Naperville elects Steve Chirico as first new mayor in 20 years

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Naperville voters have elected Steve Chirico as their new mayor; he is the first new mayor to be elected in two decades.

Four candidates were vying for the mayoral spot as Mayor George Pradel is retiring after 20 years in office.

Chirico has served one term in City Council and received a lot of support from the suburb's business community.

"With a new team you have some challenges, but you also have some opportunities, and I will take those opportunities with the fresh people and fresh ideas and try to wrap those up into a vision so we can move forward as a city," Chirico said.

Chirico faced Jim Haselhorst, fellow councilmen Doug Krause and retired firefighter Marty Walker in the mayoral race. Pradel did not endorse any of the four candidates.

On the ballot were also the three seats on the College of DuPage Board and eight seats on City Council.

Those voting Tuesday seemed to get through quickly.

"I always vote on Election Day because I feel like it's my civic duty and I have a voice and I'm going to use it," said Chris Brady, a voter.

"I thought I'd have to wait in line, I came at this time because I thought maybe it would be the slowest time, but I'm surprised I didn't have to wait in line at all," said Ruth Unik, a voter.