Naperville residents will vote on April 1 to fill four open seats on Naperville’s City Council. Eight candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for the positions. Central Times spoke to all the candidates to learn more about their priorities and platforms in the race.
Candidates
Jennifer Bruzan Taylor – Incumbent
Jennifer Bruzan Taylor was appointed to the Naperville City Council in 2021 and is now seeking re-election to continue her focus on fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and city infrastructure. A former Cook County prosecutor, she emphasizes fact-based decision-making and ensuring all residents feel heard.
“One of the main reasons I’m running is because we need to stay focused on city business,” Bruzan Taylor said. “People in Naperville expect high-quality services at a low tax rate, and it’s our responsibility to maintain that balance.”
She has also prioritized the need for major investments in water infrastructure to prevent future public safety risks.
Benny White, a retired Army officer and former District 204 school board member, has served on the City Council since 2017. He is seeking re-election for a third term. White’s campaign focuses on sustainability, clean energy, workforce housing, and public safety.
“We need to get the cleanest energy for the best price,” White said.
White also advocates for affordable housing options for local workers. “Teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers — people who help make Naperville what it is — should be able to afford to live here,” White said.
He also hopes to address police and fire department staffing shortages.
Mary Gibson, president of the Naperville Park District Board, is running for City Council with a focus on sustainability, government transparency, and community engagement.Gibson has emphasized the need for elected officials to be more accessible and accountable to residents.
“I’ve been a really accessible Park District president, and I value and take into account when the community reaches out,” Gibson said. “I want to bring that same approach to the City Council.”
One of Gibson’s priorities is ensuring that city initiatives, such as the Sustainability 2036 plan, are followed through.
“If Council passes something, we need to make sure it actually happens and that it’s not just a talking point,” Gibson said.
Gibson has also raised concerns about the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency contract renewal, arguing that the process should not be rushed.
Meghna Bansal, a commissioner on Naperville’s Planning and Zoning Commission, is prioritizing economic growth, public safety, and fiscal responsibility in her City Council campaign.
“I know I can make a difference by identifying areas where we can reduce expenses and help lower property taxes,” Bansal said.
Basal is also looking to further investment into public safety.
“I graduated from the Naperville Police and Fire Academies and have done ride-alongs with first responders,” Basal said. “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.”
Ian Holzhauer, a Naperville City Council member seeking re-election for his second term, is focusing on economic policy and infrastructure.
“Leadership is about giving people something to believe in that’s bigger than themselves, and I believe in Naperville,” Holzhauer said.
A Naperville North graduate and former Air Force officer, he returned to the city in 2014 and has since led the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and served on multiple nonprofit boards. During his first term on City Council, he supported housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, prioritized lead service line replacement and expansion of the Riverwalk.
Holzhauer is prioritizing Naperville’s multi-billion-dollar energy contract, advocating for alternatives to coal. He is also focused on infrastructure, and is advocating for necessary upgrades such as a $150 million sewage treatment improvement.
“Education and communication are key,” Holzhauer said. “If we let this infrastructure crumble, our community is no longer going to be the best in America.”
Nah Jaiswal, a business leader and community advocate, is running for Naperville City Council with a focus on economic development and tax reform.
“88% of District 204’s tax base comes from residential property taxes, while District 203’s is about 66% residential, with more commercial support,” Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal supports expanding business development in south Naperville to reduce the tax burden on homeowners. He is also looking to develop underutilized land in the northwest I-88 corridor into a convention or entertainment district to generate new revenue.
A Salesforce executive and former small-business owner, Jaiswal has worked with Fortune 100 and Fortune 200 companies on digital transformation. Jaiswal said he would take a data-driven approach to city governance, focusing on business retention, economic expansion and renewable energy initiatives through the city’s municipal electric utility.
Derek McDaniel, a member of the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission, is prioritizing sustainability and infrastructure in his campaign for City Council. McDaniel is prioritizing planning for Naperville’s future energy needs and addressing transportation challenges.
In light of the city’s upcoming decision on the IMEA energy contract, McDanielsupports a transition to renewable energy while ensuring affordability and reliability for residents and businesses.
“We need to ensure that we have a really smooth and responsible transition to more renewable sources,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel is also looking to prioritize investment in infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to support Naperville as it shifts from a growing to an aging community. His campaign includes a focus on public transit expansion and sustainable development to reduce congestion and maintain the city’s economic strength.
Ashfaq Syed, president of the Naperville Public Library Board, is running for City Council with a focus on civic engagement, fiscal responsibility, and youth mental health. Syed has served on the boards of local nonprofits, including 360 Youth Services and Loaves & Fishes, and co-chaired Naperville’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee.
“Fostering unity and transparency is very important,” Syed said. “I bring people together from different backgrounds to collaborate on solutions that benefit Naperville.”
With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial management, Syed said his expertise in budgeting and leadership will help him navigate city finances. He also is focusing his campaign on greater mental health resources for young people, highlighting stress, anxiety, and substance abuse as key concerns.
Naperville residents can vote in the municipal election on April 1. Early voting is available for DuPage County residents from Monday, March 17 to Monday, March 31, 2025, at several locations, including the City of Naperville Municipal Center, Mall of India, Nichols Library, and Naper Library. Early voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Election Day, polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more details, including locations and procedures, visit the city’s official website.
