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Chicago Tribune
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: Coverage of arrest missing details about Neuqua Valley teacher; Naperville's election opening door to Chicago-style politics
Coverage of arrest missing details about Neuqua Valley teacher I am writing to request fair coverage of the arrest of my brother-in-law, William Schaub. ('Neuqua Valley HS teacher charged with having sexual contact with student,' April 4 Naperville Sun) Your coverage did not include a statement from the Naperville Police Department in which they 'remind the public and news media that a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.' He has been accused via an anonymous tip. Your coverage does not include the fact that he has been a teacher for 17 years with no previous incidents and, in fact, was teacher of the year several of those years. It does not include the fact that he is in a long-term healthy marriage and is a father of four children, one who has special needs. It certainly doesn't cover the fact that he was working while he earned his master's degree so that he could be the best teacher and family provider possible. You seem to have also left out the fact that he is a beloved uncle to 28 nieces and nephews who have enjoyed decades of vacations with him. Your coverage has all the feels of the Salem witch trials. I worked for 35 years in child protective services and my master's degree included a concentration in the treatment of childhood trauma. I am not trained to spot a guilty or innocent person. I know this man is moral and, in my heart, innocent. Please try to bring some perspective to this coverage. Joan Pierson, Deltaville, Virginia Foster and other members of Congress need to impeach Trump This week, our U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, did not directly respond to questions about whether he supports impeaching Donald Trump from office. This is upsetting and I am unhappy seeing this lack of foresight and leadership from my district's representative. As a concerned citizen and voter from Naperville, it's obvious that Trump is leading the country into authoritarianism. His threats not to leave at the end of this term are highly credible. Hyperbole about the danger of his administration, from the economy to education and science to civil rights, has become reality. He and his cabinet are lawless, unaccountable to our justice system and have committed a multitude of crimes. If we don't impeach him now, American democracy may not survive his path of destruction. I am not willing to risk that. I am encouraging Congressman Foster to publicly commit to upholding one of their most fundamental democratic roles, removing tyrants from office. Commitment to these basic facts — that Trump is a tyrant and Congress needs to act now to get him out of the White House — will be a major litmus test for any 2026 candidate. I hope we get a good response from them on this critical issue soon. Marcia Edel, Naperville Lots of promises being made by our commander in chief 'I will stop the war in Ukraine my first day in office.' 'I will make Canada the 51st state.' 'I will buy Greenland from Denmark if I have to use force.' 'I will make this a great country again.' 'I will give everyone more money than they have ever had.' There are so many more. Our president has never heard about the pronoun 'we.' Don't laugh, Democrats. You had a president where the lights were on but there was nobody home. A man who hid from the public with good reason. A man who almost encouraged illegals and pardoned his useless son after stating he would not pardon him. Let me add one promise of my own: 'Mr. Trump, if you don't stop the tariff war, I will be broke.' What a wonderful country. Charles Brown, Naperville Naperville's election opening door to Chicago-style politics Now that partisan politics has raised its ugly head in our local elections, what does this mean for our city? We only need to look to Chicago to see our future. Mary Derwinski, Naperville How much is too much when it comes to free speech? It seems that my letter to the editor (March 19 Naperville Sun) about the David McGrath column titled, 'If there's a revolution against Trump, count me in,' (March 5, Naperville Sun) was misunderstood. The two responses I have read seem to be willing to argue over words like propaganda, inflammatory, legitimate journalism and Jan 6. (Remember 'marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard.' Oops, that got ignored/white-washed/forgotten in the biased media and a compromised Congress.) But my purpose was to ask why this article was not over the line. We all have the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech but you are not allowed to yell fire in a crowded theater. The McGrath column was his vision of what a revolution against President Trump would look like and how he would participate. This leaves me wondering what would be over the line. What would not be printed? If the column in question resulted in another nut job deciding it was time for a third assassination attempt on President Trump and this column were found in the assassin's possession, who would be in trouble? The author of the column or the paper for printing the column? Is it wrong to ask for a bit of caution? There is a bill pending in the Minnesota General Assembly that would create a law requiring psychiatric organizations to include Trump-derangement-syndrome on the list of mental illnesses.
