Let the fun continue, election time is getting closer. No, I’m not talking about the one in 58 days, I’m talking about the one in 212 days, the Naperville city council election, April 6, 2021. Four city council seats are up for grabs including seats currently occupied by Judy Brodhead, Kevin Coyne, John Krummen, and Benny White, with two of those four (Brodhead and Coyne) destined to become fading memories in Naperville’s history.
Coyne, determined to ignite the DuPage County Republican organization (yes, there is one) into action by announcing his candidacy for DuPage County Board in District 5. His only problem is that he is great candidate, and the great ones often get overlooked for lesser ones.
Brodhead’s expiration date of effectiveness on the council is long overdue. Her greatest contributions to the council are providing a classic example of the need for term limits, and informing residents that “dogs don’t bark”. She joined the city council back when dirt was new, occupying space since in 2009.
Benny White’s position on the council for re-election appears to be the best bet, considering his platform on leadership with diversity and inclusion. Sometimes somebody appears at the right time for the right reason, and White is that person.
If there is an incumbent candidate vulnerable for defeat, it would be John Krummen, not that Krummen hasn’t been good, but if ‘better’ is possible, then ‘good’ is not enough. Being an incumbent is a big advantage, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky can attest to that. It doesn’t mean that Trubisky can hit the broad side of a barn, just that people know his name.
For now, council members Patty Gustin, Paul Hinterlong, Patrick Kelly, and Theresa Sullivan are safe until 2023 when their terms expire. Mitch Trubisky is safe too until the first set-of-downs (possession) ends, then it’s all about performance and results. The same needs to apply for members of the city council.
Term limits finally paying off