Naperville Township Board Democratic Candidates

Eddie Bedford – Candidate for Naperville Township Supervisor

If elected, Naperville Township Supervisor, Eddie Bedford plans to bring a new level of Accountability, Communication, and Transparency to all the citizens of Naperville and Aurora; while being responsible for managing the Township General Assistance Fund, serving as the Township Treasurer, and chairing the monthly Township meetings.

Eddie is a 40 – plus year resident of Naperville, residing in Moser Highlands – 10 years, unincorporated Lisle Township – 12 years, and currently residing in unincorporated Naperville Township (Springbrook) – 18 years and counting.

Eddie is a member of the Naperville Township Democratic Organization (NTDO). Eddie had a significant role in the development of No Other Way (NOW); a social and physical activity program developed through the Naperville Park District for junior high youth. Eddie was also a founding member of the Diversity Parents Association (DPA), a parenting group seeking a diversified staff and curriculum in District 203.  He is Past President of the Midwest District for the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Eddie also hosted two national conferences for the Negro Leagues Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research.

Eddie’s early teaching career includes teaching K-5 Elementary Physical Education, middle and high school coaching for Naperville District 203 for 13 years including; the initial sophomore soccer coach at Naperville Central High School. In 1989 Eddie accepted a teaching position at Eastern Michigan University and retired 23 years later from his weekly commute to Eastern Michigan. While teaching and supervising student teachers, he developed the only accredited course in the nation devoted solely to Negro League Baseball History. Although retired he is currently an adjunct lecturer at North Central College

Eddie attended the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and graduated with a K-12 B. S. in Physical Education and a M.S. in Motor Development and Skill Acquisition.  There, Eddie married his wife of 44 years, Cynthia (Graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater) Eddie and Cynthia have raised two daughter’s graduates of Naperville Central High School and Waubonsie Valley High School.

Nathanael Sippel – Candidate for Naperville Township Clerk

a lifelong resident of Naperville Township and the City of Aurora. Nate attended District 204 schools and studied political science at DePaul University in Chicago and briefly studied public policy at Georgetown University in Washington DC. He currently works as a Democratic Strategist and has served as Campaign Manager for State Representative Stephanie Kifowit and Aurora Mayoral candidate Mike Saville. He also served as Rep. Kifoiwt’s official Community Outreach Liaison. Nate has legal experience serving as a Case Manager for the Fabbrini Law Group and the Federal Judicial Center (FJC) in Washington DC. During his service at the FJC he worked as an administrator for staff of Federal Courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. Nate is also a friendly face in the community that stays involved by volunteering with non-profits and mentoring youth.
The focuses of Nate’s campaign for Naperville Township Clerk include efficiency, transparency, and to better promote the services of the Clerk’s office.

Richard Novinger – Candidate for Naperville Township Highway Commissioner

Richard Novinger was born and raised in Elmhurst, IL. He graduated from York High School in 1969, and attended Mac Murray College in Jacksonville, IL for two years, majoring in Sociology. He transferred to the newly open Sangamon State University in Springfield, now known as University of Illinois-Springfield, where he majored in Communications receiving a B.A. degree in 1972. Richard has enjoyed working in various industries including transportation and investments. After a very successful career as a professional portfolio manager in which he managed approximately $200 million on behalf of clients, in 2003 Richard decided it was time to retire, relax and enjoy life to the fullest.  He currently resides in Aurora, since 1998, with his wife of 18 years.

Richard believes that the Township needs to provide service to the unincorporated sections of the Township, and thinks it can be done with lower expenses through the use of inter-governmental agreements. He intends to work closely with other township commissioners to achieve the savings he deems vital to beleaguered taxpayers. Richard wants more transparency of the township finances, believing that is crucial to saving money for taxpayers. Richard thinks strongly that elected officials are elected to listen, serve, and respect the people who vote them into office.

Richard and Leslie have one son, deceased. Richard has 3 sons and 2 granddaughters from a previous marriage. Leslie and Richard share their home with their 2 rescue dogs, both Bichons, who they spoil too much. Richard loves photography, history and auto sports. He has been an active member of a national car club since 1991, serving on the local chapters Board of Directors, and as an instructor at the safety and high performance driving schools sponsored by the club.

