Naperville candidates debate future of DEI efforts

Eight candidates are running for Naperville City Council, discussing the city's role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). All candidates support DEI, but they have different ideas on how to approach it. With the election on April 1, candidates answered questions about DEI programming. The current council includes incumbents Ian Holzhauer, Jennifer Bruzan Taylor, and Benny White, along with challengers Nag Jaiswal, Meghna Bansal, Mary Gibson, Ashfaq Syed, and Derek McDaniel. Early voting started on Monday. In recent years, Naperville has focused more on DEI. The city hired its first DEI manager, Geneace Williams, in 2021. Candidates highlighted the city’s mission of creating an inclusive community and the economic benefits of diversity. Syed argued for continued DEI support, stating it fosters fairness and representation. White called DEI essential for community success to avoid division. However, some candidates, like Jaiswal and Bruzan Taylor, raised concerns about funding, especially with budget shortfalls coming from an upcoming grocery tax repeal. Jaiswal suggested pausing DEI programs during budget issues, asking for careful planning. Bruzan Taylor agreed but preferred funding DEI through arts programs rather than property taxes. Gibson emphasized that DEI initiatives should provide clear benefits to the community. Bansal warned against government-led DEI efforts without defined outcomes. McDaniel stressed the importance of evaluating current DEI initiatives to ensure responsible use of taxpayer money. Holzhauer expressed his pride in his support for DEI efforts, highlighting Naperville as a welcoming community. Residents can vote early until March 31 at designated locations, including the Municipal Center and the Mall of India. For more information on the candidates and voting, residents can visit the Naperville city website.