Chicago Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: Attacking candidates on military benefits is ‘disgraceful'; ending ex-park board member benefits saves ‘miniscule' amount
Editor's note: Because of the volume of letters submitted to the Naperville Sun in advance of the Naperville City Council election on April 1, we are running these in the Wednesday paper in an effort to publish as many as possible. Attacking candidates on military benefits is 'disgraceful' On March 19, Safe Suburbs USA PAC posted an article on Facebook targeting my Naperville City Council colleague, Ian Holzhauer, a man who served this country with honor as a U.S. Air Force JAG law officer. The continued efforts to disparage him are disheartening. These attacks are not about policy differences. They are fueled by partisan agendas, misleading narratives and a desire to undermine those who choose to lead with principle rather than play political games. As a graduate of West Point, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and a longtime Naperville resident, I've dedicated my life to serving both this country and this community. During my campaign for mayor, and now as I run for reelection, I've experienced these attacks firsthand. My character has been repeatedly called into question. One of the most baseless accusations involved my eligibility at the time for the Illinois Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption, an earned, state-approved benefit granted to veterans with service-connected conditions, as determined by the Veterans Administration. Though I addressed these falsehoods during that campaign, the same bad actors continue to exploit this issue. So once again, let me set the record straight. Neither Ian Holzhauer nor I owe an explanation to those who have decided they are the arbiters of which veterans deserve respect. Yet here we are, watching individuals who have never walked in our boots or made those sacrifices brazenly question who is worthy and who is not. That's not respect. That's hypocrisy. Scrutinizing a veteran's service for political convenience isn't just wrong, it's disgraceful. My four years at West Point and 22 years of military service speak for themselves. I trained hard. I worked hard. I served. I led. And like every service member, I was prepared to give my life for this country. For the record, I didn't serve this nation conditionally. I didn't wear the uniform seeking partisan accolades or political approval. I served to protect the freedoms of all Americans, those who support me and those who don't. And despite these continued attacks, I would make the same decision again today. At a time when division is being weaponized for political gain, I stand firm in my values and I ask Naperville residents to do the same. We are better than this. I'm proud of my service to this nation, just as I'm proud of my service to this community. And I'm grateful to Ian for his service. No smear campaign or political gamesmanship will ever change that. Benjamin 'Benny' White, Naperville Naperville City Councilman Ending ex-park board member benefits saves 'miniscule' amount I noted with some interest the article in the March 19 Naperville Sun stating that past Naperville Park Board commissioners will no longer receive park district discounts or benefits. As a former board member and a nonswimmer and nongolfer, it has no effect on me. I use my Silver Sneaker's card for the Fort Hill Fitness Center. What concerns me is that park board President Mary Gibson has so little respect for what we former board commissioners have done. I favor Commissioner Rich Janor's proposal to abolish the entire program for past and present commissioners. The amount of money Ms. Gibson is trying to save is minuscule. It does not appear on any expense line. Commissioner Alison Thompson's complaint about not being able to afford the programs without the discount is ridiculous. I am sure the manager of Fort Hill would be glad to give her a tour of the facility and show her what is available. She can take a tour of the golf courses to see what they have to offer. I am surprised she was able to afford campaign signs. I note that on her Nashville trip she spent more money than three other commissioners who attended. How many ideas did she bring back from Nashville and apply to our park district? How much return on investment did we get for the $7,800 spent on the trip? I only hope that President Gibson is sincere about saving money and not using it as a way to get her name in the papers and as a springboard to a Naperville City Council seat. I have my doubts. She could have used Commissioner Janor's example and paid for her own hotel and airfare. Those two expenses would cover the expenses of the previous commissioners. Thank you, President Gibson, for making my voting for city council easy. Enjoy your tenure at the park district. Charles Brown, Naperville McDaniel chooses political ambitions over meetings attendance As Naperville voters consider who deserves a seat on the Naperville City Council, they should take a hard look at candidate Derek McDaniel's recent actions. McDaniel, a current