This Q&A is a part of Central Times’ 2025 city council election coverage. To see interviews with all candidates in the race, click here. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What inspired you to run for Naperville City Council?
I have lived in Naperville for 20 years. We moved here from Colorado, and I’ve raised my family, grown my business, and been involved in public service for many years. I was elected as a Wheatland Township trustee in 2021, and I currently serve as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. I’ve also been involved in several homeowner boards, KidsMatter, and other nonprofits.
Public service has always been my passion. I truly believe Naperville is an extraordinary town, and I feel it’s time for me to serve on City Council and give back to the community.
Can you tell me about your personal and professional background and how those experiences prepare you for this role?
I have an MBA in business and finance, and I work as a finance executive at an information technology company. I’ve been in this industry for 22 years, working for a global company. In addition to my role as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner, I was a former township trustee for Wheatland. I also serve on several mental health boards and nonprofit organizations, including Indian Community Outreach and the MLK Jr. Advisory Board.
Through these experiences, I’ve met thousands of residents, attended countless events, and developed a deep understanding of our community’s needs. I bring decades of experience in finance and budgeting, which is crucial given that Naperville’s budget is $641.14 million. I know I can make a difference by identifying areas where we can reduce expenses and help lower property taxes. We also face long-term financial challenges, and I can use my expertise to help navigate them.
Public safety is another key issue for me. I graduated from the Naperville Police and Fire Academies and have done ride-alongs with first responders. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to provide our police and fire departments with the necessary resources and advanced technologies to keep our community safe.
Mental health is also a growing concern. I’ve personally seen its impact on families, and I believe local government should play a role in supporting mental health initiatives. We need to work with nonprofits and other organizations to reduce stigma and provide accessible resources.
How long have you lived in Naperville, and what do you love most about the community?
I’ve lived in Naperville for 20 years. My daughters graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School, attended Indiana University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and now they are both working professionals. My husband and I live in South Naperville in the White Eagle subdivision.
What I love most about Naperville is that it’s a city of volunteers. Everyone is committed to keeping it the best place to live. The reasons we moved to Naperville should be the same reasons future generations choose to stay. Our senior population is growing, and we need to ensure they feel valued and supported. This city has given me so much, and I want to give back.
What life experiences have shaped your perspective on local government and public service?
In recent years, I’ve regularly attended City Council meetings, and in 2023, I ran for City Council. Though I lost by a few votes, I took it as a challenge and a motivation to stay engaged. I’ve attended many community events, joined various boards, and volunteered with organizations like NAMI DuPage, 360 Youth Services, and ALIVE. Through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what makes Naperville unique and what issues matter most to residents.
What unique skills or insights would you bring to City Council?
My finance and business background allows me to bring a strong fiscal perspective. I understand budgeting, cost management, and financial forecasting. I’ve worked closely with first responders and have participated in programs like “Chat with the Chiefs” to understand community concerns, including youth mental health, cybercrime, identity theft and burglaries.
What are some specific policies or issues you want to address in Naperville?
My platform focuses on public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility and mental health support.
Public safety is my top priority because Naperville’s affluence makes it a target for external threats. We must address issues like burglaries, vehicle thefts, cybercrime and bullying to ensure that our neighborhoods remain safe.
I am also passionate about economic development. I believe Naperville must support local and small businesses because they generate revenue, create jobs, and help lower property taxes. Retaining big businesses can be challenging due to high rent costs, but if we make it easier for small businesses to thrive, the entire economy benefits.
Fiscal responsibility is another key issue for me. Naperville’s budget is large, and we need to be careful with spending. For example, Governor Pritzker’s elimination of the 1% grocery tax will result in a $6 million budget deficit for the city. We need to find ways to balance the budget without burdening taxpayers. One major expense I’ve identified is the $125 million underground electric wiring project. While infrastructure is important, we must evaluate whether this is a necessary expense right now.
Mental health support is also something I deeply care about. Mental health crises are increasing, and our first responders receive dozens of mental health-related calls daily. This issue impacts families across all demographics, and we need to work with local organizations to provide better resources and support systems.
With over 22 years in finance and business, what strategies would you implement to manage Naperville’s budget effectively?
Just like in the corporate world, local government must regularly review spending, identify inefficiencies and find ways to increase revenue. A forensic audit of each line item can help us cut unnecessary costs while prioritizing essential services.
One major expense I’ve identified is the $125 million underground electric wiring project. Our current electric infrastructure is reliable, so we should consider alternative solutions or delay this investment to free up funds for more urgent needs.
Another issue is filling vacant properties in the I-88 corridor. These empty spaces represent lost revenue for the city. If we can attract businesses to these locations, we can generate additional tax revenue without raising rates for residents.
We also need to find ways to retain young professionals. Many graduates leave Naperville for job opportunities elsewhere. If we create a strong workforce development program and attract businesses that offer competitive jobs, we can encourage them to stay and invest in the community.