Scott Wehrli: 2023 candidate for Naperville mayor
Bio
Town: Naperville
Age on Election Day: 53
Occupation: Business owner; nonprofit leaderl part-time local law enforcement
Employer: Dukane Precast; Naperville Park District Police
Previous offices held: Currently serving on the Naperville Liquor Commission for 29 years
Q&A
Q: What do you consider the primary responsibility of the community's "chairman of the board"?
A: The mayor plays an important role in setting the tone, culture, and agenda of the city. I believe what made Naperville unique - a community united by neighbors with shared purpose in making our community a special place - is being lost.
The current environment of partisan and social media-fueled bickering is exploiting the differences in our community. Leadership to reverse this trend starts at the top.
For decades, our city was led by my mentor in public service, George Pradel, who put Naperville first in all his decisions and affiliations. Pradel knew that by focusing on what was in Naperville's best interest, we could create a community that was unlike anywhere else. He brought our community together on what unites us as neighbors.
I pledge to do the same.
I'm running for mayor to use my decades of experience as a business owner, community banker, law enforcement officer, non-profit trustee, and community volunteer to keep Naperville one of the greatest communities in the nation
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?
A: The most sacred responsibility of the city is to keep Naperville safe. I'm in my 32nd year of service with the Naperville Park District Police. I've seen the good and the bad. I know the job of our dedicated first responders isn't getting easier and it's harder to find those willing to serve.
Our residents' concerns over crime and insecurity are higher than any time in recent memory. Just 2.5 years ago a violent riot broke out in downtown Naperville that damaged businesses, injured officers, and made families fear for their safety.
Naperville can and must do better.
I will bring my law enforcement experience to the Mayor's Office to ensure we build on our decades-long history as one of the safest communities in the nation.
Politics and public safety don't mix, and I will make sure that politicians do not interfere with public safety responses in times of emergency or crisis. I'm committed to making sure Naperville isn't the safest place in America for criminals to do bad things.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Historically, Naperville has done a good job with its finances. But it only takes one or two years, or a few bad decisions, to erase years of hard work.
When a business or resident chooses to invest in Naperville, they are tying up a significant portion of their capital. For the past several decades, owning property in Naperville has proven to be a wise investment, because we have remained a top community in the nation. Our officials need to keep it that way.
I have the experience running a complex construction business, building a network of community-focused banks that safeguard customer deposits, and serving as a trustee of large area non-profits. I know how to manage a payroll, craft and implement budgets that invest in the future, and spend resources wisely.
To maintain a healthy fiscal outlook, Naperville's city council needs leaders experienced with budgeting. I will work with the council and community to pass fiscally responsible budgets that invest in our future.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Naperville's formula for success was an unrelenting focus on public safety, exceptional local schools, a strong economy, access to quality healthcare and a city government that focused on delivering great municipal services.
We don't need to reinvent Naperville; we need to maintain its leadership position. As mayor, I would have three priorities for the community: public safety, economic development, and fiscal responsibility.
The city needs to continue investing in proven public safety initiatives to keep our community secure and alleviate concerns over crime. Our fire and police departments must be empowered to bring innovative ideas, utilize new technologies and pursue training that keeps us at the forefront.
We need leadership that can help keep our Naperville's economy resilient, because it is through economic growth that we have the local resources to invest in public services, infrastructure, and our schools. A strong local economy provides a high quality of life.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: Naperville may feel like the largest small town in America, but its municipal budget is anything but small and is more than $600 million annually. These resources are "The People's Money." Citizens and businesses deserve officials who will be responsible stewards of their tax dollars.
My business background naturally leads me to look for underperforming assets, and ways to increase their return. As mayor, I'd focus on getting underutilized commercial properties back to work at their highest potential.
Revitalizing existing assets prevents curtailing services to our residents and diminishing our quality of life. This effort doesn't cost money; it takes leadership and the ability to work with job creators to get the deal done.
The city council must utilize restraint and sound fiscal judgement. I will not support efforts to pass our fiscal burden onto the next generation.
I have a proven track record of executive experience leading complex organizations and crafting responsible budgets.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: Uncertain economic times are cause for extra concern, but not knee-jerk reactions. I've guided my own business, banks and nonprofits through the pandemic and the great recession over a decade ago. It wasn't easy and I learned a lot.
Modeling the impact of recessionary conditions within our city's budget is something we should be preparing for now, so we can be prepared.
As mayor, on day one, I would begin working with staff to prepare an analysis listing the city's financial sensitivities to a recession for the council and community. We should have a mid-year budget update and determine if any of the city's assumptions were wrong. But we cannot endlessly defer investments in needed infrastructure. That is another form of debt that isn't sustainable. That is why the city council must have experienced leadership that knows how to correctly prioritize how we spend every dollar.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My personal and professional experiences are unlike any other candidate seeking to be mayor. I'm a business owner that employs more than 200 people.
I am a sworn, 32-year veteran of the Naperville Park District Police and currently serve as lieutenant. I co-founded community banks that specialize in local lending and am on the board of directors. I am a trustee of two local nonprofit educational institutions.
At the request of the past three mayors, I've served on the Naperville Liquor Commission. We have created a thriving and responsible local hospitality industry.
I am a past chairman of the Naperville Development Partnership where I helped recruit businesses and investment to our city.
I'm a lifelong resident.
I'm aware of the decisions and institutions that made Naperville one of the greatest communities in America to live, work, raise a family or retire in - and believe we should keep it that way.
I believe to remain a great community we must build upon our past.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Naperville is a wonderful community with many well-deserved accolades. For many, our community is one of opportunity that uplifts you to achieve your potential.
However, far too many families and neighbors are carrying the burden of mental health or addiction challenges within their nuclear or extended family unit.
In my law enforcement role, I've seen firsthand the challenges we face. I know our first responders respond to calls for service related to mental health and addiction issues daily.
Naperville's next mayor must lead and help drive innovative, community-wide, approaches to dealing with the mental health and addiction issues afflicting our community.
As mayor, I will bring together experts to create a series of recommendations to the community and council in a manner that has never been tried before.
Naperville is a renowned community for its community-wide services and amenities. It's time for Naperville to lead on this issue. It will be my top priority as mayor.