commissioner on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, has repeatedly emphasized his experience in that role as a key qualification for higher office. Yet when it came time to fulfill his actual duties, he chose to skip two of three recent commission meetings in favor of holding campaign fundraisers. This isn't just a scheduling conflict — it's a clear demonstration of McDaniel's priorities. Rather than doing the work of the city he claims to want to serve, he put his personal political ambitions first. That's not leadership; it's self-interest. Naperville deserves elected officials who show up and do the job, not ones who treat public service as a stepping stone. If McDaniel is already neglecting his responsibilities before even being elected, how can we trust him to put the people of Naperville first once he's in office? This pattern of behavior should be disqualifying for any voter who values accountability, commitment and integrity in their city leaders. Naperville can do better. Rebecca Gamboa, Naperville Bansal's record as elected official shows she's 'not just talk' Naperville residents, please consider voting for Meghna Bansal for Naperville City Council. Bansal's record shows she's not just talk. She served admirably as a Wheatland Township Board trustee. She has been deeply involved in community organizations for many years. She always demonstrates her ability to listen and act. Bansal advocates for public safety, proposing specialized units to address rising concerns like cybercrime, while also pushing for mental health resources. Her focus on infrastructure and sustainability aligns with Naperville's need for forward-thinking leadership. Bansal's campaign reflects inclusivity, aiming to represent Naperville's diverse voices. Her near-win in 2023, losing by just 41 votes, shows strong community support and resilience. Residents should vote for Bansal because she combines practical expertise with a genuine passion for Naperville's future. Electing Meghna Bansal, along with Derek McDaniel, and reelecting Councilwoman Jennifer Bruzan Taylor will ensure that Naperville remains a vibrant, safe and thriving community for all. Cathy Carmichael, Naperville Choose environmental leaders for our next elected council I am an environmental scientist and resident of Naperville. The rollback of regulations that keep our air healthy to breathe and our water safe to drink should concern all of us. Gutting the Environmental Protection Agency and dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agencies that help us understand and combat climate change, will leave us unprepared to face the challenges of today and the future. What is happening at the federal level is frankly frightening to anyone who understands the intergenerational contract to leave a livable future for our kids and grandkids. We are not powerless, however. The first thing we need to do is to commit to voting in Naperville City Council election on or before April 1. Naperville has consequential decisions coming that could put us on a better path to a more sustainable, resilient future. These four candidates can deliver: Mary Gibson has led the Naperville Park Board with distinction and with bipartisan respect. She knows Naperville has not lived up to its commitments to sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction and is the right person to change the culture of denial and delay. She will ensure that Naperville sets environmentally and fiscally responsible targets and critically will hold city staff and council accountable for making progress. Ashfaq Syed does not just talk about sustainability, he participates in building a more sustainable community. He has been involved with raising awareness about Naperville's coal problem well before Naperville's 80% coal contractor, IMEA, proposed a contract extension. His community organizing skills will be critical as Naperville makes big decisions about whether we want to be a forward-looking community or one stuck with the status quo. Incumbent Benny White understands that climate justice is social justice, that environmental protection also protects people and that sustainability is intersectional. He can connect challenges we face due to the climate crisis with other challenges, like lack of affordable housing and protecting the most vulnerable Naperville residents. Fellow incumbent Ian Holzhauer is clear-eyed with respect to why we should be skeptical of promises made by IMEA. He's seen them over-promise and under-deliver in the past and knows that Naperville does not want another 20 years of no choice but to accept the burning of coal. I'm confident he'll stand firm for charting a more sustainable energy path for Naperville. Please join me in supporting these environmental leaders. Catherine Clarkin, Naperville
Chicago Tribune
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: McGrath column nothing but propaganda for the Dems; Naperville voters should reject Lisle Township Dems slate
