Indivisible Naperville City Council Candidate Forum

Indivisible Naperville hosted a city council forum on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the Naperville Municipal Center.  This 90-minute forum was moderated by Paulette Goodman and Kate Refine and the timekeeper was Barb O’Meara.

The following candidates attended:

  • Meghna Bansal (sent a representative to read a statement)
  • Patrick Kelly
  • Allison Longenbaugh
  • Rebecca Malotke-Meslin
  • Ashley South
  • Ashfaq Syed 
  • Jodi Trendler
  • Madhu Uppal 

Candidates were asked questions on the following topics:

  • City Finances
  • Public Art
  • COVID-19 Relief Funds
  • Affordable Housing 
  • Sustainability/Environment
  • Oversight of Appointments to Various City Commissions/Boards
  • City Ethics Ordinance
  • Diversity and Inclusion

Lightning round of “yes” and “no” responses

  • Are you in favor of a woman’s right to choose? 
  • Would you support a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Naperville, should that request ever come before the Council?
  • Would you support full funding for the Naper Pride Fest?
  • Do you support the full implementation of the SAFE-T Act, as amended?
  • Would you have voted to support the request from the Islamic Center of Naperville to build their new mosque and associated buildings at 248th Street?
  • Knowing that there is at least $1 million in new sales tax revenue coming to the city from its three cannabis dispensaries, would you support adding a fourth if that request came forward?
  • Would you support a Responsible Bidder Ordinance for the City of Naperville?
  • Would you be in favor of reinstating a second brush pick-up in the Fall for Naperville residents? 

Closing Statement

Each candidate had 60 seconds to make their closing argument to the voters, describing their leadership style briefly, and letting viewers know how they will work with city staff, other council members, and Naperville residents, should they be (re)elected.

From NCTV17

The views and opinions expressed in this program belong to those of the event organizers and candidates and do not necessarily reflect the views of NCTV17, its Board of Directors, affiliates, or employees.

The placement of this program on our website does not represent an endorsement of any candidate. Naperville Community Television is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to creating an informed, connected, and engaged community.