Steve Purduski, Candidate for Naperville Township Supervisor

The NTDO has offered candidates in the April 9 Municipal Elections an opportunity to address our readership.  Steve Purduski, candidate for Naperville Township Supervisor, offers the following message:

My name is Steve Purduski and I am the Democratic Candidate for Naperville Township Supervisor. While our township has changed dramatically, in both a demographic and geographic sense, our township government has continued to be managed in the same way that it was 30 years ago. It is time for a Naperville Township government with both the understanding of history of our township, and the vision to bring a new approach that targets the current needs of its residents, and adapts as needs change. Your Democratic Candidates are exactly that team.

I have been a homeowner in Naperville for over 30 years, and specifically in Naperville Township for 17 of those years. When I first came here to live, the population was under 40,000 with significant rural, unincorporated areas to attend to. The difference in demographic diversity from then to now is astounding! With those changes, the needs and demands on Township government have changed, but the focus of our existing government officials has not. I along with my fellow Democratic candidates will change that.

There seems to be a common belief that Township government is obsolete in Naperville as all needs of the citizens are covered by the city and county. In fact, one does not have to look far to see that there are gaps in human services and many other areas that need more official attention. My fellow Democratic candidates and I, as the Naperville Township officials will:

• Conduct a Needs Assessment and find the gaps that need to be filled.
• Invite Naperville Township citizens to assist in Citizen Advisory Councils.
• Refocus Naperville Township programs to address the needed areas.
• Create a climate of equity and fairness, and work to ensure that no Naperville Township resident in need is ignored, and no Naperville Township resident is excluded.

I pledge to bring all of the learning and skills that I have to bear on these issues and in adapting our government. My service as an elected Precinct Committeeman, a member of the Naperville Area Homeowner’s Confederation (NAHC), and head of neighborhood community organizations has given me insight into the issues facing our citizens. My educational background – a BS and MSE in Computer Engineering, and an MBA – provides me with the analytic and leadership tools to lead this organization. My experience in leading private organizations and companies, both in officer and board positions, provides me with the skill set to head this government body.

Please join my fellow candidates and me on April 9th to build Naperville Township to serve us now and in the future. Your vote is critical for continuing the Progressive movement that we have worked so hard for!