Editor's note: Due to a publishing error, these letters to the editor did not run in Sunday's Naperville Sun. Because several are related to the upcoming election and therefore time is a factor, we have made the decision to run them in the Wednesday paper. McGrath column nothing but propaganda for the Dems In David McGrath's column, 'If there's a revolution against Trump, count me in' (March 5, Naperville Sun), he describes himself as anything but a patriot. A draft dodger wannabe? Worked for Abbie Hoffman? Most of his opinions about the actions taken by the current president are of questionable accuracy. How was Joe Biden saying he didn't like a Supreme Court ruling but they are working on a work-around normal and acceptable? He talks about the potential breakdown of the government system if judicial rulings are ignored but he never mentions how the judges are supposed to be working within the guidelines of the Constitution. He refers to the U.S. Revolutionary War with King George and completely misses the southern states' succession that caused the Civil War. They didn't like it when the political pendulum was swinging against them. In his imagination, he develops how his revolution will play out. We have a president now with two assassination attempts against his life, three to four years of lawsuits and criminal cases trying to put him into prison for 700 years, and numerous other government attacks on him personally, and Mr. McGrath is talking of a revolution. This brings me to the reason I am writing this. Why is such an inflammatory article allowed to go to press? I assumed he was guided by lawyers to be sure he didn't step over any legal lines but this article leaves me with the question, why isn't this column a threat to commit violence against the current president and insurrection against the currently elected government? It leaves me very disappointed with the Naperville Sun to have allowed such an obvious Democratic party propaganda piece to go to press. J. McDonald, Naperville Naperville voters should reject Lisle Township Dems slate As a lifelong resident of Lisle Township, I was shocked when friends mentioned a vote of no confidence resolution — passed by a bipartisan board of trustees in August 2023 — calling for the current township supervisor to resign. As I dug deeper, it became clear that the current supervisor's issues extend beyond any personal ones and impact board decision making and expenditures. One and one-half years after the resolution, the Democrat-run board continues to struggle with the current supervisor, leading to a chaotic environment at many board meetings. Dysfunction seems to rule the day in Lisle Township. The township's annual budget is small relative to other taxing bodies like school districts and municipalities, and some Naperville residents may not even realize they are part of Lisle Township. However, the township provides important services to residents, maintains a highway department and houses the assessor's office. Several years ago, voters approved the creation of a 708 Mental Health Board, which now awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants. Strong and competent leadership is needed to ensure taxpayers' funds are deployed wisely and where they will have the most impact, and that township initiatives and relationships with township employees and outside vendors are managed responsibly. In the upcoming election, voters have a choice. The current supervisor is supporting a slate of candidates — Vote Lisle Township Dems — who, after a costly Democratic primary, will appear on the ballot. From the looks of things, these candidates are taking their lead from the current supervisor and will continue to do so if elected. This slate has very little experience, with only one candidate, M. Joann Wright (candidate for supervisor), having held public office. These candidates' local community involvement is primarily limited to volunteering for partisan political organizations. Wright currently serves on a school board in Woodridge, but her record is less than impressive — in 2024, she missed seven out of 14 meetings. Thankfully, voters who wish to see the township get back on track have an alternative. Team Common Sense is comprised of business owners, professionals, the long-serving incumbent assessor and incumbent highway commissioner, and the current township clerk, Debbie Pawlowicz, who is running for township supervisor. The candidates, of which I am one, are all longtime residents of the area with deep ties to the community and significant experience volunteering locally, serving on boards or giving back by holding elected office. We as a group are committed to bringing common sense back to township board meetings, making smart financial decisions, and working hard to give residents the services that they need and want in an efficient manner (while exploring opportunities to partner with other agencies). Voters in Lisle Township deserve better than the current chaos and the current supervisor's hand-picked candidates. Please vote wisely on or before April 1! Councilman Benny White 'shows up and follows through' I like people with integrity: they are who they say they are. I like people with a commitment to service, who show up and follow through. I like people who demonstrate that