills and bias that come with racial discrimination, the community does not operate on white supremacist policies, Naperville City Councilman Benny White said Tuesday. I'm confident Naperville residents all want a safe and healthy community, great schools, excellent parks, and reliable utilities. Our major departments should have goals that are aligned with the city's goals and priorities and their employees goals should align with the individual department goals. The job is flexible enough. Before he was elected to the council in 2017, White served on the Indian Prairie District 204 School Board from 2012-2017. "As Naperville takes the lead on gun safety, 21st century policing and public/mental health, we need a proven leader who will protect Naperville's long-term progress," White said in a statement. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Master of Science (MS): Indiana University, Master of Business Administration (MBA): Webster University, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Benedictine University, Served 22 years in the United States Army before retiring in 2008-JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Joliet West High School, 9 years, I want to serve the city that has served my family since we moved here. | BennyWhite.com / Zillow.com ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY Naperville City Council By LGIS News Service Mar 20, 2023 Last updated: December 10, 2022 at 8:16 AM CST. Chicago Tribune Feb 06, 2019 at 3:10 pm Expand Benny White, the first African-American elected to the Naperville City Council, said Tuesday he does not believe -- as state Rep. Anne. Terms of Service apply. Benny White Find out what's happening in Naperville with free, real-time updates from Patch. This Q&A is a part of Central Times' 2023 mayoral election coverage. We have $13.3 million in unused federal COVID funding that can be spent in the next three years for some projects, and large infrastructure projects might be a good place to use that funding. This is the essence of public service, fulfilling the needs of the teamthe community. White is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, having served 22 years before retiring from active duty in 2008. Dr. Benjamin M. (Benny) White is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served 22 years in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer, leading and mentoring soldiers throughout his military career before retiring from active duty in 2008. Spending resources on anything outside of our guiding principles could potentially increase the city's debt. But as I asked those individuals where they live, in fact, better yet, I asked them where they dont live. White, who retired from the Army in 2008, works as a junior ROTC instructor at Joliet West High School. Q: Whats your view of the current fiscal state of the city, and possible improvements you would like to see fiscally? Napervilles commitment to progress, diversity, and responsible government has put our city on the map, said White in his press release. My active duty career in the Army lasted 22 years and took me around the United States as well as around the world. I talk about loyalty and duty and honor, integrity, personal courage, selfless service, those are the things that the folks in the army or military really live by, after serving my country and having the opportunity to serve my community. Q: There is minimal affordable housing in Naperville. Isabelle Nobrega, Naperville North High School senior. Naperville Councilman Benny White has announced he's running for mayor in the 2023 election. Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently: Board of Education, Indian Prairie School District 204. Courtesy of Benny White. Benny White is a retired Army officer running for Naperville City Council Patrick Martin, Patch Staff Posted Sat, Mar 25, 2017 at 11:16 pm CT | Updated Sun, Mar 26, 2017 at 11:09 am CT Name:. Councilman White's current term expires in 2025. In 2015, Mayor Chirico appointed me to serve as a Commissioner on the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners. Elected officials need to understand their voices are louder than most, and that their words matter, he said. We may not always agree on the issues and concerns that come before us, but I'm committed to listening and gaining a better understanding of where the community stands and translating that into effective policy decisions. Q: What role do you want to see young people play in the city of Naperville if you were to be elected mayor? I am ready to take all of my experience and help Naperville continue to flourish and grow into. But our numerous national recognitions for being one of the safest cities to raise a family are no error! But we can do a better job of making it affordable for whatever Naperville is, more or less. Q: What do you consider the primary responsibility of the community's "chairman of the board"? Our residents are our stakeholders! We will be able to slightly lower the current tax rate from 0.6874 to 0.6743. White said he and his wife have been working with the mayor to bring the community together to begin conversations in Naperville. Jay doesnt know what he wants do after high school. "Public safety and public health is. But without that bridge being intact, you could just imagine the traffic flow issues we would have from north to south. And thats not a pretty project. A: What we call our IADA corridor, off Diehl Road, I think that could be an IT corridor for our community. A: Not surprisingly, I think spending on infrastructure and other capital improvements is the most important, and that includes not just projects like maintaining our roads, bridges, and sidewalks, but projects like the Public Safety Radio Network I mention in answering question #6. Our school board is responsible for the approval and implementation of a $300M annual operating budget and I am proud that I've had a hand in keeping our budget balanced. Why and how should it be paid for? I've been talking for a while about how to engage our young people more fully in the business of the city, including adding more students to our boards and commissions. Required fields are marked *. I would look at the different departments within our city government to ensure they are using best practices in order to run as efficiently as possible. Lets not beat ourselves up over what has happened. We have an enviable family-friendly and business-friendly community, one that continues to draw people here and that enjoys a strong economic engine. We need to have the mentality that were never satisfied with where we are. Hes a part of BPA, Hawkapella, and Sophomore Class Council. Although we are adding eight employees this year, as our needs change and as our employees retire or transition to different jobs, it's always worthwhile to reassess our staffing needs. We chose Naperville after living in many states and even overseas, and have high standards when it comes to finding a city that offers so much. Naperville Community Television (NCTV17) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to telling local stories on air and online. City Council member Benny White and Liquor Commission member. When it comes to that, my record will show that as well. I think one thing we need to look at as well is we need to have parking that is handicap accessible. Going into different communities, obviously Chicago would be a great opportunity to sell people on Naperville who are interested in law enforcement. A: A city the size of Naperville is always in the midst of significant infrastructure projects, some of which are very visible to the residents, like the road and sidewalk improvement, and some are less visible but just as vital. Then and thereafter, my steadfast commitment has been to live by West Points missionDuty, Honor, Country. Another critical topic facing us is expanding the citys workforce/affordable housing stock.
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