Excitement was high as the results came in for the Naperville Consolidated Election.
While many incumbents retained their seats, newcomers grabbed spots in all of the races.
The Naperville City Council will see its first African American candidate serving on the dais with the election of Benny White, a longtime Naperville resident who currently serves on District 204 board.
“My background is different from most of the folks that have been serving here on the council and something I can offer is being in the military and growing up as an African American and just offering a different perspective on views as issues come up,” said White.
Taking a seat along White are incumbents Judy Brodhead, Kevin Coyne and John Krummen, who won his seat by 86 votes.
“This is a good council, I’m very happy to see three of the incumbents make it back to work together in a cooperative manner and show the rest of the world how government should be run, so very happy,” shared Krummen.
Also on the ballot was the school board of trustees race for districts 203 and 204.
Joining incumbents Kristin Fitzgerald, Donna Wandke and Charles Cush in district 203 will be newcomer Paul Leong- they will all serve four year terms. And Kristine Gericke, who’s won a two year term and is excited to get down to business.
“I just want to work with closing achievement gaps, including everyone in our community, regardless of race, religion, background. I want everyone to know we’re in this as partners and if we do that we can continue that strong tradition,” said Gericke.
The excitement continued over in the District 204 race as two newcomers will join the board- Laurie Donahue and Susan Taylor-Demming.
“I will not let you down and all the decisions that I make, the utmost concern will be for me will be the student’s safety, concern and their success,” said Taylor-Demming.
And finally, Naperville Township will see some changes as well. Stepping into the role of Township Supervisor will be newcomer Eddie Bedford. And through a close referendum question, Naperville and Lisle Township road districts will be combined.
“I thought it might be a bit differential from the mid 50’s but we had a low turnout- it doesn’t surprise me that it passed but I thought it might be a bit bigger,” added Kenn Miller, Political Commentator for NCTV17.
The change will be led under a board with three newcomer trustees, a new highway commissioner, and township clerk.
Naperville News 17’s Alyssa Bochenek reports.