they care about our community and walk their talk. I like people who chase what's best for all of us and do their best to see these initiatives successfully implemented. This is why I like Benny White for Naperville City Council. Let's begin with his 22-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel, and his 17 years as the senior advisor for the Junior ROTC program at Joliet Township High School, a job he still holds. His continued commitment to this nation's safety is further supported by his commitment to our own personal public safety here in Naperville. As a councilman, he supports our public safety officers with the resources and programs they need to continue to keep Naperville one of the safest cities in the nation in which to live. Let's also mention his instrumental role in modifying our city's mission statement to include the words, 'commits to being an inclusive community that values diversity,' which was approved unanimously. These words have been instrumental in moving our city forward and building community where everyone feels valued, safe and heard. His recent presentations at forums and at gatherings in voters' homes have demonstrated his understanding of the future of energy consumption in Naperville and the search for a sustainable solution and possible alternative to the IMEA coal-driven investments made so long ago. Let's keep Benny White on the Naperville City Council as one of our most trusted leaders. Please vote for him as well as Mary Gibson, Ian Holzhauer and Ashfaq Syed. Gibson has qualities that will make her a good councilwoman I am writing to express my support for Mary Gibson for Naperville City Council. I have known her and her family for many years, and I have not witnessed anyone with such strength of character and dedication to community service as her. Mary Gibson is a proven leader in our community. She was elected to the Naperville Park Board in 2020, served as vice president for one year and was unanimously elected president the following three years by her fellow park board commissioners. She has demonstrated time and again the ability to work across the political spectrum to achieve the best outcomes for all Naperville residents. Mary is a consensus builder, and prior to serving on the board, she facilitated the Open Discussion Project at Anderson Books with the goal of discussing important issues without polarizing agendas. She is dedicated to government transparency and accountability and will work hard to ensure all residents of Naperville will be served and heard. As an active volunteer in our community, she is a Naperville Riverwalk Commission member, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a graduate of the Naperville police and fire citizen academies. Our local elections are important. The Naperville City Council election is April 1 (not fooling). If you're out of town for spring break, please plan to vote early or vote by mail. And please vote for Mary Gibson for Naperville City Council.
Chicago Tribune
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the editor: Pandemic we experienced was fact, not an ‘unproven entity'; Ashfaq's track record shows him worthy of election to council
Pandemic we experienced was fact, not an 'unproven entity' I was interested in the letter in the Feb. 23 Naperville Sun from Bill Voda, who draws a line from COVID precautions to the problem of homelessness in DuPage County. I am particularly intrigued by his use of quotation marks regarding the word 'pandemic.' Such epidemiological terms have firm definitions. We did not lose millions of people to an unproven entity. We should be able to agree that 7 million people worldwide died of an infectious disease, constituting a pandemic. Now, having accepted that fact, we may, with the benefit of hindsight, discuss the measures that were taken when more than 10,000 people a week were dying of COVID-19, with an eye to future responses to the next novel pathogen. Dr. Matthew J. Bueche, Naperville Ashfaq's track record shows him worthy of council seat As a longtime public servant, Ashfaq Syed has been a driving force for positive change in Naperville, with a proven track record of leadership, collaboration and fiscal responsibility. He listens, leads with integrity, engages with residents and gets the job done, qualities we need on the Naperville City Council. As president of the Naperville Library Board, Ashfaq helps ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while maintaining one of the nation's top-rated library system's, a true gem in our community. He understands budgets, asks the right questions and works to guarantee every dollar benefits residents — the same approach he will take in managing city finances. When Naperville needed leadership for the 2020 Census, Ashfaq stepped up, leading a campaign that resulted in the highest self-reporting rate in the nation, securing millions in funding for our city. With a distinguished career in banking and finance, he will bring fiscal responsibility and practical solutions to city government. Ashfaq's leadership extend's to strengthening our community. As a board member for Loaves and