Benjamin (Benny) White: 2025 candidate for Naperville city council
Bio
Office sought: Naperville city council (Vote for 4)
City: Naperville
Age: 61
Occupation: Senior Army Instructor, JROTC & Councilman, City of Naperville
Previous offices held: Naperville City Council since 2017. Appointed to Indian Prairie District 204 School Board, 2012; Elected 2013-17.
What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?
One of the most pressing issues Naperville will face in the coming years is ensuring a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy supply as the city’s contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) approaches its expiration in 2035. This is not just a logistical challenge — it’s an opportunity to position Naperville as a leader in clean energy innovation while balancing costs for residents and businesses.
The city council should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) that outlines clear priorities: affordability, sustainability, and reliability. Transparency and community involvement are key. An RFQ (Request for Qualifications) could help narrow down providers who meet Naperville’s standards before moving forward with formal proposals.
The council should also explore expanding renewable energy options like solar and wind to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels while lowering long-term costs. Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, smart grids, and battery storage technology is critical to ensuring a sustainable and resilient system for the future.
How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?
Naperville’s finances are strong, and I’m proud to have helped maintain that stability on the city council. We’ve reduced debt, used low interest rates to fund key projects, and kept taxes low. With reserves at 40% — well above our 25% goal — and a AAA bond rating, our financial foundation remains solid.
Looking ahead, our top spending priorities should include capital improvements and infrastructure projects. This includes public safety initiatives like updating the mobile radio network and renovating critical buildings to ensure our fire and police departments are well-equipped. We also need to continue investing in public utilities, like the Wastewater Phosphorus Removal Project.
As for curtailing spending, we must remain vigilant in evaluating programs and services to ensure they align with the community’s needs and expectations. The community surveys we conduct identify areas where resources can be reallocated or streamlined.
Fiscal responsibility means not just cutting costs but also ensuring every dollar is spent wisely. Balancing strategic investments with thoughtful evaluations allows us to strengthen our financial success while preparing for future challenges.
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?
The most important infrastructure project Naperville must address is the Wastewater Phosphorus Removal Project. This is not just an investment in our infrastructure but necessary to comply with state environmental regulations by 2030. Failure to meet this requirement could result in significant penalties and environmental risks.
The project is estimated to cost over $180 million, and I’m proud to say that we’ve taken a proactive approach to funding it. We’ve already saved approximately 40% of the necessary funds and established a dedicated phosphorus fund of $25 million to ensure steady progress.
In addition, we’ve leveraged smart debt financing to minimize the financial burden on our residents. Despite this large-scale project, Naperville’s water rates remain in the bottom third of all municipalities served by the DuPage Water Commission.
Other infrastructure projects that don’t have immediate regulatory or safety implications could be temporarily delayed. If we prioritize strategically, that will allow us to focus on what is really needed while continuing to maintain Naperville’s strong financial health and outstanding quality of life.
Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.
My approach to working in a group setting to determine policy is to remain collaborative and open to new ideas. I believe the best decisions are made when we take the time to understand how policies impact everyone. By listening to diverse perspectives, we create better solutions that benefit all. This approach fosters a sense of respect and inclusion, making it easier to gain buy-in from other members of the group.
One example of this is when we revisited our mission statement, which is now “To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.”
That was passed unanimously in Dec. 2019. Another more recent example is the approval of the Islamic Center, also passed unanimously in Nov. 2021. That required months of negotiation and compromise, but the process worked.
Local government is most successful when leaders focus on problem-solving over politics, working to achieve outcomes that reflect the values and priorities of our community. This approach has served me well during my time on the city council and will continue to guide my work moving forward.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
What makes me the best candidate for this role is my extensive experience and proven leadership. With eight years on the city council, prior service on the Indian Prairie School District 204 board of education, and time as a commissioner on the board of fire and police commissioners, I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to effectively navigate complex challenges and serve our community.
My 22 years of military service as a U.S. Army officer taught me the importance of discipline, collaboration, and making decisions with compassion and integrity.
I’m passionate about helping Naperville reach its full potential. My diverse background allows me to pull from various experiences — whether it’s leading in high-pressure environments, making education policy decisions, or addressing public safety needs — and apply them thoughtfully to address the challenges our city faces. I pride myself on being a good listener who seeks to understand different perspectives and act with fairness and compassion.
Naperville deserves experienced, dedicated, and forward-thinking leadership, and I’m committed to continuing to serve our community with those values at the forefront.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
One idea that isn’t being talked about enough is preparing for Naperville’s bicentennial celebration in 2031. This milestone is an incredible opportunity not only to reflect on our city’s rich history but also to unite the community in shaping Naperville’s future. Planning for an event of this magnitude requires time, creativity, and collaboration.
We should form planning committees that include residents, local businesses, students from District 203 and 204, and community organizations to brainstorm ideas and create a vision for the celebration. Local nonprofits, cultural and arts organizations, Naper Settlement, the Park District, Naperville Public Library, and North Central College should all be involved. This could include historical exhibits, cultural events, public art, and even infrastructure improvements that will create a legacy. We can explore partnerships with local sponsors to help fund and promote the celebration.
The bicentennial is more than just a celebration — it’s a chance to bring people together, honor what makes Naperville special, and showcase our city as a forward-thinking, resourceful, vibrant community.