Loretta Burke – Candidate for Naperville Township Trustee

Chicago native, Loretta Burke, has lived in Aurora for more than 15 years and in 2000 became a member of the Naperville Township Democratic Organization.  Since then, she has been elected many times as the Democratic Committeeman for Precinct 68, and has worked as a Precinct Coordinator to recruit and train new Democratic precinct committeemen.  Over the years, Loretta has lent her support to many local, state and national Democratic campaigns, most recently the successful re-elections of Bill Foster and Stephanie Kifowit.  A proud union member of the Illinois Education Association, Loretta served as a delegate to the 2016 National Education Association’s Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C.  She earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from DePaul University, Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and Educational Administration Certification from Dominican University.  She has also served as a Board member for the Diamond Bay Homeowners’ Association in Aurora.  Loretta brings over 30 years of experience in the business, legal and educational communities in Chicago and Western Suburbs.

In her current position as a School Library Information Specialist in Oswego School District 308, Loretta recognizes the important roles of technology and data in making responsible financial decisions for our Township.  If elected as your Township Trustee, she seeks to bring a greater awareness of the services the Township offers to residents, provide more transparency in the Township’s operations and fiscal policies, and to reduce the tax burden upon Township residents.

In her spare time, Loretta enjoys traveling, reading, skiing, and music concerts.

Julie Federico – Candidate for Naperville Township Trustee

Julie Federico is a 30-year resident of Naperville and has seen the city grow from a small community to a thriving suburb. Naperville Township, once encompassing small towns, now supports parts of Aurora, Naperville, and Warrenville, all moving forward together. She plans to bring her 30+ years of engineering skills, including customer negotiations, project management, and operations management to the Township as a Trustee.

Efficiency and accountability matter when people are entrusted to spend taxpayer money. Julie will work with local city and county government to find synergies when providing common services. Julie is currently Treasurer of both the Naperville Sister Cities Commission and the River Bank Homeowner’s Association, as well as a lector at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She and her husband (Jay) are both active volunteers for the HOPE Fair Housing Center, Junior Achievement, and Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment (A.D.O.P.T).

When time allows, Julie enjoys hiking, bicycling, and both domestic and international travel.

Glenn Jones – Candidate for Naperville Township Trustee

Glenn Jones has lived in Aurora more than 11 years.  Glenn intends on leveraging his more than twenty years of experience in leading global projects to the position of Trustee. Glenn has played in a major role in leading many implementations of technology and process improvement projects globally for several organizations. Glenn’s experience leading global projects uniquely positions him with the expertise to manage budgets, identify cost savings and improve efficiencies to reduce operating costs.

In his current role, Glenn leads the business continuity practice for a global manufacturing company, where he is helping provide updated processes to improve resilience in operations along with the global supply chain. He also serves as a board member of the Sci-Tech Hands on Museum in Aurora.

Glenn has been married to Jamila for 17 years and is the proud father of three.  His family provides him with every motivation to make the best decisions for Naperville Township.

When he is not working, playing with his children and volunteering at church, Glenn enjoys, playing basketball, golf and fishing.

John Waller – Candidate for Naperville Township Trustee

John Waller has lived in Naperville for 23 years, and plans to bring his 30 years of experience in various disciplines of Materials Management to the position of Trustee. John’s experience in cost savings, logistics, and analyzing market trends will be valuable in driving down Township operating costs and your taxes.

John is currently the President of the Brookdale Homeowners Association, a position he has held for the past 9 years, and has also served on the Congregational Council of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Naperville for 9 years, the last 3 years as President. He is currently the Athletic Director at St. Timothy organizing the weekly open gym volleyball program, is active as a Worship Assistant and lay reader, and is also the bass player (and occasional bass singer) in two music ensembles at the church. John’s wife (Janet) and daughter (Jensine) have been active volunteers as a family at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Hesed House, and Feed My Starving Children.

In his spare time, John enjoys bicycle riding on the many trails in the area (and beyond), homebrewing, and traveling.