Fishes, he works to ensure families don't go hungry. As a Naperville Fire and Police Academy graduate, he understands what first responders need to keep our city safe. And when Naperville faced challenges with new mosque development, Ashfaq worked with neighbors and elected officials to create solutions everyone could support. He leads by bringing people together, showing up, building consensus and moving Naperville forward — responsibly. That's the leadership we need on city council. Vote Ashfaq Syed for Naperville City Council, a proven leader, committed to Naperville's future and the betterment of our residents. Lyndsey Kasson Kokoris, Naperville Sure you can call, but don't assume anyone will answer Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recently sent me a very lengthy letter concerning my driver's license renewal. He even gave the phone number to call to make an appointment. But he left out one thing — how long it would take to get someone to answer. I was on the phone for more than an hour waiting for a representative to pick up. I kept getting a message on how important my call was every two or three minutes until I finally hung up. I then called the state's Department of Motor Vehicles' office in Naperville and they told me I could not reserve an appointment time for more than a week in advance. My tax dollars at work. Charles Brown, Naperville Trio of city candidates offer 'experience, foresight, creativity' Naperville's public safety is a cornerstone of its appeal as a family-friendly community. Among the 2025 Naperville City Council candidates, Derek McDaniel, Jennifer Bruzan Taylor and Meghna Bansal stand out as the best fits to uphold and enhance this priority for Naperville. Derek McDaniel brings a practical, community-first perspective. With his experience on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, he understands how development impacts safety and how important it is to ease traffic stress and improve emergency response times. His business background is needed as is his commitment to supporting well-funded police and fire services without overburdening taxpayers. Jennifer Bruzan Taylor is an incumbent with a proven track record. She's championed initiatives like expanding electric vehicle use, indirectly enhancing safety by reducing emissions-related health risks. Her council experience has prepared her to balance growth with Naperville's top-tier safety standards. Meghna Bansal offers fresh energy. Having attended every council meeting for more than two years, she's focused on public safety concerns. Her experience as a former township trustee will help her manage budgets and her focus on sustainable growth demonstrates a proactive approach. She aims to keep Naperville accessible and safe for all. Together, they blend experience, foresight and creativity. In a city facing growth pressures, this trio offers a balanced, forward-thinking approach to keep Naperville a secure home for all residents.
Chicago Tribune
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters to the Editor: No support for D203's ‘half-baked' schedule changes; Naperville needs to support its immigrant population
No support for D203's 'half-baked' schedule changes I want to thank the Naperville Sun for covering the proposed changes to Naperville District 203's school schedules. Wednesday's article accurately conveyed the unanimously negative feedback from community members at Monday's School Board meeting. Every teacher, aide and parent who spoke strongly opposed the changes suggested by the administration. Survey data provided by the teachers union showed overwhelming opposition from its members. As a parent of an elementary student, I share those concerns. Elementary schools begin at 8:15 a.m., but the administration wants to move that to 7:45 a.m. They claim changes are necessary to meet children's physiological needs, however, research shows children need more sleep — not less. Elementary schools in neighboring Indian Prairie District 204 begin at 9:05 a.m. How can elementary students in District 203 be expected to do well in the classroom and participate in the same after-school activities (soccer, gymnastics, Scouting) as District 204 students while getting 80 minutes less sleep each night? The administration also wants to move the start time of middle schools from 8 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. This presents a challenge for working parents who cannot wait that long to take a child to the bus stop or drive them to school before leaving for work. The administration, after hearing from concerned parents, said they reached out to community partners last week to see if there was capacity to handle increased demand for before-school child care. Why did it take an outcry from parents for the administration to investigate that issue last week instead of when the proposal was being formed? This illustrates a clear lack of foresight and preparedness from the administration. They have not considered all the downstream impacts of this proposal and are pushing the negative consequences onto teachers and families who never asked for it. The district's FAQ website about the proposal, while lacking hard evidence as to why the changes are needed, says, 'Our students deserve this. How could we wait? At what cost?' I believe if we are truly worried about the well-being of our kids and the community, prematurely implementing a half-baked plan with large-scale negative impacts and lack of support from teachers and parents is the worst thing that could happen to students. I strongly encourage community members who share these concerns to contact the School Board at boemail@ and let your voices be heard. Daniel Alamillo, Naperville Naperville needs to support its immigrant population In 2023, Mayor Scott Wehrli proclaimed Oct. 28 as 'Immigrants Day in the City of Naperville,' an initiative led by ALMAS in collaboration with other local organizations. This was a powerful acknowledgment of the important role immigrant communities play in shaping our city. According to the most recent Census numbers available, more than 21% of Naperville residents were born outside the U.S. and nearly 26% of households speak a language other than English at home. This kind of diversity isn't just part of our city's identity — it's one of our greatest strengths. But proclamations are just the beginning. Across the nation, immigrant families, including undocumented and mixed-status households, are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. History has shown us that in moments like these, solidarity, leadership and community action can make all the difference. None of these initiatives are new. Suburban cities like Evanston, which has adopted 'Welcoming City Ordinances,' have shown us what's possible when municipalities actively support immigrant communities and foster trust within their neighborhoods. With a growing immigrant population, we urge Naperville leaders to consider the following actions: Implement data protection policies: Safeguard personal information from misuse by federal immigration agencies. Develop safe spaces: Make public buildings safe zones for all residents. Provide resources: Offer legal, educational and support services for immigrants and their allies. Engage the community: Host workshops to educate residents on their rights and how everyone can support vulnerable neighbors. Embracing immigrants regardless of immigration status isn't just aligned with the city's mission statement; it amplifies it by strengthening Naperville's identity as a thriving, diverse and welcoming place to live, work and grow. Whether you are an immigrant, the child of immigrants or someone who values social justice, you have a role to play. Now is the moment to come together and advocate for policies, programs and initiatives that reflect our shared values of inclusion and mutual support. Together, let's take practical steps to create a stronger, more inclusive Naperville for generations to come. Lili Burciaga, Founder and President Diana Torres Hawken, Founder and Secretary Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS) DEI's about respect and empathy, not job advantages The term 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' has become a weapon. Recently, it has become mainstream to label DEI as unfair and a way to restrict opportunities for some individuals. It is time to revisit the concept because practicing DEI makes us all better human beings. We teach our children to be courteous and respectful of the physical and emotional needs of others. DEI extends this respect, courtesy and empathy in the community or workplace. Accommodating religious practices such as fasting and providing space for prayer and meditation in the workplace shows respect and compassion for colleagues. DEI is about valuing all individuals and not deeming a job candidate unqualified because they are female, have a name that is difficult to pronounce, wear a hijab, have dark skin or are otherwise different from ourselves. It is about seeking diversity and ensuring that people are not excluded for reasons unrelated to the job. Equity is not equality, which is one of the important lessons DEI teaches us. If we give a teenager and a toddler the same bike, it would be equal. But it would not be equitable because only one of the two would have a vehicle they could use. Equity helps level the playing field by giving everyone what they need even if their needs are not the same. Diversity is challenging, but growth only happens when we push ourselves to consider new views. As champions for women and girls, we advocate to ensure that their talents are developed and utilized to advance our communities, organizations and country. Let's mobilize this commitment to DEI by uplifting those companies and organizations that are still enacting these ideals. Challenge yourself to reach out to your legislators and ask them to uphold the value of diversity and encourage equity and inclusion everywhere. Laura Welch, President, Illinois NOW Jill Lexier, Advocate, National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@ Please include your name, address and town of residence for publication. We also need your phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 to 300 words.
